opy, let it be patriotism, if you
will; but it is no indication that any treaty would be approved.
The difficulty is not to overcome the objections to the terms; it
is to restrain the repugnance to any stipulations of amity with the
party.

"Having alluded to the rival of Great Britain, I am not unwilling
to explain myself. I effect no concealment, and I have practised
none. While those two great nations agitate all Europe with their
quarrels, they will both equally endeavor to create an influence in
America; each will exert all its arts to range its strength on its
own side. How is this to be effected? Our government is a
democratical republic; it will not be disposed to pursue a system
of politics, in submission to either France or England, in
opposition to the general wishes of the citizens; and if Congress
should adopt such measures, they would not be pursued long, nor
with much success. From the nature of our government, popularity is
the instrument of foreign influence. Without it, all is labor and
disappointment. With that auxiliary, foreign intrigue finds agents,
not only volunteers, but competitors for employment, and anything
like reluctance is understood to be a crime. Has Britain this means
of influence? Certainly not. If her gold could buy adherents, their
becoming such would deprive them of all political power and
importance. They would not wield popularity as a weapon, but would
fall under it. Britain has no influence, and, for reasons just
given, can have none. She has enough; and God forbid she ever
should have more. France, possessed of popular enthusiasm, of party
attachments, has had, and still has, too much influence on our
politics. Any foreign influence is too much, and ought to be
destroyed. I detest the man, and disdain the spirit, that can bend
to a mean subserviency to the views of any nation. It is enough to
be American; that character comprehends our duties, and ought to
engross our attachments.

"But I would not be misunderstood. I would not break the alliance
with France. I would not have the connection between the two
countries even a cold one. It should be cordial and sincere; but I
would banish that influence, which, by acting on the passions of
the citizens, may acquire a power over the government."

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