[The Life of George Washington, Vol. 5 (of 5) by John Marshall]@TWC D-Link bookThe Life of George Washington, Vol. 5 (of 5) CHAPTER II 46/77
It is impossible to foresee all evils which may arise out of such measures; and their effects may last after the cause is removed. The opponents of the resolutions persisted to consider the credit given by British merchants, as a solid advantage to any country which, like the United States, was defective in commercial capital; but they denied that, from that source, any political influence had arisen. "If," said Mr.Tracy, "we may argue from a great state, Virginia, to the union, this is not true; for although that state owes immense debts, her representatives come forward with great spirit to bring Great Britain to her feet.
The people to the eastward do not owe the English merchants, and are very generally opposed to these regulations.
These facts must convince us that the credit given by Great Britain, does not operate to produce a fear, and a dependence, which can be alarming to government." "If," said Mr.Dexter, "I have a predilection for any country besides my own, that bias is in favour of France, the place of my father's sepulture.
No one, more than myself, laments the spasm of patriotism which convulses that nation, and hazards the cause of freedom; but I shall not suffer the torrent of love or hatred to sweep me from my post.
I am sent neither to plead the cause of France nor England, but am delegated as a guardian of the rights and interests of America." The speakers against the resolutions universally laboured to exclude from all weight in the decision on them, considerations which were foreign to the interests of the United States.
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