MONROE DOCTRINE, a scheme of public policy, named after its author, .James Monroe, fifth president of the United States of America, by whom it was enunciated in his message to congress, Dec. 2, 1823. Mr. Monroe set forth in his message that as a principle, the American continents, by the free and independent position which they have assumed and maintained, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European power;" and that any attempt on the part of the European powers to " extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere" would be regarded by the United States as "dangerous to our peace and safety," and would be opposed accordingly.
MONS (Flem. Berglien), an important t. of Belgium (formerly fortified), capital of the province of Ilainault. on the Trouille, 35 m. s.w. of Brussels. Its fortifications were renewed and strengthened since 1818, but in 1866, in accordance with the new arrange ment for the defense of the country, they were demolished. The immediate vicinity can
be laid under water by altering the course of the Trouille. The canal de, Condi connects the town with the Scheldt, and there is communication by railway with Brussels, Valen ciennes, Charleroi, etc. Its principal architectural ornament is the cathedral of St. Wandru, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries—a masterpiece of Gothic. The chief manufactures are woolen and cotton goods, cutlery, small-wares, and sugar refining. The vicinity forms an extensive coal-field, with about 400 pits. A large trade is carried on in coals, flax, hemp, horses, and cattle. Pop. '75, 24,539.
Mons, supposed to occupy the site of a Roman station, was made the capital of Hain ault by Charlemagne in 804. During the 17th and 18th centuries, it was frequently the object of contest between France and Austria.