Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1826-03-23

given. That the reasons assigned by
him for his advice were. that Europe
had set Of primary interests, which to
us had none, or very remote relation.
That hence she must be engaged IN fire.
quent controversies, the causes OF which
were essentially foreign to our con-
Germs. That our detached and distant
situation invited and enabled us to pur-
sue a different course. That by our
union and rapid growth, with an eff
cient government, the period was not far
distant, when we might defy material
injury from external aBnoyaRces; when
we might take such an attitude as would
cause our neutrality to be respected;
and with reference to belligereRt nations
might choose peace or war, as our in
terests, guided by justice, should coun-
sell
Compare our situation and the circum-
stance Of that time, with those ofthe pre-
sent day; and what, from the very words
Of Washin gton, then, would be his coun
sells TO his countrymen now9 Europe
has still her set of primary interests,
with which we have little, or a remote
relation. Dur distant and detached sit
| uatien with reference to Europe remains
the same. But, we we're then the only
independent Nation OF this hemisphere;
and we were surrounded by European
Colonies with the greater part OF which
| we had 80 more intercourse, than with
the inhabitants OF another planet Those
Colonies have now been transformed
INTO eight Independent Nations, extend
ing to our very borders. Seven of them
Republics, like ourselves; with whom
we have an immensely growing CONNER
cial, and mus have, and have already
important political connexions. With
reference to whom our situation is nei-
Their distant nor detached. Whose Po-
litical principles and systems of govern
ment, congenial with our own, must and
will have an action and counteracton
| upon us and ours, to which we cannot
be Indifferent if we would.
The rapidity OF our growth, and the
consequent increase of our strength, has
| more than realized the anticipations of
this admirable political legacy, Thirty
years have nearly elapsed since 1t was
written, and in the interval, our popula-
ton, our wealth, our territorial extsn.
sion, our power, physical and moral, has
nearly trebled. Reasoning upon this
state of things from the sound and judi
cious principles of Washington, and
must we not say, that the period which
be predicted as then not far of has ar
rived? That .HmertCa has set Ut prlms-
ry interests, which have none or re-
mote relation to Europe. That the in
reference OF Europe therefore in those
concerns should be spontaneously with
held by her upon the same principles,
that we have never interfered with hers;
and that. if she should interfere, as she
may, by measures which may have a
great and dangerous recoil upon our
selves, we might be called in defence of
our own affairs and Gresides, to take an
attitude which would cause our aeutrai-
ity to be respected,an choose peace or
war, as our interest, guided by justice,
shall counsel.
The acceptance Of this invitation,
therefore, far from conflicting with the
counsel or policy Of Washington, if d.
rectly deducible from and conformable
to il, nor is it less conformable to the
views of IN, predecessor, as declared in
his annual message toCongress of the2d
of December, 1928, to which have al
ready sdverted, and to an important pas
sage of which, invite the attention of
the House. 81 he citizens OF the United
States" said he, "cherish sentiments the
most friendly in favor of the liberty and
happiness of their feilowmen, on that
(the European) side of the A tlantic. In
the wars of the European powers, in
matters relating to themselves, we have
never taken any part, nor does il coma
port with our policy so to do. Its only
when our rights are invaded, or Serious
ly menaced, that we resent injuries, or
make preparation for defence. With
the movements in this hemisphsre, we
are, otnec essity, more immediately con-
nected, and by causes which must be
obvious TO oil enlightened and impartial
observers. The political system OF the
Allied Powers, is essentially different in
this respect from that of America. This
difference proceeds from that which ex-
lists in their respective governments
And TO the defence of our own, which
has been achieved by the loss of SO much