Page:Reflections, on the Cession of Louisiana to the United States.pdf/17

 would be inconsistent with every idea of sound policy in that government to suppose it would discountenance such an influx of inhabitants from the United States to Louisiana; or rather, we must suppose it utterly blind to the best interests of that colony, if the opportunity of thus advancing them should have been neglected.

The attainment of so many great and important objects, at the expence of little more than one year’s revenue, must impress every man of reflection with a thorough conviction of the peculiar felicity of the United States, in thus securing the means of benefits which every moment must more fully develope, and which it depends upon ourselves, only, to perpetuate for ages. If, however, future events shall shew that we are not satisfied with them, from that period we may confidently pronounce, that if we had obtained Louisiana without paying a single cent for it, we should have made a bad bargain.

This reflection I have been induced to make as a prelude to the remarks I mean to offer upon one remaining advantage, which may eventually result from this acquisition and which many of my readers may deem to be of the first magnitude, and importance; but which I am inclined to consider in a very different point of view: doubting, whether that of which they may think so highly, may not at first weaken, and then dissolve our present happy federal union, and finally subvert and destroy the happiness of this western world.

Eighthly, then; this immense territory may be regarded as a treasure in bank; the amount of which is at present altogether incalculable, and which must depend upon the progress of population, on the one hand, and on the other, upon the wisdom, moderation, energy, and firmness of our government, in resisting the allurements of an insidious and captivating policy, to which it may be urged by the solicitations of its false friends, and