Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1804-08-15
liz l-2 CENTS sIScLE]


resulted from all efforts, only anarchy,
prolonged revolution, without end renew
ing itself, the perpetual fear o. new oisor-
dcrs, and in consequence universal and
deep desire of seeing re established the
ancient hereditary government, and Chang
ing only the dynasty. ii is 10 this wish TO
answer.
II shall fist observe, that the govern
ment OF one person is 40 setlied pledse of
stability and tranquility; the duration of
the Roman empire was not longer than
that OF the republic. Intestine troubles
were still greater-Crimeswe were multiplied
-iepublican piide, heroisni, ard al the
manly virtues, were replaced by The most
ridiculous pride, the West aGulaiion. the
most unboundeii cupiduy, Sc the NOS, abso-
lutte indifference 10 the national FL osper :ty.
What remedy would the hereditary natule
OF the throne apply WAS it not consi-
dered as the legitimate inheritance of tie
house Of Augustus? Was not Domitian
the son Of Vespasian, Caliau of Ger.
man;cus, and Commodus The SON Of Mar
Gus Aurelius?
In France, it is true the last dynasty
lasted for 500 years, but were The people
less vexed? What intestine dissensions :
What foreign wars undertaken for pIeten-
ces and rights Of succession, which the
alliances oil that dynasty with foreign pow
ers gave rise to! From the moment a
whole nation espo,'ses The interest of one,
family, IL is Obliged 10 interfere in null
utude OF events, which, but for that,
would be of the Utmost indifference TO il.
"NVe could not, in truth, establish a.
mong us the republican regime, though
We tried il uGGer different forms, more or
less democratic but | must observe, that
OF all the constitutions which have sue
cessively been made without success,
there is not one which was not born ir, the
bosom q, faction, and which was not tie
work OF circumstances as lmpcrious as
they were fugitive. Hence they were all
vcicus.- But since Tic 18Th Brumaire,
there has been an epoch, unique in the am
Hals oil the world, 10 mediate free from
storms, to found liberty upon solid bases,
acknowledged by experience and ty rca-
son.-Alter the peace oi Amiens, BONA
PARTE Inight have chosen between the
republican system and the monarchical;
he could have done al lie wished, he
would not have met with the slightest op-
position.
1.-The depot of liberty was con6ded to
him he had filed the expectation of the
nation, which had deemed him alone Ca
pable Of resolving the grand pr oblem Of
public liberty in great states, he would
have covered himself with unexampled
glory.
1T is too true that before the 18th Bru-
marie, the state was rapidly falling, and
that absolute power drew 1t from the brink
OF the preciplCe but what are we 10 CON-
clude from that! What every body knows
that political bodies are subject 10 maadies
that Can only be cured by violcn; reme-
dies; that temporary dictator is somc-
| times necessary 10 save liberty. The 10.
mansw who wereso jealous oftheir freedom,
had nevertheless acknowledged The neces-
sity al that supreme power at intervals
but because a violent re medy has saved a
SICK person are we to administer 10 him a
violent remedy every day The FAgII,
/ the CIECtNNATII, the CAMILLII, saved
The Roman liberty by absolute power--
but it was because they laid down that
power as soon do they could; they would
have put period TO the existence Of lber-
! " by the very act of keeping that power:
! { Gsar was the first who wished 10 keep it
he fell aviclim but liberty was annihi-
lated for ever. Thus all that has been
said hitherto upon absolute power, proves
only the necessity ola temporary dictator
in crisis of the state, but not the ne
cessity of permanent and immoyeable
| power.
1t is from the nature Of their govern.
meBt, that republics want stability il is
because being hastily begolten in the boz
som of tempests, they are always stormy
IN their nature. Que alone was TIE work
of philosophy, organized in tranquility, and
that republic exists full OF wisdom and
vigor. II is the confederation in Amcli-
ca which presents US this phenomenon
and every day their prosperity receives &C
cessions Of strength which astonish othe-
/ nations; thus was it reserved for tho new
world 10 teach the anCients that men may
submit pcaceably under the regime Of IL
berry and equality. Yes, dare TO lay it
down as principle, that when we can
establish an ord.r OF things without having
TO fear the influence Ct factions. as the
frs consul could have done .,Gv alter