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370 The Monroe Doctrine. [1323 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 toward the United States." The second announced the policy of the United States towards affairs in Europe, in these words : " Our policy in regard to Europe, which was adopted at an early stage of the wars which have so long agitated that quarter of the globe, nevertheless remains the same, which is not to interfere in the internal concerns of any of its Powers ; to consider the government, de facto, as the legitimate government for us ; to cultivate friendly relations with it, and to preserve those relations by a frank, firm, and manly policy, meeting in all instances the just claims of every Power, submitting to injuries from none. But, in regard to these continents, circumstances are eminently and conspicuously different. It is impossible that the Allied Powers should extend their political system to any portion of either continent without endangering our peace and happiness ; nor can anyone believe that our southern brethren, if left to themselves, would adopt it of their own accord. It is equally impossible, therefore, that we should behold such interposition, in any form, with indifference." The doctrine was to hold good for all time, and, put in plain language, was this : (1) The United States will " not interfere in the internal concerns " of any European Power. (2) " But, in regard to these continents [North and South America], circumstances are eminently and conspicuously different " ; and, if any European Power attempts at any future time to extend its political system to any part of this hemisphere " for the purpose of oppressing " the nations or " controlling in any other manner their destiny," the United States will interfere. The third principle was called forth by the claims of Russia to the north-western coast, and was stated as follows : " In the discussions to which this interest has given rise, and in the arrangements by which they may terminate, the occasion has been judged proper for asserting, as a principle in which the rights and interests of the United States are involved, that the American continents, by the free and independent con- dition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonisation by any European Powers." In February, 1822, the Russian Minister, Chevalier de Politica, had placed in the hands of the Secretary of State a copy of an edict of the Emperor Alexander, which set forth that the pursuits of commerce, whaling, and fishing, and indeed of all other industries, whether on the islands or in the ports and gulfs of the north-western coast of America, from Behring Straits to 51 north latitude, were exclusively granted to Russian subjects. Foreign ships were, therefore, not to come within one hundred Italian miles of coasts or islands. So unexpected an attempt to define the limits of the Oregon country alarmed the President ; and