Monroe, James, 1758-1831 "Commencement" address to Congress

Commencement Message of President Monroe to both houses of Congress. Begins with positive assessment of America's situation and a discussion of a trade agreement with Great Britain. Then gets into relations with Spain, the real thrust of the speech. Defends recent American actions against Florida. Says that Spanish territory in North America is poorly policed, claiming "the government of Spain, has scarcely been felt." Says criminals and marauding Indian tribes have used Florida as a base to attack the United States. Says Spain could have prevented problems by ceding the territory to America and that there eventually comes a point where a power must act to preserve its interests and self defense. Goes on to defend Major General Andrew Jackson's incursion into Florida. Says land taken was not taken from Spain, but from criminals and rebels that had taken it from her in the first place. Claims no harm was meant to Spain. Finishes speech with a discussion on the wars in South America and domestic concerns, especially Indian relations in the West. Spain ceded Florida to the United States in 1819.