Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake.
It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world.
The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is to have with them as little political connection as possible.
There can be no greater error than to expect or calculate upon real favors from nation to nation.
Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor? or caprice?