It is
better calculated, too, to prevent collision and irritation, and to cure
it, or at least suppress its effects when it has already taken place.
It is the obvious and sufficient remedy in the present case, and will
doubtless be resorted to.
Our difficulties are indeed great, if we consider ourselves alone. But
when viewed in comparison with those of Europe, they are the joys of
Paradise. In the eternal revolution of ages, the destinies have placed
our portion of existence amidst such scenes of tumult and outrage, as no
other period, within our knowledge, had presented. Every government but
one on the continent of Europe, demolished, a conqueror roaming over
the earth with havoc and destruction, a pirate spreading misery and ruin
over the face of the ocean. Indeed, my friend, ours is a bed of roses.
And the system of government which shall keep us afloat amidst this
wreck of the world, will be immortalized in history. We have, to be
sure, our petty squabbles and heart-burnings, and we have something of
the blue devils at times, as to these raw heads and bloody bones who are
eating up other nations. But happily for us, the Mammoth cannot swim,
nor the Leviathan move on dry land: and if we will keep out of their
way, they cannot get at us. If, indeed, we choose to place ourselves
within the scope of their tether, a gripe of the paw, or flounce of the
tail, may be our fortune. Our business certainly was to be still.
Pages:
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244