as he did because he did not wish to see a second
President chosen with the unanimity which had honored Washington.

Monroe is principally remembered to-day from a "doctrine" enunciated by
him and known by his name, which remains a vital portion of American
policy. It was in 1823 that he declared that the United States would
consider any attempt of a European power to establish itself in this
hemisphere as dangerous to her peace and safety, and as the
manifestation of an unfriendly disposition. The language is cautious and
diplomatic, but what it means in plain English is that the United States
will resist by force any attempt of a European power to
conquer and colonize any portion of the three Americas--in other words,
that this country will safeguard the independence of all her neighbors.
This principle has come to be regarded as a basic one in the foreign
relations of the United States, and while no European power has formally
acknowledged it, more than one have had to bow before it. It is
interesting to know that the enunciation of such a "doctrine" was
recommended by Thomas Jefferson, and that Jefferson was Monroe's
constant adviser throughout his career.

Monroe retired from the presidency in 1825, and the seven remaining
years of his life were passed principally on his estate in Virginia.
Jefferson said of him, "He is a man whose soul might be turned wrong
side outwards, without discovering a blemish to the world,"--an estimate
which was, of course, colored by a warm personal friendship, but which
was echoed by many others of his contemporaries. Certain it is that few
men have ever so won the affection and esteem of the nation, and his
administration was known as the "era of good feeling." He is scarcely
appreciated to-day at his true worth, principally because he does not
measure up in genius to the great men who preceded him.

At striking variance with the practical unanimity of Monroe's election
was that of John Quincy Adams, his successor. Over a quarter of a
century had elapsed since a northern man had been chosen to the
presidency. That man, strangely enough, was the father of the
present candidate, but had retired from office after one acrimonious
term, discredited and disappointed. Since then, the government of the
country had been in the hands of Virginians. Now came John Quincy Adams,
calling himself a Democrat, but really inheriting the principles of his
father, and the contest which ensued for the p