ABSTRACT
Whoever goes about to reason on any part of the policy of this country with regard to America, upon the mere abstract principles of government or even upon those of our own ancient constitution, will be often misled. Those who resort for arguments to . . . authorities, ancient or modern, or rest upon the clearest maxims drawn from the experience of other states and empires, will be liable to the greatest errors imaginable. The object is wholly new in the world. It is singular; it is grown up to this magnitude and importance within the memory of man; nothing in history is parallel to it. All reasonings about it that are likely to be at all solid must be drawn from its actual circumstances.
