within, and their fleets defend us, and our commerce
without. Their government is not only paternal and
indulgent, but is wholly gratuitous. We neither pay these
forces, nor feed them, nor clothe them. We not only raise
no taxes, but are not expected to do so. The blessings
of true religion are diffused among us, by the pious
liberality of England, and a collegiate establishment at
Windsor, supported by British friends, has for years
supplied the Church, the Bar and the Legislature with
scholars and gentlemen. Where the national funds have
failed, private contribution has volunteered its aid,
and means are never wanting for any useful or beneficial
object.

"Our condition is a most enviable one. The history of
the world has no example to offer of such noble
disinterestedness and such liberal rule, as that exhibited
by Great Britain to her colonies. If the policy of the
Colonial Office is not always good (which I fear is too
much to say) it is ever liberal; and if we do not mutually
derive all the benefit we might from the connexion, _we_,
at least, reap more solid advantages than we have a right
to expect, and more, I am afraid, than our conduct always
deserves. I hope the Secretary for the Colonies may have
the advantage of making your acquaintance, Sir. Your
experience is so great, you might give him a vast deal
of useful information, which he could obtain from no one
else.

"Minister," said Mr. Slick, who had just mounted the