The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1880-02-24
From the N. Y. SUM-
Warning words Of washington.

The attitude of the Hayes Admins
tration toward the traditional foreign
policy of this country makes the time
ripe for recalling 10 the people that fare
well address which the First President
left them as his political testament and
their legacy for all ages. Addressing his
couptrymen under the significant date
"Uasted States, Sept. II, 1885," be en-
ploys the following language:
against the insidious wiles of foreign
influence (I coDjure you to believe me,
lfellow-c -cilizens) the jealousy Of free
people ought to be constantly awake,
since history and experience prove that
foreign .inauerce is one of, the most
5anetul foes of Republican government.
II = The great rule of conduct for
US, in regard to foreign nations, is, in
extending our foreign relations, to have
with them as little political connection
as possible. So far as we have already
formed engagements,let them be fulfilled
with perfect good faith Here let us
stop. Why quit our own to
stand on foreign groundp Why, by in.
terweaving our destiny with that Of any
part Of Europe, entangle our peace and
prosperity in the tolls Of European am
bitfon, rivalship. interest, humor, or ca.
pricep 1t is our true policy to steer
clear Of permanent alliances with any
portion of the foreign world
constantly keeping in view that it is folly
/ in one nation to look for disinterested
favors from another; that it must pay,
with a portion Of its independence, for
whatever 1t may accept under that char
acter"
The fretting Of modern American
statesmen at the isolation Of the UkzteS
States from The world politics, strongly
contrasts with the spirit and counsel Of
Washington. That coveting OF foot
holds in foreign lands which under Grant
first sought to annex St. Thomas and
then San Domingo, has already, under
Hayes, successfully grasped the distant
harbor of Pago Pago, in the island OF
Samoa, and now seeks two more foot
holds cn the borders OF Costa Rica and
Colombia, with the zone OF land stretch
| ing across the Isthmus between them.-
With all these acquisitions come doabt-
| full ownership, disputed jurisdictions. or
threatened complications with other for
eign powers that press in for footholds
Of their own close by.
Well did the forebodipg OF Washing
ton teach him TO moderate his hopes to
enly "some partial benefit, some occa.
sional good" as the fruits of his fare
we'll address, so that his words might
"now and then warn against the mis-
chiefs of foreign intrigue" As to any
greater effect, this was his reflection:
"In offering TO you, my countrymeD,
these connsels OF an old and affectionate
friend. i dare not hope they will make
the strong and lasting Impressions
could Wish; that they will control the
usual current Of the passions. or prevent
opr nation from running the course
which has, hitherto marked the destiny
of nations s'R
In the itching to introduce the United
States as a party to the international
compacts Of Europe; in tie constan.
proffer Of our country.as an arbiter, with
the responsibilities Of an arhiter between
foreign belligerents 10 the rage for &C
lquiring foreign islands and for estab-
Fishing naval footholds on foreign coasts
in the threatening aspect of the inter.
Oceanic canal question, and in the appa.
trent modern -inability to so apply the
Monroe doctrine that it will inspire re,
lspect instead Of provocatioD, and be (
safeguard OF peace instead Of a rock o
offense. may be seen historic justitica
ltions for the fears and forebodings o
Waship oton. ~ ~