Calculation has
convinced me, that circumstances may arise, and probably will arise,
wherein all the resources of taxation will be necessary for the safety
of the State. For though I am decidedly of opinion, we should take no
part in European quarrels, but cultivate peace and commerce with all,
yet who can avoid seeing the source of war in the tyranny of those
nations, who deprive us of the natural right of trading with our
neighbors? The produce of the United States will soon exceed the
European demand: what is to be done with the surplus, when there shall
be one? It will be employed, without question, to open, by force, a
market for itself, with those placed on the same continent with us,
and who wish nothing better. Other causes, too, are obvious, which
may involve us in war; and war requires every resource of taxation and
credit. The power of making war often prevents it, and in our case,
would give efficacy to our desire of peace. If the new government wears
the front which I hope it will, I see no impossibility in the availing
ourselves of the wars of others, to open the other parts of America to
our commerce, as the price of our neutrality.
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