ABSTRACT
One of the first lessons this country learned, in its earliest history, was the necessity of avoiding "entangling alliances" with other nations - especially those of Europe. Apart from the peculiar circumstances which contributed to the independence, people's position rendered it impossible that foreign influences could contribute to their prosperity and happiness. There may be something for the philanthropist and the humanitarian to admire in the idea of a united brotherhood of nations - such a molding into perfect unity of the sympathies and interests of all peoples as shall suppress every selfish desire and inaugurate the reign of perfect disinterestedness. If there are any signs that this condition of the world is undergoing a change, they are not visible. The relations which England has always borne to the United States, have not, at any time, justified the belief that she would act toward people otherwise than as her own interests required.
