“Russia has interfered in Hungary, because it considered the example set up by Hungary dangerous to Russia.  America has silently recognized the right of that interference.  France has interfered in Rome, because the example of the Roman democracy was dangerous to Prance.  America has silently agreed.  The absolutist governments, in protection of their divine right, have leagued in a saintly alliance, with the openly avowed purpose to aid one another by mutual interference against the spirit of revolution and the anarchy of republicanism.  America has not protested against it; therefore the principle of foreign interference against every dangerous example has, by common consent of every power on earth—­contradicted by none, not even by America—­become an established international law.”

And reminding you thus, they will speak to you in the very words of that distinguished statesman to whom I respectfully allude.

“You have quitted the ground upon which your national existence is founded.  You have consented to the alteration of the laws of nations—­the existence of your republic is dangerous to us; we therefore, believing that your anarchical (that is, republican) doctrines are destructive of, and that monarchical principles are essential to, the peace and security and happiness of our subjects, will obliterate the bed which has nourished such noxious weeds; we will crush you down as the propagandists of doctrines too destructive to the peace and good order of the world."

I have quoted the very words, very unexpectedly given to publicity,—­words, which I out of respect and personal affection, did not answer then, precisely because I took the interview for a private one.  Even now I refrain from entering into further discussion, out of the same considerations of respect, though I am challenged by this unlooked for publicity.  I will say nothing more.  But after having quoted the very words, I leave to the public opinion to judge whether their authority is against or for a national protest against the principle of foreign interference.

Let once the principle become established with your silent consent and you will soon see it brought home to you, and brought home in a moment of domestic discord, which Russian secret diplomacy and Russian gold will skilfully mix.  You may be sure of it; and this mighty Union will be shaken by that very principle of foreign interference which you silently let be established as an uncontroverted rule for the despots of the earth.

Great countries are under the necessity of holding the position of a power on earth.  If they do not thus, foreign powers dispose of their most vital interests.  Indifference to the condition of the foreign world is a wilful abdication of their duty, and of their independence.  Neutrality, as a constant rule, is impossible to a great power.  Only small countries, as Switzerland and Belgium, can exist upon the basis of neutrality.