Our pride is
always hurt by the same propositions which offend our principles;
for when we are shocked at the crime, we are wounded by the
suspicion of our compliance.
Could I convey a thought that might serve to regulate the public
mind, I would not make the interest of the alliance the basis of
defending it. All the world are moved by interest, and it affords them
nothing to boast of. But I would go a step higher, and defend it on
the ground of honor and principle. That our public affairs have
flourished under the alliance- that it was wisely made, and has been
nobly executed- that by its assistance we are enabled to preserve
our country from conquest, and expel those who sought our destruction-
that it is our true interest to maintain it unimpaired, and that while
we do so no enemy can conquer us, are matters which experience has
taught us, and the common good of ourselves, abstracted from
principles of faith and honor, would lead us to maintain the
connection.
But over and above the mere letter of the alliance, we have been
nobly and generously treated, and have had the same respect and
attention paid to us, as if we had been an old established country. To
oblige and be obliged is fair work among mankind, and we want an
opportunity of showing to the world that we are a people sensible of
kindness and worthy of confidence. Character is to us, in our
present circumstances, of more importance than interest. We are a
young nation, just stepping upon the stage of public life, and the eye
of the world is upon us to see how we act.
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