WRITINGS OF 5A1'·1 HOUSTON, 1826
35
of alliance, offensive and defensive. Such relations the United States had hitherto sustained, a~d he hoped ever would sustain. But, Mr. Houston asked, are we to be benefitted in our institu- tions by our associations with these other Powers? So far as any advantage was to be obtained by it, so far, was he in favor of it; but he was not willing that we should be embarrassed by a connexion with them. The benefits of our institutions are free to all. let them come here to receive them. If there were any good purpose to be answered by associating ourselves with them, Mr. H. said, he would cheerfully coincide in doing so--but he could not perceive the necessity of immediate!y despatching Min- isters to meet in this assembly at Panama. We are not aware of what call they will make on us, nor could he see any profitable benefits to the United States from this general meeting which would not result from our treaties with them in their individual national capacities. Hitherto we have been pursuing a national policy. We have exalted ourselves by it. We stand a!one, and we are well able to sustain ourselves. Twice have we been tested, and twice have we seen our principles triumph, and they will ENer triumph as long as we remain untrammelled and unburth- ened by alliances with othe1· nations. There are no dangers to impede us in our progress but such as can be guarded against. Whilst we are in this situation, we have no serious dangers to apprehend, but such as, in the progress of nations, will result, and which the good sense and ,visdom of counsellors are always able to remedy before they become ruinous. We are told, Mr. H. said that the institutions of the South American Republics are similar to our own. Yet we are to send men there to enlighten them in this particular, and give them instruction. The facilities afforded by translation are great, and it was easy for them to be benefitted by all our institutions, and they might also learn the progress by which we had exalted our- selves as a nation. But, was it true that their institutions re- sembled ours? They declare that their governments are founded on principles of equality. Admit this. But are the principles of their government as pure as ours? Are they as little objection- able as ours? If this is the case, with this start they can progress and attain any degree of eminence to ~vhich their merits entitle them. The fundamental principles of all liberty, Mr. H. said, in his opinion, was equal rights, equal privileges, laws that gfre protec- tion to individuals for their lives, persons, and property: where
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