Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-12-22
The Doctrine Of the Fathers.


Ii may not be without its uses. now
while Kossuth is making his splendid ap-
pcals, in behalf Of Hungary, and is exert
ing himself with power almost supcrhu-
man TO induce our government TO depart
from its policy of non intervention; it may
not, we say, be without its uses, to rccur
10 the language and teachings of the great
fathers Of the Republic. To the injunc-
tions and admontions Of Washington, as
to fountain Of political inspiration, may
we turn in every period Of doubt aud dan.
ger. with firm ieliancc upon the wisdom
7of his ceunsels and the soundness of his
conclusions. His reply TO the French
Minister who sought the national inter-
ference in behalf Of those who claimed to
be struggling for the establishment Of a
Republic in France, is matter OF history.
The following passages in his Farewell
address more definitely declare his views
on the general policy Of non Intervention.
and seem particularly suited to the pres
'ent juncture:
Europe has set OF primary interests
which to us have none or a very remote
rclation.-fiencc, she must be engaged
in frequent controversies, the causes Of
whlch are essentially foreign to our con-
Germs. Hence, therefore, it must be nm
wise in us to implcate ourselves By arii-
fetal ties in the ordinary vicisstudes of
her politics, or the ordinary combinations
and collisions Of her friendships or enmi-
ties.
"Our detached situation invites and ena-
blcs us to pursue different course. If
we remain one people, under an efficient
government, the period is not far of when
we may defy material injury from exter-
nal annoyance; when we may take such
.nn attitude as will cause the neutrality we
may at any time resolve upon to be scru-
pulously respected, when beigercnt nations,
under the impossibihty Of making ac lnisi-
lions upon US, viii not lightly hazard he
giving us provocaiions; when we may
choose peace or war, as our interest, gui-
ded by justice, shall counsel.
"Why lorego the advantage OF so pecu-
liar situation! WY, By intcrwcdejag
or destiny 'eih Mat efaay part Of En-
rope, cataag'e our peace md prosperity IL
the tolls IF E~oPeaa ambition, rtcalship
interest, humor, or caprice?
at is our true policy to steer clear Of
permanent alliances with any portion Of
the foreign world, as far, | mean, as we
ARE nor at liberty to do it; for let me not
be understood as capable of patronizing
snhdellty to existing engagements. hold
the maxim no less applicable to public
than to private affairs, that honesty is al
ways the bes, policy. | repeat, therefore,
let those engagements be observed in their
genuine sense. But in my opinion, il is
unnecessary and would be unwisc to ex-
tend them.
Thomas Jefferson, "the Apostle Of De
mocracy" was not less decided in his opin-
ions. nor less emphatic in his language.
"EouAl AND EXACT JusrrcE TO ALL
MEN, OF WHATEVER STATE OR PERSIA
SION, RELIGIOUS OR POLITICAL; PEACE,
COMMERCE AND HONEST FRIENDSHIP, wfru
ALL MISUNDERSTANDING ALLIANCE
WITH NONE"
These words, generally attributed to
Washington, were spoken by Mr.. Jeifer-
son. They embody in brief space, the
whole Of national morality and policy
We are not aware tina, there is to be found
m the writings or speeches of any of the
founders Of the government, sentiment
mt variance with the doctrines of Washing
ton and Madison, while it would be easy
TO show that many Of them gave utterance
To concurrent views.