How we cite our quotes: (Sentence)
Quote #4
To what extent such interposition may be carried, on the same principle, is a question in which all independent powers whose governments differ from theirs are interested, even those most remote, and surely none of them more so than the United States. (20)
Here Monroe's responding to the fact that France had recently invaded Spain and forcibly put the king back on the throne (the "interposition"). The president uses the event to muse on whether such a thing could happen in other countries that dare to be different. Is he trying to imply that a European country might try to invade the United States? Or is it only an issue of the balance of power?
Quote #5
It is equally impossible, therefore, that we should behold such interposition in any form with indifference. If we look to the comparative strength and resources of Spain and those new Governments, and their distance from each other, it must be obvious that she can never subdue them. (24-25)
It's almost like Monroe is just trying to discourage Spain. In the increasingly modern world, the structure of colonies and their relationship to the ruling country had to change. Spain in particular couldn't hold on, losing most of their colonies in the early 19th century. The text also implies that once independent, a former colony couldn't really be taken again. (If they were, Liam Neeson would just be a phone call away.)