8699. UNITED STATES, Enduring.—[continued].
I have much confidence that we shall proceed successfully for ages to
come, and that, contrary to the principle of
Montesquieu, it will be seen that the larger
the extent of country, the more firm its republican
structure, if founded, not on conquest,
but in principles of compact and equality.
My hope of its duration is built much
on the enlargement of the resources of life
going hand in hand with the enlargement of
territory, and the belief that men are disposed
to live honestly, if the means of doing so are
open to them.—
To M. de Marbois. Washington ed. vii, 77.
(M.
1817)
