The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-07-04

dversifying. by gentle means. the streams Of com
mcrce. but forcing nothing establishing, with
powers ." disposed Ia order Ia give trade stable
course 10 define the rights OF our merchants and
ventionrl res Of intercours the best that pres at
circumstances and mutual t,inions will permit,
but temporary. and liable a., from time 10 time,
abandoned or varied, ~ crp ricnce and circum-
stances -iall dicaie; constantly keeping In view,
that IL is holly in nation a. look for dsinteresi.
ed tayors from another; that IL must pay, with a
portion of its independence. for whatever IL may
accept under that character; that by such accept
it may place itself in the condition of having
given equivalents for nominal favor, and yet OF
being reproached with ingraiitude hr not giving
more. There can be no greater error than to ex-
pect, or calculate upon, real avors from nation to
nation. II 10 an illusion which experience must
cure, which just pride ought To discard
In Offering to you, my counirymen, these coun-
sels Of an old and affectionatc friend, dare not
hope they will make the strong and lasting inn
precision could wish: that they will control the
usual current Of the passions, OF prevent
tion from running the course Which has hitherto
mark ed the destiny OF u~tions; bat If may even
Halter myself that they may be productive Of some
partial benefit. some occasional good; that they
may and then recur TO moderate the fury Of
party spirit. to against the misc efs OF foreign
Intrigue, to guard against the i.opostures of pre-
tended patrioti-ii; ths h'pe viii bc a full recon-
pense for the solicitude Tor y.ur welfare by which
they have been dictated
How far. in the discharge al my official duties, ]
have been guided by the principles which have
been deneatcd. the public records aud other cvi.
dences Of my conduct must witness Ia you and the
world. To myself, the assurance of my
science Is, that bav, AT least believed myself TO be
guided by them
In relation TO The -till sub.i-tiny war in Europe,
my proclamation Of the 22d OF April, 1893, is the
index 10 my plan Sanctioned by your approving
voice and by that Of your representatives in both
Houses Of Congress, The spi't of that measure has
continually governed me. uniniinenccd by any at
teLnpts 20 deter or divert me from IT.
After deliberate exam nation, with the aid of til,
best lights could obtain Wa We'll satisfied that
our country. under all the circumstances of the
case had right TO take, and bound in duty
and interest TO take, neutral position Having
taken II determined, as lar as should depend upon
| me, to maintain it with moderation, perseverance,
| and firmnesa.
The consideration which respect the right To
hold this conduct it is not necessary ON this occa
sion to detail. will only observe, that, according
to my understanding of the matter, that right, 50
far from being denied by any of the belhgeren,
powers, has been virtually admitted by all.
The duty Of holding neutral conduct may be
inferred without any thing more, from the oblissa-
ton which justice and humanity impose ON every
nation, in in which il il free to act to main
tain involate the relations Of peace and amity
towards other nations.
The inducements of interest, for observing that
conduct, will best be referred 10 your own reflec-
tions and experience. With me, predominant
motive has been TO endeavor To gain time TO
tions, and to progress, without interruption, to
that degree Of strength and consistency which If
necessary to give it, humanity speaking, the com
mand of its own fortunes.
Though in reviewing the incidents OF my ad-
Manifestation am unconscious OF Intentional error
am, nevertheless, too sensible of my defects noI
to think it probable that may have committed
many errors. Whatever they may be, 1icrvenuy
besecch the Almighty to avert or mitigate the evils
TO which they may tend. shall also carry viii
me the hope that my country will never erase to
view them with indulgencej and that, after forty
five years Of my life dedicated to its service will
upright zeal, the faults Of incompetent abitic:
will be consigned TO oblivion, MYSELF must soor
be to the mansions Of rest
Relying its kindness in THE, as in other things
and actuated by that fervent love towards il ~hici
is SO natural to man who views in il the nativ,
soil OF himself and bis progenitors for several gen
CREATIONS, anticipate, with pleasing expectation
that retreat in which promise myself to realize
without alloy, the sweet enjoyment of pariaking
ia the midst of my fellow Citizens, the benign ia
! huence of good laws under free government
the iavorite object of my heart-and the happy
reward, as trust Of our mutual cares. lafors, an
dangers. GEORGE WASHINGTON.
UNITED STATES, 18th September, 1896.