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Editorial
November 11, 1799
Jenks's Portland Gazette
Portland, Cumberland County, Maine
What is this article about?
Editorial excerpt from The Federalist advocating national union to counter European dominance in commerce and global affairs, warning against division that invites foreign interference from England and France, and promoting an independent American system.
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POLITICS.
ON NATIONAL UNION.
THE Federalist, speaking of the utility of the union, in respect to commerce and a Navy, says, " I shall briefly observe that our situation invites, and interest prompts us, to aim at an ascendant in the system of American affairs.-
The whole world may politically as well as geographically, be divided into four parts, each having a distant set of interests. Unhappily for the other three, Europe by her arms and by her negociations, by force and by fraud, has in different degrees, extended her dominion over them all. Africa, Asia and America have successively felt her dominion. The superiority she has long maintained, has tempted her to plume herself as the mistress of the world, and to consider the rest of mankind as created for her benefit. Men admired as profound philosophers, have, in direct terms, attributed to her inhabitants a physical superiority; and have gravely asserted that all animals, and with them the human species, degenerates in America --that even dogs cease to bark, after having breathed a while in our atmosphere.
Facts have too long supported these arrogant pretensions of the Europeans : It belongs to us to vindicate the honor of the human race, and to teach that assuming brother, moderation.--
Union will enable us to do it. Disunion, will add another victim to his triumphs.
Let Americans disdain to be instruments of European greatness ! Let the states, bound together in a strict and indissoluble union, concur in erecting one great American System, superior to the control of all transatlantic force or influence, and able to dictate the terms of the connection between the old and the new world."
Noble sentiments ! Excellent counsel ! Who is the man that fears no danger but from the English ? Who is the man that fears no danger but from the French ?-Whoever he is, he is a man of narrow views or shameful prejudices.
Those two rival powers are equally concerned to obtain a predominant influence over our Councils and our Commerce. Both are interested in our weakness and distractions, and both have printers in the country commenting divisions, and strengthening parties in favor of their respective nations.
America, divided, is a prey to foreign interests--unified, she may command her own destinies !
* Philosophical Researches on the Americans.
ON NATIONAL UNION.
THE Federalist, speaking of the utility of the union, in respect to commerce and a Navy, says, " I shall briefly observe that our situation invites, and interest prompts us, to aim at an ascendant in the system of American affairs.-
The whole world may politically as well as geographically, be divided into four parts, each having a distant set of interests. Unhappily for the other three, Europe by her arms and by her negociations, by force and by fraud, has in different degrees, extended her dominion over them all. Africa, Asia and America have successively felt her dominion. The superiority she has long maintained, has tempted her to plume herself as the mistress of the world, and to consider the rest of mankind as created for her benefit. Men admired as profound philosophers, have, in direct terms, attributed to her inhabitants a physical superiority; and have gravely asserted that all animals, and with them the human species, degenerates in America --that even dogs cease to bark, after having breathed a while in our atmosphere.
Facts have too long supported these arrogant pretensions of the Europeans : It belongs to us to vindicate the honor of the human race, and to teach that assuming brother, moderation.--
Union will enable us to do it. Disunion, will add another victim to his triumphs.
Let Americans disdain to be instruments of European greatness ! Let the states, bound together in a strict and indissoluble union, concur in erecting one great American System, superior to the control of all transatlantic force or influence, and able to dictate the terms of the connection between the old and the new world."
Noble sentiments ! Excellent counsel ! Who is the man that fears no danger but from the English ? Who is the man that fears no danger but from the French ?-Whoever he is, he is a man of narrow views or shameful prejudices.
Those two rival powers are equally concerned to obtain a predominant influence over our Councils and our Commerce. Both are interested in our weakness and distractions, and both have printers in the country commenting divisions, and strengthening parties in favor of their respective nations.
America, divided, is a prey to foreign interests--unified, she may command her own destinies !
* Philosophical Researches on the Americans.
What sub-type of article is it?
Constitutional
Foreign Affairs
What keywords are associated?
National Union
Federalist
European Dominance
American System
Foreign Influence
Commerce
Navy
What entities or persons were involved?
The Federalist
Europeans
English
French
Americans
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Advocacy For National Union Against European Dominance
Stance / Tone
Strongly Pro Union And Anti Foreign Interference
Key Figures
The Federalist
Europeans
English
French
Americans
Key Arguments
Union Enables America To Challenge European Superiority And Dominion
Disunion Makes America Vulnerable To Foreign Triumphs
Americans Should Reject Being Instruments Of European Greatness
A Unified American System Can Dictate Terms With The Old World
England And France Both Seek Influence Over American Councils And Commerce
Foreign Printers Foment Divisions To Favor Their Nations
Divided America Is Prey To Foreign Interests; Unified, It Commands Its Destiny