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
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.

27. 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 or enmities. 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 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
impossibility of making acquisitions upon us, will not lightly
hazard the giving us provocation; when we may choose peace or
war, as our interest, guided by justice, shall counsel.

28. Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation? 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 our true policy to steer clear
of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world, so
far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it; for let me not
be understood as patronizing infidelity to existing engagements.
I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private
affairs, that honesty is always the best policy. I repeat it,
therefore, let those engagements be observed in their genuine
sense. But, in my opinion, it is unnecessary, and would be
unwise, to extend them. Taking care always to keep ourse