110 On the Natural Boundaries of Empires. 



The ocean affords an easy channel of communication be- 

 tween England and France, but it does not combine in one 

 sentiment the people of the two countries. 



On this part of the subject I cannot do better than give the 

 written opinion of an individual, who, after occupying the 

 Presidential chair of the United States, carries with him into 

 retirement, all the kind and amiable feelings of human life, 

 united to the deep political discernment of a statesman ; 

 and who exercises the rites of hospitality in the most cour- 

 teous manner. 



Montpelier, May 13, 1828. 



Dear Sir — I have received your letter of the 1st inst. and 

 with it a copy of your Essay. * * * * 



On turning from the past to the future, speculation may 

 be invited to the influence on those boundaries, that may 

 result from new modifications of governments, and the oper- 

 ations of art on the geographical features of nature. The 

 improvements in political science, more particularly the 

 combination of the federal and representative principles^ 

 seem to favor a greater expansion of government in a free 

 form, than has been maintainable under the most despotic : 

 whilst so many of the physical obstacles, hitherto determin- 

 ing the boundaries of states, are yielding to the means which 

 now render mountains, rivers, lakes and seas, artificially 

 passable, with a facility and celerity which bring distant re- 

 gions within the compass required for the useful intercom- 

 munications. Nor should the telegraph, with its probable 

 improvements, be overlooked, as an auxiliary to the conven- 

 ient exercise of power over an extended space. * 

 ******* 



With friendly respects, 

 Mr. Finch. (Signed) James Madison. 



8. Difference in the boundaries of savage or civilized ra- 

 ces of men. 



A river is a boundary to a savage -, a lake still more so ; 

 the ocean is impassable. His bark canoe is not fitted for 

 engagements on the water. 



He reveres the mountains, and seldom attempts to pass 

 them. 



His empire is always small, and bounded by the more 

 minute physical obstacles on the surface of the earth. 



