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settlements in every quarter of the globe, a multitude of islands, the least of them capable of holding both our acquisitions.—Were such your language, every thing would be explained, every thing set to rights.—While you take what suits you, keeping what does not suit you, you aspire openly to universal domination: with fraternity in your lips, you declare war against mankind. Shake off your splendid incumbrances, the sins of your youth are atoned for, and your character for truth, probity, moderation and philanthropy built on everlasting ground.
In the event of a rupture with Spain, you have designs, I think, in favour of her colonies. With what view?—To keep them? Say so boldly, and acknowledge yourselves worthy successors of Lewis XIV. To give them independence? Why not give it then where it is already in your power to give it? Will you put your constituents to an immense expence for the chance of giving liberty, and refuse it when you can give it for a certainty and for nothing?—Compare the pictures—liberty without bloodshed on the one hand, bloodshed with only a chance for liberty on the other. Which is the best present? Which of the two is most conge-
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