The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-02-21

price.
at Is our true policy TO steer clear OF
permanent alliances with any portion OF
the foreign world: so fer. / mean, as we
arc now at liberty to do it: for let me not
be understood as capable OF patronizing
lnndelity TO existing engagements. l hold
the maxim no less applicable TO public
than TO private affairs. that honesty Is al
WAYS the best policy. l repeat it, there
fore. let those engagements be observer
I'm their genuine sense. But, In my opih-
ion. II is unnecessary and would be IN
wise 10 extend them.
Taking care always to keep ourselves
by suitable establishments, on rcspecta-
bic posture we may safely trust TO tenn
porary alliances fer extraordinary emer-
geucies.
.IIorr1onv. liberal intercourse with all
nations. are recommended by poi'cj. hu-
manity. and interest. But even our com
mcrcial policy should hold an equal ana
IMPARTIAL hand: neither seeking nor grant
ing exclusive favors or preferences; con-
sultlng the natural course of things DIFF
fusing and divorslfying by gentle means
tho streams OF commerce. but FORCING
rothfug. establishing. with powers so dis
posed. in order TO give trade s'apie
course. TO define the rights OF our rpr-
support them. conventional rules or IN
tercourse. the best that present circum-
stances and mutual opinion will permit
but temporary. and liable 20 be from time
IN time abandoned or varied. as eNpe-
rionce and circumstances shall dictate,
constantly keeping i'm view, that II ls
folly I'm one nation TO look for dislntei-
osf,d fqvors fro m another. that II must
nav yvi,h a portion Of IT'S independence
fo- Whatever it may accept under that
character; that by such acceptance II
may Mace itself I'm the condition OF haV-
ina, given EQUIVALENTS COR nominal favors,
and vet Of being reproachcd with ingrat-
ltudc for not giving more.
ILLUSION or FOREIGN FANORS.
There can be no greater error than 90
ovnoct or calculate upon real faNofs from
milton 10 nation. 10 is an Illusion "aich
experience must cure. which a just pride
ought 20 discard.
I'm Offering 10 you. my couhtrymeh
these counsels of an old and affectionate
friend. I dare not hone they VIII make
tho strong and lasting impression / could
wish: that they will control the usual cur
rent OF the passions. or prevent our ma
zion from running tho course. which has
hitherto marked the destiny Of nations.
But. IL / may even fatter myself that
they may be productive OF some partial
benefit some occasional good. that they
may now and then rocur 10 moderate the
fury Of party spirit. - warn against the
mischief. of foreign intrigue. 20 guard
against the impostures of pretended pa
triousm. this hope will be full recon-
Dcnso for the solicitude for your welfare,
by which they have been dictated.
How far IN the discharge of my Off
cial duties I have been guided boy the
principles which have heen deiineated.
the public records and other evidences OF
my conduct must witness 10 you and To
the world TO myself. the assurance OF
my own conscience is. that 1 have mt
least believed myself 20 be guided by
them.
I'm relating TO the still subsisting war
ion Europe my proclamation OF the I'd
of April. 1872. is the index 10 my plan.
Sanctioned by your approving voice, ana
by that of your Representatives In botn
Houses Of Congress. the spirit OF that
measure has continually governed me,
uninnuenccd by any attempts to deter or
divert me from it.
after deliberate examination, with the
aid of the best light / could obtain, ]
was well satisfied that our country. under
riebt TO take. and was bound in duty
and interest 10 take. 20 neutral position.
Having taken il. / determined. ass far as
should depend upon me. 10 maintain H.
with moderation, perseverance. and hfm-
ness.
"Tho considerations. which respect tho
right 10 hold this conduct IL is not neces-
s4rv on this occasion 10 detail viii
only observe that according TO my un-
dorstanding Of the matter. that right. so
far from being denied boy any of the Bell
Hrcrcnt powers. has been virtually AIDE
mittcd by AN.
NEUTRAL CONDUCT TIE BEST.
"The duty OF holding neutral conduct
may Doe inferred without anything more,
from the obligation which Justice and
humanity impose ON every nation. in cases
I'm which it is free TO act 90 maintain in-
violate the rotations of peace and amiiy
toward other nations.
"The Inducements Of interest for OBJ
serving that conduct will best Doe referred
to your own reflections and experience.
With me predominant motive has been
TO endeavor TO gain time TO our country
10 settle and mature IT'S yet recent in-
stitutions. and 10 progress without ln-
terruption to that degree OF strength and
consistency. which d. necessary 20 give
u. humanity speaking. the command of
it's own fortunes
Though. I'm reviewing tho Incidents of
ms administration / am unconscious of
intentional error. ! am nevertheless too
sensible Of my defects not 20 think it
probable that may have committed
many errors. Whatever they may Dee. l
fervently bcseoch the Almighty 10 avert
10 mitigate the evils TO which they may
tend. I shall also carry with me the hope
chat my country will never cease TO view
them with indulgence; and that after
f0rty-ave years Of nv life dedicated 90 IFS
service with an upright zeal. the faults
of incompetent abilities will De consigned
to oblivion as myself must soon DE 10
the mansions OF rest.
Relying on IFS kindness in this rs I'm
other things. and actuated by that fer
vent love toward IL which Is so natural 10
"a man who views I'm II the native soil OF
himself and his prosecutors for several
generations. ] anticipate with pleasing
expectation Il at retreat. I'm which urom-
fse myself TO realize. without alloy, the
sweet enjoyment Of partaking in the
midst OF my fcllow-citizcns. the benign
influence of good laws under a free gov
eminent. the ever favorite object OF my
heart. and the happy reward. as 1 trust
Of our mutual cares. labors. and dangers.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
United States. September 10. 1886
Speaking Of Washington's farewell ad-
dress. Appleton's Cyclopedia a standard