The war, as you have very justly observed, has terminated most advantageously for America, and a fair field is presented to our view; but I confess to you freely, my dear sir, that I do not think we possess wisdom or justice enough to cultivate it properly.
Beck conveys Washington's concerns about America's ability to manage its newfound advantages after the war.
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It did not believe that the State was omnipotent or infallible, and yet it proclaimed its authority within wise and just limits.
That vision still remains as an ideal with the American people and still leads them to ever-higher achievements, for in all the mad changes of a frenzied hour, they have not yet lost faith in or love for the Constitution of the Fathers!
If it ceases to be of the spirit of the people, then the yellow parchment whereon it is inscribed can avail nothing.
We must defend the right to work against those who would either destroy or degrade it.
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