Jefferson.
[Conciliatory.] I assure you, Citizen Tallyrand, Citizen Giles and Citizen Monroe voice the sentiments of the great body of the American people. [Murmurs of assent from the crowd.] There is a growing unrest all over this land at the aristocratic tendencies of our President. There is bitter and righteous opposition to Alexander Hamilton's efforts to centralize the government and assume the debts of the thirteen free and independent states. Such a centralization of power would inevitably lead to monarchy. I stand on the platform of the Rights of Man—the rights of the individual—the right of each state to its freedom. And I tell you, Citizen Tallyrand, the gravest danger that threatens America to-day rests in the persons of those men who are striving to centralize the power of the United States; striving to establish a military dictatorship.
Monroe.
A condition that will involve us in European quarrels in which it should be our policy to take no part.
Tallyrand.
How can you keep out of European quarrels when your interests are bound up with those of Europe?
Monroe.
Our riches and resources can bid defiance to any power on earth. It is only when our rights are invaded that we should make preparation for our defense.
