Respecting the creation of a navy, Washington says, "To an active external commerce the protection of a naval force is indispensable. This is manifest with regard to wars in which a State is itself a party. But, besides this, it is in our experience that the most sincere neutrality is not a sufficient guard against the depredations of nations at war. To secure respect to a neutral flag requires a naval force, organized, and ready to vindicate it from insult or aggression: this may even prevent the necessity of going to war. I trust a future war with Europe may not find our commerce in the same unprotected state in which it was found by the present."

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Of manufactures, "Congress have repeatedly, and not without success, directed their attention to the encouragement of manufactures. The object is of too much consequence not to insure a continuance of their efforts." And of agriculture, "It will not be doubted, that, with reference either to individual or national welfare, agriculture is of primary importance: institutions for promoting it grow up supported by the public purse; and to what object can it be dedicated with

greater propriety?... Experience has shown that these institutions are very cheap instruments of immense national benefits. I have heretofore

proposed to the consideration of Congress the expediency of establishing a national university, and also a military academy.... The assembly to which I address myself is too enlightened not to be fully sensible how much a flourishing state of the arts and sciences contributes to national prosperity and reputation. The common education of a portion of our youth from every quarter deserves attention. The more homogeneous our citizens can be made in these particulars, the greater will be our prospect of permanent union; and a primary object of such a national institution should be the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important? and what duty more pressing on its legislature than to patronize a plan for communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country? . . . However pacific the general policy of a nation may be, it ought never to be without an adequate stock of military knowledge for emergencies.... An academy

where a regular course of instruction is given is an obvious expedient, which different nations have successfully employed. . . . The compensations to the officers of the United States appear to call for legislative revision. It would be repugnant to the vital principles of our government virtually to exclude from public trusts talents and virtues unless accompanied by wealth." Of the French Republic he says, "It has been my constant, sincere, and earnest wish, in conformity with that of our nation, to maintain cordial, harmony and a perfectly friendly understanding with the Republic. This wish remains unabated; and I shall persevere in the endeavor to fulfil it to the utmost extent of what shall be consistent with a just and indispensable regard to the rights and honor of our country. Nor will I easily cease to cherish the expectation, that a spirit of justice, candor, and friendship, on the part of the Republic, will eventually insure success." Respecting the speedy extinguishment of the United States debt, he says,. "Posterity may have cause to regret, if, from any motive, intervals of tranquillity are left unimproved for accelerating this valuable end."

1797. The following is the closing language of Washington's last Annual Address to Congress :

"The situation in which I now stand for the last time, in the midst of the representatives of the people of the United States, naturally recalls the period when the administration of the present form of government commenced; and I cannot omit the occasion to congratulate you and my country on the success of the experiment, nor to repeat my fervent supplications to the Supreme Ruler of the universe, and Sovereign Arbiter of nations, that his providential care may still be extended to the United States, that the virtue and happiness of the people may be preserved, and that the government which they have instituted for the protection of their liberties may be perpetual."

Upon the occasion of his retirement, he issued his Farewell Address to the people of the United States, embodying the results of his experience and observation during a long career of public service devoted to the highest interests of his country. From this address we here present several extracts:

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"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle. . . . Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all. Religion and morality enjoin this conduct; and can it be that good policy does not equally enjoin it? Can it be that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a nation with its virtue? . . . The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible. So far as we have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop. . . . Harmony, and a liberal