Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1804-11-10

ties were consolidated, and the icdr,a
side uniformly advocated, and ths repubii- |
can opposed The extension cf our 10
reign relations. During the Presidency
of General w Arlington there was but
small extension. Il was during that OF
MIR. Adams thatit became most alarming.
t-argc appropriations were made for new
embassies, and many indications exhibit
ed Oh settled plan to make the United
Safes party in the bloody scenes and
'ceaseless collisions Of he old world.
1t was the feeling excited by these
measures, thatin lively degree protuc-
cd The extFusion Of Mr.. Adams from the
governments and the introduction of Mr..
Jefferson. The sentiments Of both these
mca were we'll known. 1t was known
that the one was as hostile as the o;her
was friendly to extending our foreign re-
3ations. Whatever may have been the
previous temper Of the people, il became
Unequvocal,y marked by the elections o!
1900; ard MIR. Jefferson entered into Of
fee, under an obligation, resulting no
less FROM 4 clear indication of public OPP
mon, than from respect to his own SEN
iiments, 20 avoid all unnecessary compaGts
with foreign powers.
1t woulh open 4 wide discussion TO en-
qiive hether theseexpressi are sound.
II is believed however, if there he any
political principle applicable to the United
States, capable of demonstration, it is
that 1t becomes her to stand aloof from TO-
reign connections--Suchw was un6oubted
is the solemn and deliberate decision of
Washington, after administering the go.
vernment Tor eight years. In his farewell
address this conviction is expressedan an
elevated tone of affection.
8 he great rule of conduct for u.s."
says he Gin regard TO foreign nations,
is, in extending our commercial relations,
10 have with them as little political COLI
DectIOn as possible. So far as we have
already formed engagements, let them be
fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let
Us stop.
Europe has set of PRIMARY inte-
rests, which to us have none or very re-
mo;e relation. Hence she must be enea-
Eed in frequent controversies, the causes
OF which are essentially foreign to our
concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be
unwise in us to inplicate ourselves by ar
1ihcial ties, in the ordinary vicissitudcs Of
her politics, or the ordinary combinations
OF her friendships or enmi,ies.
"Our detached and distant situation in
viIes and enables us 20 pIrsue a different
course. II we remain one people, under
an Efficient government, The period is not
tar off, when we may defy material injury
from external annoyance; when We may
take such an attitude as will cause the
neutrality, We may at any time resolve
upon, TO be scrupu,ously respected; when
beiigerent nations, under the impossi5i-
lily Of making acquisitions upon us, viii
not lgh ly hazatd the giving us provoca-
ton: when we my ciIgse peace or war,
as our interest, guided by justice, shall
counse,.
"Why fcrego the advantages of so pc.
culiar a situation? Why q,iit our own to
stand upon foreign ground Why by in
terweaving our destiny with that Of anv
Part Of Europe, entang'e our peace and
prosperity in the tolls Of European alnbi-
ticn, rivalship. interest, humor or caprice
"'Fis orr true policy TO steer clear of
permanent Alliance with any portion oftbe
foreign world; so far, mean, as we are
now at libetty to do it for let me not be
III d rstood as capable OF Tatronising inf
deity TO existing epgagcmonts. hold
the maxim no less applicable 10 public
than to private affairs, thai honesty is al.
ways the best policy. / repeat ii, there
fore, let these cngagemtuis be observed
in their genuine sense. But in my opini-
on, it is unnecessary, and would be un-
wise to extend hem.
talking care to keep ourselves, by
suitable establishments, on a respectable
detcRsye posture. we may safely trust to
temporary alliances for extraordinary e.
Emergencies.
"f.armony, liberal intercourse with all
nations, are recommended by policy, hu-
mani;y, and interest. But even our com.
mercial policy should holl an equal and
impartial hand; ither see king nor gran
ting exclusive favors or preferences; con-
, sul'ing tie natural course fittings; difus.
Ing and dyeFsilying by gentle means the
streams ct commerce, bui forcing Moth
iig establishing, with powers so dspos.
ed, in order to give trade suitable course,
10 define the rights Of our merchants, and
10 enable thegoyerninent % support them,
conventional rules OF intercourse, the hest
That r,~r O.. ~ rft~tsrnrfortcs ,vI ,..t..T