NATIONAL REPUTATION. The virtue, moderation and patriotism, which marked the steps of the American people, in framing, adopting, and thus far carrying into effect our present system of government, have excited the admiration of nations. It only now remains for us, to act up to those prin ciples, which should characterize a free and enlightened people, that we may gain respect abroad, and insure happiness to ourselves and our posterity. FOUNDERS OF THE FABRIC OF FREEDOM. Happy, thrice happy shall they be pronounced, hereafter, who have contributed any thing, who have performed the meanest office, in erecting the stupendous FABRIC OF FREEDOM AND EMPIRE, on the broad basis of independency; who have assisted in protecting the rights of human nature, and establishing an Asylum for the poor and oppressed of all nations and religions. AMERICA, AN ASYLUM FOR THE OPPRESSED. Under an energetic General Government, such regulations might be made, and such measures taken, as would render this country the Asylum of pacific and industrious characters from all parts of Europe; encourage the cultivation of the earth, by the high price which its products would command; and draw the wealth and wealthy men of other nations into our bosom, by giving security to property, and liberty to its holders. 1787. It is a flattering and consolatory reflection, that our rising Republics have the good wishes of all the philosophers, patriots, and virtuous men, in all nations; and that they look upon them, as a kind of Asylum for Mankind. God grant, that we may not disappoint their honest expectations by our folly or perverseness. 1788. THE WORLD'S GRANARY. I hope, some day, we shall become a Storehouse and Granary for the World. THE HOME OF INDUSTRY. It is a point conceded, that America, under an efficient government, will be the most favorable country of any in the world, for persons of industry and frugality, possessed of a moderate capital. It is also believed, that it will not be less advantageous to the happiness of the lowest class of the people, on account of the equal distribution of prop erty, the great plenty of unoccupied lands, and the facility of procuring the means of subsistence. The scheme of purchasing a good tract of freehold estate, and bringing out a number of able-bodied men, indented for a certain time, appears to be indisputably a rational one. EMIGRATION TO AMERICA. My opinion with respect to Emigration is, that, except of useful mechanics, and some particular descriptions of men or professions, there is no need of encouragement; whilst the policy or advantage of its taking place in a body, (I mean the settling of them in a body,) may be much questioned; for, by so doing, they retain the language, habits, and principles, good or bad, which they bring with them. Whereas, by an intermixture with our people, they or their descendants get assimilated to our customs, measures, and laws; in a word, soon become our people. 1794. THE COUNTRY'S WATCHFUL GUARDIANS. The affairs of this country cannot go amiss. There are so many watchful guardians of them! and such infallible guides! that no one is at a loss for a director at every turn. 3. NATIONAL POLICY. FOREIGN INFLUENCE. Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence, (I conjure you to believe me, fellow-citizens,) the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake; since history and experience prove, that Foreign Influence is one of the most baneful foes of Republican Government. But that jealousy, to be useful, must be impartial; else it becomes the instrument of the very influence to be avoided, instead of a defence against it. Excessive partiality for one foreign nation, and excessive dislike of another, cause those whom they actuate, to see danger only on one side, and serve to veil, and even second, the arts of influence on the other. Real patriots who may resist the intrigues of the favorite, are liable to become suspected and odious; while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people, to surrender their interests. THE TRUE POLICY OF AMERICA. The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations is, in extending 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 interests, 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 in us, to implicate ourselves, by artificial ties, in the ordinary vicissitudes of her politics, or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her friendships and enmities. FOREIGN ALLIANCES. Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different course. If we remain one people, under an efficient government, the period is not far off, when we may defy material injury from external annoyances; 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 impossibility of making |