untry, on the next day, after
that procession, I would have shipped myself, and my rags for a country,
where the sacred word of Hospitality has not yet been profaned! Had I
voted in this country, I would feel ashamed of myself now; and I am happy
not to have done it. And he who has such a kind feeling as I have for
America will be more offended, than he, who might come here with the
intention of making money. The true republican will, hereafter, hesitate
to place his foot on these shores, where the word Republic might be but a
name. Go to my poor country, you americans; and, although we have
monarchical governments, you will be welcomed; and were you expressing the
wish of becoming a citizen, we would be happy to number you as our
brothers--were we republicans as you are, your hands, and hearts, would be
still a greater blessing to us. We would not fear for any thing you would
say, or write: if you are wrong, we would demonstrate you are wrong; if
you are right, we would thank you for your instruction. How many strangers
have you, holding your offices? The few you have employed, it was because
you could not fulfill those offices yourselves, the object of those
offices being grounded on the knowledge of modern languages; and the
foreign, american consuls, who personate you in their own countries, they
serve you, without receiving any fee from you. When did strangers rule
you? And, where is the act done by strangers against the welfare of this
country?--It is not the strangers whom you fear: I am rather inclined to
believe, it is the liberal education, now going around the world, which
you fear; and the truth, coming from the mouth of strangers, must offend
you. The poor, virtuous strangers, who, with their rags, bring here to you
their pure suffering mind, and labor, is the very wealth of this country.
They should be more welcomed by you, than princes, whose glittering gold
cannot conceal their false pride, and vices, injuring this very republic.
The princes, whom you welcome in preference to virtuous men of letters,
would like to see the ruin of America, in order to keep themselves upon
those thrones, now shaking at the voice of Republic. The poor people,
bring here, to you, their mind, purified in the furnace of vicissitude,
and suffering: their labor cleared and clear your deserted forests; they
made and make your railroads, and built and build new cities, and forts,
which frighten all the despots of this selfish earth.