The Writings of Thomas Jefferson: Library Edition - Vol. 6 (of 20)Jefferson, Thomas
History
The Writings of Thomas Jefferson: Library Edition - Vol. 6 (of 20)
Jefferson, Thomas
United States -- Politics and government -- 1775-1783; United States -- Politics and government -- 1783-1789
I have analyzed these declarations, because, being somewhat wrapped up
in their expressions, their full import might escape, on a transient
reading; and it is necessary it should not escape. It conveys to us the
important lesson, that no circumstances of morality, honor, interest,
or engagement, are sufficient to authorize a secure reliance on any
nation, at all times, and in all positions. A moment of difficulty, or
a moment of error, may render forever useless the most friendly
dispositions in the King, in the major part of his ministers, and the
whole of his nation. The present pacification is considered by most as
only a short truce. They calculate on the spirit of the nation, and not
on the agued hand which guides its movements. It is certain, that from
this moment the whole system of Europe changes. Instead of counting
together England, Austria, and Russia, as heretofore, against France,
Spain, Holland, Prussia, and Turkey, the division will probably be,
England, Holland, and Prussia, against France, Austria, Russia, and
perhaps Spain. This last power is not sure, because the dispositions of
its heir apparent are not sure. But whether the present be truce or
peace, it will allow time to mature the conditions of the alliance
between France and the two empires, always supposed to be on the
carpet. It is thought to be obstructed by the avidity of the Emperor,
who would swallow a good part of Turkey, Silesia, Bavaria, and the
rights of the Germanic body. To the two or three first articles, France
might consent, receiving in gratification a well-rounded portion of the
Austrian Netherlands, with the islands of Candia, Cyprus, Rhodes, and
perhaps lower Egypt. But all this is in embryo, uncertainty known, and
counterworked by the machinations of the courts of London and Berlin.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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