Finally, I like
Americans so heartily that I want to be the best of friends with them.
But it was only last night in this old and mighty city of Philadelphia
that the greatest of reasons for an alliance was brought sharply home to
my mind. I had thought, loosely enough, that since we speak the same
language, share many of the same traditions, and equally desire peace
for the prosperity of our trade, surely some alliance between us was
natural, and with a little effort might be made inevitable. The deeper,
more political, and far grander reason for this comradeship between the
two nations had never definitely shaped itself to my consciousness.
Enlightenment came to me in the course of conversation with two
thoughtful Philadelphians whose minds are centred on something which
transcends patriotism and who work with fine courage and remarkable
ability for the triumph of their idea.
One of these men said to me: "You speak of an alliance between England
and America; do you mind telling us what you mean by that term
alliance?"
I explained that I had no thought in my mind of treaties and tariffs;
that the word "alliance" meant nothing more to me than conscious
friendship, and that such a disposition between two nations thinking in
the same language, speaking and writing the same language, must result,
I thought, in an ever-multiplying volume of trade, to the great
advantage of both parties.
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