This was after we had acknowledged the Independence of those Republics. The Holy Allies planned to _invade America_ with their Army. When this news reached the United States, there was a furore. And, when added to this news, it was announced that Russia was laying plans to colonize the Pacific coast of North America, there was great indignation in this country. It was then, that President Monroe, on December 2, 1823, gave to the World the famous MONROE DOCTRINE, which is this:-- _To the defense of our own [Government], which has been achieved by the loss of so much blood and treasure ... and under which we have enjoyed unexampled felicity, this whole Nation is devoted._ _That the American continents, by the free and independent conditions which they have assumed and maintained, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European Powers...._ _We should consider any attempt on their part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere, as dangerous to our peace and safety._ ... _But with the Governments (the Spanish American Republics) who have declared their Independence and maintained it, and whose Independence we have ... 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._ ... This is the MONROE DOCTRINE. AMERICA FOR THE AMERICANS, American Independence, is what it means. WHAT ONE AMERICAN DID _October 9, 1820_ Now, to return to South America and its struggle: “That was bravely and cleverly done!” exclaimed Joseph Villamil. Villamil was an American, a citizen of the United States, who had cast in his lot with the Spanish-American Patriots. At his house in Guayaquil (a city now a part of Ecuador) the local Patriots met to discuss plans. The Province and city of Guayaquil lay on the northern border of Peru. They were still under Spanish rule. They were garrisoned by 1500 Spanish soldiers. The Patriots decided to capture the garrison. So while San Martin was preparing to besiege Lima, they set out from Villamil’s house, led by a Venezuelan officer. Villamil accompanied them with a band of Englishmen and North Americans, who were eager to help in the attack. They took the garrison in double-quick time, and with very little bloodshed at that, for scarcely eight men were killed. “That was bravely and cleverly done!” said Villamil. And that he himself had fought bravely and cleverly during the attack, was soon proven, for the Provisional Government of Guayaquil despatched him aboard a schooner to carry the good news to Lord Cochrane and San Martin. Some time after, there took place at Guayaquil one of the most amazing meetings the world has ever seen. THE AMAZING MEETING