On the record
Long experience has shown that, in general, when the principal powers of Europe are engaged in war the rights of neutral nations are endangered.
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gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Pierce reflects on historical patterns where neutral nations' rights are threatened during European wars.
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We could not extricate our country from this unequal condition, with such an enemy, unless we at once departed from our present peaceful policy and became a great naval power.
The heavy expense, the great delay, and, at times, fatality attending travel by either of the Isthmus routes have demonstrated the advantage which would result from interterritorial communication by such safe and rapid means as a railroad…
Though the naval disparity would be less, the greater extent and more exposed condition of our widespread commerce would give any of them a like advantage over us.
These considerations should allay all apprehension that we are disposed to encroach on the rights or endanger the security of other states.
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