6521. PEACE, A principle of government.—[continued].
Peace has been our principle,
peace is our interest, and peace has
saved to the world this only plant of free and
rational government now existing in it.
* * * However, therefore, we may have
been reproached for pursuing our Quaker system,
time will affix the stamp of wisdom on
it, and the happiness and prosperity of our
citizens will attest its merit. And this, I
believe, is the only legitimate object of government,
and the first duty of governors, and
not the slaughter of men and devastation of
the countries placed under their care, in pursuit
of a fantastic honor, unallied to virtue or
happiness; or in gratification of the angry
passions, or the pride of administrators, excited
by personal incidents, in which their
citizens have no concern.—
To General Kosciusko. Washington ed. v, 585.
(M.
1811)
