e. But why shall every
quarrel on the other side the Atlantic interest us in its issue? Why
shall the rife, or depression of every party there, produce here a
corresponding vibration? Was this continent designed as a mere satellite
to the other?--Has not nature here wrought all her operations on her
broadest scale? Where are the Missisippis and the Amazons, the
Alleganies and the Andes of Europe, Asia or Africa? The natural
superiority of America clearly indicates, that it was designed to be
inhabited by a nobler race of men, possessing a superior form of
government, superior patriotism, superior talents, and superior virtues.
Let then the nations of the East vainly waste their strength in
destroying each other. Let them aspire at conquest, and contend for
dominion, till their continent is deluged in blood. But let none,
however elated by victory, however proud of triumphs, ever presume to
intrude on the neutral station assumed by our country.

Britain, twice humbled for her aggressions, has at length been taught to
respect us. But France, once our ally, has dared to insult us! she has
violated her obligations; she has depredated our commerce--she has
abused our government, and riveted the chains of bondage on our unhappy
fellow citizens! Not content with ravaging and depopulating the fairest
countries of Europe, not yet satiated with the contortions of expiring
republics, the convulsive agonies of subjugated nations, and the groans
of her own slaughtered citizens, she has spouted her fury across the
Atlantic; and the stars and stripes of Independence have almost been
attacked in our harbours! When we have demanded reparation, she has told
us, "give us your money, and we will give you peace."--Mighty Nation!
Magnanimous Republic!--Let her fill her coffers from those towns and
cities, which she has plundered; and grant peace, if she can, to the
shades of those millions, whose death she has caused.

But Columbia stoops not to tyrants; her sons will never cringe to
France; neither a supercilious, five-headed Directory, nor the
gasconading pilgrim of Egypt will ever dictate terms to sovereign
America. The thunder of our cannon shall insure the performance of our
treaties, and fulminate destruction on Frenchmen, till old ocean is
crimsoned with blood, and gorged with pirates!

It becomes us, on whom the defence of our country will ere long devolve,
this day, most seriously to reflect on the duties incumbent upon us. Our
a