Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1899-12-15

ence prove that foreign influence is
one Of the most baneful foes If a re-
publican government. But that
jealousy. to be useful, must be i'm.
partial, else it becomes the instru-
meut ct the very influence to be
avoided, instead OF n defence against
it. Excessive Partially for one for
eign nation and an excessive dislike
OF another cause those whom they &C.
tuate to see danger only on one side
and servo to veil and even second the
arts OF influence IN the other. Real
patriots who may resist the intrigues
OF the favorites are liable to become
suspected snd odious, while its tools
and dupes usurp the applause and
confidence OF the people to surrender
their interests.
The great rule Of conduc. for us in
regard TO foreign nations Is, in ex-
tending our commercial 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.
Europe has a set Of primary inter-
ests which TO US have none or a very
remote relation. Hence she must be
engaged in frequent controversies,
the causes Of which are essentially
foreign to our concerns. Hence,
therefore, it must be unwise III US
to imphcate ourselves BY artificial
ties in the ordinary ricissitudes of
her politics or the ordinary combina-
ton and collisions OF her friendships
or enmities.
Our detached and distant situation
invites and enables us to pursue a
different course. II we remain one
people, under AN efficient govern
ment, the period Is not far off when
we may defy material Injury from eI.
ternal annoyance; when we may take
such an attitude as will cause the
neutrality we may at any time resolve
upon to be scrupulously respected;
when belligerent nations, under the
imp~ossibility OF making acquisitions
upon US, will not lightly hazard the
giving OF proyocation; when We may
choose peace or war. as our interest,
! guided by justice shall counsel.
Why forego the advantages of so
peculiar a situation? Why quit our
own 10 stand upon foreign ground?
Why, by inter weaving our destiny
with that OF any part OF Europe, en-
tangle u peace and prosperity in
the tolls OF European ambition, rival
ship, interest, humor or caprice?
1t is our true policy to steer clear OF
permanent alliances with u portion
OF the foreign world, so far, | mean,
as we are now at liberty to do it; for
let me not be understood as capable
OF patronizing intidelity to existing
engagements. | hold the maxim no
less applicable to public han 20 pri.
vate affairs that honesty is always the
best policy. 1 repeat, therefore, let
those engagements he observed in
their genuine sense. But in my opin-
ION 1t Is unnecessary and would be
Tin wise to extend them.
Taking care always to keep our
selves by suitable establishments on
d respectable defensive posture, we
may safely trust to temporary ALI
ances for extraordinary emergencies
Harmony, liberal intercourse with
"alinations are recommended by policy
humanity, and interest. But ever
our commercial policy should hole
an equal and impartial hand, neithel
seeking nor granting exclusive isvorl
or preferences; consulting the natur
al course OF things; difTusing and di
vcrsifying 10y gentle means TIT
streams OF commerce., but forcinI
nothing; establishing with powers g,
disposed, in order togive trade Il stabl
course, to defend the rights OF OH
merchants, and 70 enable the Govern
ment to support them, conventions
rules OF intercourse, the best tina
present circumstance and mutua
opinion will permit. but temporary an,
liable to be from time TO time aband
oDed or varied rs experience or cir
cumstances shall dictate; constant
, keeping i'll Wow TINT it ia folly in on
, nation to look for disinterested favor
from another; that it must pay with
portion OF its independen whateve
, it may accept under that character
. that by such acceptance it may pIac
itself in the condition OF having give
equivalents for nominal fayors, an
, yet OF being reproachcd with iugrati
tudc Tor not giving more. There Gu
be no greater error than TO expect O
calculate upon real favors from nu
ton to nation. II ia an illusion wLic
experience must cure, which a jus
pride ought to Discard.
In offering TO you, my countrymer
these counsels OF mn old anectionat
friend dare not hope they will max
the strong and lasting impression
could wish-that they will contrc
the usual current Of tho passions o
prevent our nation Oi running th,
course which has hitherto msrke,
the destiny OF nations. But il | ma,
even Halter myself that they may b,
productive OF somo partial benefit
some occasional good that they nov
and then recur tO m~odoratotbo furv n