The new Republic could not, like the Celestial Empire, or that of Japan, confine itself within its own boundaries, and exist without national intercourse.

It had entered the family of nations.

But the position it was to assume, and the advantages it was to be allowed to enjoy, were yet to be ascertained and fixed.

Its independence, confessed to be only a doubtful experiment at home, was naturally thought ephemeral in Europe.

Its example was ominous, and the European Powers willingly believed that, if discountenanced and baffled, America would soon relapse into colonial subjugation.