In the first place. the doctrine is not an "international engagement." nor is it an understanding. regional or otherwise. all of which are of necessity reached by international agreement. formal or informal. by and between two or snore nations. There is nothing in the circumstances attending the framing and proclamation of the doctrine. nothing in the various discussions and pronouncements concerning it. which even remotely resembles the making of an international agreement. It is no more such an agreement than is the pronouncement of Washington against entangling foreign alliances. of our nationold practice of neutrality. or our laborprotecting Chinese exclusion. or our protective tariff. or our regulation of immigration. The Monroe doctrine is and. if it is to perform the service it has heretofore rendered. must continue to be merely a policy. as are all thoseothers I have named. Its precise character. the extent. method. and time of its application. the means of compelling its observance. all are matters of our high and uncontrolled will and sovereign prerogative.
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immigration Chinese exclusion