That which really concerns him is what people at a later day, or even in a later generation, might say of men trusted with great duties for their country, who proved unequal to their opportunities, and through some short-sighted timidity of the moment lost the chance of centuries.
Reid warns against the short-sightedness that could lead to missed opportunities for the nation.
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Suppose it to be merely a war in defense of our own just rights and interests.
Something, however, must be done to disperse this unwholesome gathering at Newbern, or the tumor, thus neglected, may do serious injury.
As a foreign critic said in comment on one of the addresses: "The author is one man who knows what he thinks about the new policy required by the new situation in which his country is placed, and has the courage and candor to say it.
And next, shall we not probably fare best in the end if we try to profit somewhat by the experience others have had in like cases?