The affair of the establishment of a government is a very difficult undertaking for foreign powers to act in as principals; though as auxiliaries and mediators it has been not at all unusual, and may be a measure full of policy and humanity and true dignity.
Edmund Burke: “The affair of the establishment of a government is a very difficult undertaking for foreign powers to act in as…”
Editor's note · Context
Burke discusses the complexities of establishing a government, particularly when foreign powers are involved, advocating for a careful approach.
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This is the spirit of our Constitution, not only in its settled course, but in all its revolutions.
This idea of a liberal descent inspires us with a sense of habitual native dignity, which prevents that upstart insolence almost inevitably adhering to and disgracing those who are the first acquirers of any distinction.
They threw a politic, well-wrought veil over every circumstance tending to weaken the rights which in the meliorated order of succession they meant to perpetuate, or which might furnish a precedent for any future departure from what they…
Their objects would be enlarged with their elevation; but their disposition, and habits, and mode of accomplishing their designs must remain the same.





