106 MISSOURI AGRICULTURAL REPORT. 



who sought to estabHsh a government based upon the eternal principles 

 of human rights. But they were circumscribed ; they needed an arena, 

 suitable to their objects; they needed a foundation, upon which to build 

 the magnificent superstructure which wc now behold, as the great Ameri- 

 can Republic. 



At this time the Old World was in the throes of war. The nations 

 of Europe were trembling under the military power and genius of Na- 

 poleon. His ambition was to dominate the East. Germany, Austria, 

 Spain and Egypt submitted to his imperial power, and the hosts of Rus- 

 sia gave way before his invading armies. He was successful every- 

 where, except when he met the British troops; England was his great- 

 est rival, and his most dangerous foe. England was then, as now, a 

 great commercial nation, and Napoleon resolved to cripple her com- 

 merce, by cutting off her trade with the nations of Europe and Asia, 

 so far as he could control those which had come under his dominion, 

 and by aiding the establishment of a commercial rival in America, and 

 thus deplete the treasury of England, so that he would some day be 

 able to meet her in successful combat. It was with this purpose, that 

 he conveyed to the United States for an insignificant consideration, the 

 vast Louisiana Territory. 



Just before Napoleon made this conveyance, and while discussing 

 it, he said : "To emancipate nations from the commercial tyranny of 

 England, it is necessary to balance her influence, by a maritime power, 

 that may one day become her rival ; that power is the United States. 

 The English aspire to dispose of all the riches of the world. I shall 

 be useful to the whole universe if I can prevent their ruling America as 

 they rule Asia." 



And again, it is authentic history, that just after the transaction was 

 completed, by which the Louisiana Territory was transferred to the 

 United States, that Napoleon said: "This accession of territory, 

 strengthens, forever, the power of the United States, and I have just 

 given England a maritime rival, that will sooner or later, humble her 

 pride." 



With what prophetic vision did Napoleon look one hundred years 

 into the future, and unfold the coming events! Read the stor\ of 

 American commerce of today. It is written everywhere. Today the 

 L^nited States is the commercial rival and competitor of England. Be- 

 hold our navy, the pride of America, and the admiration of the world, 

 and our Merchant Marine, carrying our commerce to all parts of the 

 earth ! See the products of our farms and factories and, mines, export- 

 ed to all parts of the world, coming in competition with like products of 

 Great Britain and other nations; hear the jealous mutterings of Ger- 



