THE MONROE DOCTRINE "TH 66 66 HE American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintain, are (6 henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by European powers. . . . We should consider any attempt on their part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety. With the existing colonies or dependencies of any European power, we have not interfered "and shall not interfere. But with the gov(6 ernments who have declared their independence, and maintained it, and whose independence we have, on great consideration, and on just principles, acknowledged, we could not view any interposi❝tion for the purpose of oppressing them, or controlling, in any other manner, their destiny, by any European power, in any 66 66 66 66 other light than as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition towards the United |