The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson
By Subject
FOREIGN RELATIONS / NONINTERVENTION IN DOMESTIC POLITICS
On the question you propose, whether we can, in any form, take a
bolder attitude than formerly in favor of liberty, I can give you but
commonplace ideas. They will be but the widow's mite, and offered only
because requested. The matter which now embroils Europe, the
presumption of dictating to an independent nation the form of its
government, is so arrogant, so atrocious, that indignation, as well as
moral sentiment, enlists all our partialities and prayers in favor of
one, and our equal execrations against the other. I do not know,
indeed, whether all nations do not owe to one another a bold and open
declaration of their sympathies with the one party, and their
detestation of the conduct of the other. But farther than this we are
not bound to go; and, indeed, for the sake of the world, we ought not
to increase the jealousies, or draw on ourselves the power of this
formidable confederacy [Holy Alliance]. I have ever deemed it
fundamental for the United States, never to take active part in the
quarrels of Europe.
to James Monroe, 11 June 1823
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