Causes have been adding to causes,
and effects accumulating on effects, from that time to this. We had, in
1793, the most respectable character in the universe. What the neutral
nations think of us now, I know not; but we are low indeed with the
belligerents. Their kicks and cuffs prove their contempt. If we weather
the present storm, I hope we shall avail ourselves of the calm of peace,
to place our foreign connections under a new and different arrangement.
We must make the interest of every nation stand surety for their
justice, and their own loss to follow injury to us, as effect follows
its cause. As to every thing except commerce, we ought to divorce
ourselves from them all. But this system would require time, temper,
wisdom, and occasional sacrifice of interest: and how far all of these
will be ours, our children may see, but we shall not. The passions are
too high at present, to be cooled in our day. You and I have formerly
seen warm debates and high political passions. But gentlemen of
different politics would then speak to each other, and separate the
business of the Senate from that of society. It is not so now. Men who
have been intimate all their lives, cross the streets to avoid meeting,
and turn their heads another way, lest they should be obliged to touch
their hats.
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