100 On the Natural Boundaries of Empires. 



as to their increase or decrease of dominion, and we may 

 there perceive how durable is the force of these barriers. 



When we compare also the duration of conquests with 

 the existence of nations, we then perceive the decisive and 

 prevailing effect of natural divisions. 



When extensive conquests are made, these boundaries 

 may appear to be extinct, but they still remain ; although sur- 

 mounted by force, they are never destroyed ; and at the 

 proper period their natural effect will be again produced. 



And it is fortunate for humanity that they exist otherwise 

 the world would exhibit one general scene of despotism. 

 Never did one of the race of conquerors, belong to that 

 class who, like the liberals of France, are friends not only 

 to their own country, but to the best interests of man. 



The splendor of victories generally blinds us as to their 

 permanent results. 



The conquests of Sesostris were scarcely recognized be- 

 yond the march of his army. 



Twenty times, according to observations of Malte Brun^ 

 have the tribes of the elevated regions of Asia, sallied down 

 on the inhabitants of the plains, and subverted the thrones 

 over the whole continent, but the political divisions of Asia, 

 are very similar, at the present day, to what they were at 

 its first colonization. 



Nor does it signify by what title nations become possessed 

 of their foreign dominions ; by conquest or alliance ; by peace 

 or war : Nature compels the disunion. 



Normandy was conferred on the brave Duke Rollo, by 

 the French King Charles ; when England was conquered, the 

 union of the two heterogeneous countries continued but a 

 short time. All the wars between England and France have 

 terminated in the exchange of a few foreign possessions. 



When we read an account of the conquests of Alexander 

 the Great, we are apt to imagine that such mighty achieve- 

 ments, such splendid conquests, must have continued for ev- 

 er; on turning over the following -page of history, we ascer- 

 tain, that his successor reigned only two years. Then came 

 the struggle of the nations to form separate states, which, 

 after a combat of thirty years in duration, was happily ef- 

 fected. 



Conquerors, after traversing the Earth, and subduing na- 

 tions have often recognized the force of these natural boun- 

 daries, and have divided their empires among their sons, ac- 



