The good rule of conduct for us in regard to international nations is in extending our business relations, to have with them as little political connection as attainable. As far as we’ve got already shaped engagements, allow them to be fulfilled with excellent good religion. Right here allow us to cease. Europe has a set of major pursuits which to us have none; or a really distant relation. Therefore she should be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of that are primarily international to our considerations. Therefore, due to this fact, it should be unwise in us to implicate ourselves by synthetic ties within the bizarre vicissitudes of her politics, or the bizarre combos and collisions of her friendships or enmities.
Our indifferent and distant scenario invitations and allows us to pursue a unique course. If we stay one folks below an environment friendly authorities, the interval is just not far off after we might defy materials harm from exterior annoyance; after we might take such an angle as will trigger the neutrality we might at any time resolve upon to be scrupulously revered; when belligerent nations, below the impossibility of creating acquisitions upon us, is not going to evenly hazard the giving us provocation; after we might select peace or warfare, as our curiosity, guided by justice, shall counsel.
Why forego the benefits of so peculiar a scenario? Why give up our personal to face upon international floor? Why, by interweaving our future with that of any a part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity within the toils of European ambition, rivalship, curiosity, humor or caprice?
It’s our true coverage to avoid everlasting alliances with any portion of the international world; up to now, I imply, as we are actually at liberty to do it; for let me not be understood as able to patronizing infidelity to current engagements. I maintain the maxim no much less relevant to public than to personal affairs, that honesty is at all times the perfect coverage. I repeat it, due to this fact, let these engagements be noticed of their real sense. However, in my view, it’s pointless and can be unwise to increase them. . . .