WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1858
95
"With the Governments who have declared their independ- ence and maintained it, and whose independence we have, on great consideration, and on just principles, acknowledged, we could not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing them, or controlling in any other manner their destiny by any European Power, in any other light than as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition towards the United States." It has often been asserted, sir, that Mr. Canning originated the Monroe doctrine. It has been seen to what extent he is entitled to that credit. The announcement of that doctrine, as valuable a purpose as it served his Government, perhaps took no one more by surprise than himself. Little could it have been imagined that a young republic, with nothing like half of it_s present population, could summon resolution to proclaim at the top of its voice, to all the potentates of the other hemisphere, in substance: "You may manage your affairs as you choose there, but you shall not carry your system, or systems, of gov- ernment to the world of the West. With stout hearts and strong minds, and, above all, relying upon God's favor, we will prevent the establishment of any new European alliances in this hemis- phere, .or perish in the effort." At the time of preparing his message, it may have been seen by Mr. Monroe that circumstances might arise rendering it necessary that the exercise of a controlling influence over one or another of those young republics would become a necessity on the part of this country. Mr. Clay, in his zeal for their recognition, has asserted in his place in the other House, that "it would be impugning the wisdom of ·Almighty God to sup- pose that he had created beings incapable of self-government"; but Mr. Monroe was not, perhaps, quite so sanguine. He, how- ever, was determined, as far as his official influence could be advantageously employed, ~n -the instance of those republics, that the experiment should. have a fair trial. But, if it should result in failure, no foreign Power should attempt their resub- j ugation. It would become a duty, under our mantle, to nourish, cherish, and protect such as could not take care of themselves. The unlocking of the rich, varied, natural stores of Mexico, would redound not only to an enlarged welfare of that country, but to the good of every country interested in commerce and in enlightened civilization. She is, literally, the thriftless "talent tied up in a napkin." She can never be otherwise until we exer- cise a controlling influence over her. We must make her respect- able and respected. She has been going down so long that she
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