paid under the decree. An order is then entered confirming the final report.

CHAPTER CXVII.

THE MONROE DOCTRINE.

1. On the 2d day of December, 1823, James Monroe, President of the United States, sent his annual message to both houses of Congress. In that memorable message, he announced to Congress, and to all the nations of the civilized world, the settled policy of this nation in its foreign relations. He says: "In the wars of the European powers, in matters relating to themselves, we have never taken any part; nor does it comport with our policy to do so. The political system of the European powers is essentially different from that of America. We owe it, therefore, to candor and to the amicable relations existing between the United States and those powers, to declare that 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.

2. "Our policy is not to interfere in the internal concerns of Europe, or of any of the European powers. It is impossible that these powers should extend their system to any part of America without endangering our peace and happiness. With the existing colonies or dependencies of any European power we have not interfered, and shall not interfere. But with the governments who have declared their independence, and have maintained it, and whose independence has been acknowledged, we could not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing them, or controlling in any other manner their destiny, in any other light than as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition towards the United States."

3. The doctrine announced by President Monroe as the settled policy of this nation, more than forty years ago, has been strictly adhered to on the part of the United States from that time to the present. It was so long acquiesced in by the European powers, that it began to be regarded as a part of the common law of nations. It has become as firmly fixed, and as warmly cherished in the heart of every American citizen, as if it were a part of the national constitution. An occasion has now arisen to test the question whether this doctrine is a myth or a reality. There is a direct interference on the part of one of the European powers in the affairs of an independent American State. A republic has been overturned, and a monarchy established on its ruins. The whole nation. waits with intense anxiety for some vigorous movement on the part of the government. Delay and hesitation engender doubt and despondency. From the throbbing heart and the trumpet tongue of the people comes the mandate, "Onward!"

CHAPTER CXVIII.

FORM OF A WILL.

mer

memory,

IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN: I. John Foster, of the city, county, and State of New York, chant, being of sound and disposing mind and and considering the uncertainty of this life, do therefore make, ordain, publish, and declare this to be my last WILL and TESTAMENT: That is to say,

FIRST. After all my lawful debts are paid and discharged, I give and devise to my wife, Mary Foster, my house and lot, No. 230 Fifth Avenue, New York City, which devise is to be in lieu of her right to dower in all my real estate. I also give and bequeath to said wife one hundred thousand dollars, to be paid

my

to her out of my personal property.

SECOND. give and bequeath to each of my three daughters, Mary, Catherine, and Elizabeth, the sum of fifty thousand dollars.

THIRD. I give and devise to

house and lot known as No. 10 West Thirty-fourth

my son

John my

Street, New York City.

I also give and bequeath

to my said son John the sum of seventy-five thousand

dollars.

FOURTH. give and devise to my son

James all

the rest, residue, and remainder of my

real estate.

also give and bequeath to him the rest, residue, and so mainder of my personal property.

Likewise, I make, constitute, and appoint my wife,

Mary Foster, to be executrix, and my son,

son, James Foster, to be executor of this, my last will and testa ment, hereby revoking all former wills by me made.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal, the eighth day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred

and sixty five.

John Foster. [L.S.]

Subscribed by John Foster, the testator named in Subscribed the foregoing will, in the presence of each of us; and at the time of making such subscription, the above instrument was declared the said testator to be his last will and testament; and each of us, at the request of saia testator, and in his presence, and in the presence of each other, signs his name as a witness thereto, at the end or

the will.

WITNESS:

William L. Jones,

Residing at 654 Broadway, N. Y. City. Thomas Preston,

Residing at 31 W. 14th St., N. Y. City

John Allen,

Residing at 417 4th Avenue, N. Y. City.