Washington said in the admirable letter which he addressed to his fellow-citizens, and which may be looked upon as his political bequest to the country: "The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible.

So far as we have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith.

Here let us stop.

Europe has a set of primary interests which to us have none, or a very remote relation.

Hence, she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns.