Mr. STEVENS. Mr. Speaker, it seems to me that the time has arrived when the U.S. can calmly inquire whether that decla ration of American policy called the “ Monroe doctrine, ” which was once deemed so important and manly, shall be a practical idea or a mere bravado; While we were engaged in civilWar it was certainly prudent not to provoke a war with any powerful nation, though I do not forget the bold policy of Rome, which made her declare war against a powerful nation, and march a egion against. llier to avenge an insult, while Hannibal was at her gates. 3 years ago the measure now proposed might have given to France just cause of war. On the invasion of Mexico by that Power, under a pretense very different from the ultimate one, she and Mexico were the contending belligerents. To have aided either of them with loans would have been a breach of neutrality. So now a loan to the republic might be justly considered by Maximilian as just cause of war, for which we would be responsible to him. For though he be nusurper he is an acknowledged belligerent. But now France could have no cause of complaint according to the strictest rules of nutionaI law. By the treaty of April, 1864, between Napoleon and Maximilian, an empire was sought to be established independent of all other nations. France ceased to be a principal in the contest, and entered into arrangements with the socalled empire for the payment of her expenses and for the use of her troops as a future portion of the army of Maximilian. France occupies the same relation to the cm ire of Mexico that the Hessian States did to jugland while they sold their citizens to fight must Americain the time of our Revolution. t1 eir troops are mere Swiss fighting forpayin foreign army. The prime minister of hrance lately disclaimed any interest in the Government of mexico, and said to our minister, “ You do us too much honor in supposing that we have any part in the Mexican empire.” What might be Just cause of war to Mammihan would concern no other nation. Other Powers might aid Maximilian without being responsible to any but the republic of Mexico. W e or others might aid the republic, being responsible enly to the usurping empire. Without being aggressive, it is the duty of this nation to make its moral power felt among natigns. Diplomatic essays, however smoothly written, which yield everything and command nothing, add little to the force of a nation, but rather invite insult and scorn. Why do we allow our avowed principles to be disre garded by any Power? It needs only the tint of this great Republic to decide the fate of the intrusive empire of Maximilian. What a blun der, what a crime, to be content with a prom hasto withdraw the invading forces in 18 months l Before thattime unaided Mexico will be ground to atoms, and Republicanism in that beautiful portion of our continent will be among the things that were. if it is not intended to maintain the Monroe doctrine with the full energy of the nation, it ought to be abandoned with dignity as an in considernte error. If it be deemed important to the safety and honor of the country, then there should be no yielding, no time serving, no timid policy. In my judgment, it is a principle vital to the safety of this Republic, and that our honor is concerned to see that it be not violated. Principles of government, like diseases, are contagious. The monarchs of Europe combine to suppress democratic revolutions at any point lest they should spread and work the final overthrow of absolute government. So ought we to take care that no despotic Government should touch our borders lest the leprosy might spread and pollute the continent. Hence there was wisdom in the declaration that no foreign nation should establish a throne on this continent against the consent of the people. The socalled empire of Maximilian was a fraud so far as the consent of the people was concerned. The republic has been oppressed by foreign bayoncts. The Mexicans who form any portion of the impe rial Government are traitors who might well rank with southern secessionists. Beside being a monarch, the empire is a barbarian Government. The decree y which all true men found fighting for their country are to be instantly executed and which is fully carried into effect stamps the Government as savage, barbarian, and outside the pale of civilization. It is worse than the ancient Governments ofTripoli and Tunis and Algiers, which the civilized world held to be nests of pirates and enemies to the human race. As, then, such loan could not be just cause of war with any foreign nation, i it expedient to grant it? It is very clear that without such foreign aid republicanism in Mexico must be crushed out and a monarchy established. Jua rez has persevered with a courage and fortitude unparal eled in modern history. I know nothing to compare with it but the unyielding endurance and faith of William of Orange. But in the midst of a horde of traitors, sustained by one of the most powerful nations of Europe, the resources of that distracted country must become exhausted. I believe now, while the President could command men enou h, his materials of war are well nigh expende. unless a foreign loan can be procured, I do not see how any respectable army can be kept on foot. 20 million dollars could easily be advanced by us on the mortgage of Lower California Sonora, Sinaloa, or Chihuahua, which would make it crfectly safe. If it should provoke a war with Maximilian I suppose no one would be much alarmed; it would give the rent Republic an opportunity to vindicate her mum, which has become diin under the Micawber policy of our Foreign See retary. By vindicating that honor we shouldl increase and consolidate the strength of the nation. I trust our able Committee on Forei Affairs will soon take some decisive step in this matter.