...to give mankind the too novel example of a People always guided by exalted justice and benevolence Can it be that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a nation with its virtue?"3 These comments suggest that Washington envisioned a day in which a larger, more powerful...

...acknowledged powers and authority. 27 Smyth gave evidence of the veracity of Washington's now-famous query, "Can it be ... that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a nation with its virtue?" 28 Unity. Providence. Virtue. Liberty. Patriotism. These were the themes that dominated both...

...example of a People always guided by an exalted justiee and benevolence. — Who can doubt that to the course of time and things, the fruits of such a plan would richiy repay any temporary advantages which might be lost by a steady adherence to it ? Can it be,...

...Nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence. Who can doubt, that, in the...connected the permanent felicity of a Nation with its Virtue? The experiment, at least, is recommended by every sentiment which ennobles human nature. Alas!...

...nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence. Who can doubt that, in the...a plan would richly repay any temporary advantages that might be lost by a steady adherence to it? Can it be, that Providence has not connected the permanent...

...as the "mere Politician."13 Reiterating the basic point later in the speech, he asks rhetorically, "Can it be, that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a Nation with its virtue?"14 Here in the Farewell Address, Washington acknowledges that a full "volume could not trace...