Jenks's Portland Gazette

Gov. Trumbull's Address.

[The following is an extract from this excellent Address at the opening of the Legislature of Connecticut on the 10th inst.]

"THE tide of war in Europe seems changing, and success, which for a long time past has been attached to France, is now turned to the side of the powers in alliance against her; but whether France is to sink under the weight of combined power and domestic discord: or whether by another enthusiastic effort, she is again to rise in this great and almost unexampled struggle; whether one European power prevails, or another sinks in the contest, the policy of the United States must be essentially the same. And while our benevolence weeps over the calamities of distant nations, our first and great attention should be constantly fixed on our own country, its particular interest and welfare. Our general policy should be American, not European. By continuing our defensive and warlike preparations, while surrounded by contending nations, we should maintain a martial and commanding attitude, ready for all events: and while studious of peace with all powers, we should be intimately connected with none. With such policy we may hope to prolong our tranquility, and command the respect of all nations. In this way we may expect to become truly and greatly independent. May the God of wisdom influence the United States to this policy: and while their deliberations are conducted with caution and decision, may their administration be as remarkable for its active vigor, as for its political wisdom and discernment.

"Although the general concerns of the Union are under the direction of the general government, yet the individual states have their particular duties in relation to the whole; more especially they have at this critical period, to guard with vigilance, against the arts and intrigues of the general enemies of the union, whose insidious influence will be particularly extended to individual states, seeking to produce division and disunion, thereby to weaken and enervate our general exertions. This spirit of artifice and intrigue will be eagerly seized, at a time when renewed negociations with France are attempted, and is therefore to be carefully guarded against, at such a moment, lest artful insinuations should excite uneasiness and discontent, and difference of opinion should lull our defensive preparations, or weaken our active operations. This duty of political vigilance and watchful attention, will I trust the eventful period be carefully exerted by the citizens of this State. And may our Almighty Protector guard the United States from the wiles of intrigue and deception, and defend them from the injuries of war and aggression."