People's Pilot, Volume 6, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 October 1896 — WHAT WASHINGTON SAID. [ARTICLE]

WHAT WASHINGTON SAID.

Foreign Influence the Foe of Republican Government. George Washington, in his farewell address, among other things said: Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence, believe me, fellow citizens, the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake, since history and experience prove that such influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government * * • The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is to have with them as little political connection as possible. * * * Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation (as we possess)? Why quit our own to stand upon foreign ground? Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, .rivalship, interest, humor or caprice? ’Tis true our policy is to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world. * • * Constantly keeping in view that ’tis folly in one nation to look for disinterested favors from another; that it must pay with a portion of its independence for whatever it may accept under that character, there can be no greater error than to expect or calculate upon real favors from nation to nation. ’Tis an illusion which experience must cure, which a just pride ought to discard. If it were true that under a free coinage law workingmen would be paid in 50 cent dollars, every corporation in the country would be crying for free silver.