text:  To be always scrutinizing the movements of foreign states with a view to convicting them of designs to destroy the balance of power (as it is called) in Europe and thereupon evincing a disposition to assume an offensively distrustful and hostile attitude requiring explanations and disclaimers and negotiations which every one knows the slightest miscarriage may convert into inevitable pretexts and provocatives of war--is really almost to court the destruction of our very national existence