In American affairs he opposed not only the annexation of Hawaii but also the development of the spirit of Pan-Americanism.

He was, however, no more disposed than was Blaine to permit infractions of that negative side of the Monroe Doctrine which forbade European interference in America.

His second Administration brought to the forefront of world diplomacy an issue involving this traditional principle.
The only European possession in South America at this time was Guiana, fronting on the Atlantic north of Brazil and divided among France, Holland, and Great Britain.

Beyond British Guiana, the westernmost division, lay Venezuela.

Between the two stretched a vast tract of unoccupied tropical jungle.