Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1804-07-25
N R. B n W X s. q X II TT ~.
(Couclu9cd from ON. last.

SO'SIiluIol WAS lOEtNSO IL was TSCOin-
mended TO the states; it underwent the
most severe and critical examination the
most splendid talents were exerted to
prevent its adoption; every artifice was
used which could be suggested by cum
ming every effort was made, which could
be suggested by the arprehensions of
danger 10 our liberties the tocsin of a.
laTm was sounded, the people were warm
ed of the dangers OF Internationally this
constitution was $dopted-it rests on The.
rights OF man--it recognizes neitherkings,
mobiles nor privileged orders--but was
formed by the enlightened citizens of
republic, and is now administered by their
delegates. This new plan Of representa-
ton and responsibility is admirably calcua
lated TO ensure virtue and talents in the
administration. Under an hereditary sys.
TEN of government there are too few ex-
elements to the eSertion of talents, there
are too few rewards for integrity and vr.
tue. Virtue and talents are not the quail
hcations which are best adapted to tie in
trigues and Vaccinations of princes: an
ease and feasibility of character is much
more agreeable 10 them than that stubborn
integrity which never can be seduced
from its allegiance 10 the people but up-
der an elective system the people will pe-
morally select those who are the most con-
spicuous for talents, the most tried for
their integrity, and the most respected
for their virtues. This Plan OPENS an ex-
tcnsiye field for the display Of genius and
the exerIion oEintelleCt. Here arethe am
pie rewardsof virtue; every ci,zen in the
republic, however mean his birth, if he
be honest and capable, is eligible 10 the
first stations, no enquiry IS. made into the
antiquity ct his parChments, no credit is
given him for the virtues of his anccs-
tors.
The acquisition of Louisiana may Just
ly be regarded as the greatest political e.
vent which has occurred in our historv
since the adoption o. the federal constitu.
zion. Whilst the Mississippi constituted
the weston boundary Of the United States,
S.the fertile &c extensive countrywhich we
have recently acquired BY treaty was in The,
possession oil a rival nation, the commerce
OF the most extensive and growing part of
the union was frequently exposed 10 vex.
atious Interruptions. The so!emnity Of
nationa! compact, formed no security to
freedom OF navigation, for woeful expert
ence has demonstrated that tie most So
iemn treaties are but little reverencsd in
the cabinets Of princes. The acquisition
OF this country secures us against the in
trigues and articles Of foreign emissarjes,
protects our western brethren in srrsot
degree from the incurSiOns and ravapes of
The Indian tribes, guarantees the freedom
oil their commerce aud gives them safe
and commodious outlet 10 market for
the surplus products Of their industry, rem
ders cur union more Grm and indiseo,u-
bile, opens new sources Of employment. for
The genius and enterprise OF our people.
and furnishes new avenues 10 wealth and
prosperity. Had not the United States
acquired complete jurisdiction over this
extensive country at The very iun6iure
that they did, and the plan Of colonizng
Louisiana had been carried into effect by
France, the consequences would have been
fatal TO our peace, tranquility and the ex-
istence Of the union itself. The western
states would have been exposed TO com.
mercial restrictions and exactions, and
might have conceived that cession from
the union would have been source Of
prosperity andadvantage. Jealousies end
anIipathics would have been excited, and
the spirit of discomfort and animositv
would eagerly have been cherished by The
nations OF Europe, who view, with an in
vidlous eye, our increasing wealth, popu-
iation and commerce. DiGerentmcmbers
OF this flourisbing republic, would have
been arrayed against each other as rival,
and enemies. The bloody banner Of war
would have been unfurled, and we should
have been CONFUSED by internal com
moiion-The union Of TIE states, would
inevitably have been dissolved, and tn.
constitution, the anchor of our hopes, ;lc
rock Of our political salvation, would have
been subveued and destroyed. But hap.
PLY for the people OF America, ali their
calamities have been svcrtcd By the nc
QUESTION Of Louisiana, and we may yetiD-
duige the infatua,ing hope OF seeing the
refinement and happiness Of a golden age
realized in the United States. When II
is remembered, that this important acqui.
sllon has been made by the mild mems
If peace and negoc ion, that the blood
and treasure Of our country has not bec't