Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1804-09-22

republican party tom deTiattng from
their own, and afford strong confirmation
OF The old adage, that il is right to receive
instruction even from an enemy. That
We shall not want such monitors, the his
tory oil cur own times, and the history OF
human nature, affords pretty good securi-
ty: and would they confine themselves
within the bounds OF decency, we should
have no great reason to complain of them.
The habit OF opposition-an inveterate
aversion to popular Institutions, and the
vexation attending disappointed ambition
and neglected overtures for public employ
ment, will at all times keep sufficiently full
the phalanx of opposition :-and whether
those who compose it retain the name of f..
dera:ists or assume the appellation of third
farfy men, they will MAKE but little i'm
preston on the republican band, so long
as they keep within the entertainments OF
justice and the constitution, to which they
| nave strong adnonltions, in the presence
ol a walchlul adversary.
For my own part feel full and unwa
vering confidence in the administration Of
The federal government but no confidence
IS all apology for want OF vigilance and
tits our duty to watch with a scrutinizing
eye, not oaly our governors but ourselves.
Though three lourths OF the people of the
United States are now probably of the
same opinion; it is no assurance that ge.
nulne principles will uniformly prcdomi-
nate :-and SO far should we be from plac-
ng confidence ia the man who seriously
makes ii an article of his political creed
tina, the majority is Away right-that this
should be alone sufficient reason 10 doubt,
either the purity Of his sentiments, or the
soundness of his understanding. When
the sentiments of man are never disclos-
ed, but on his joining with the popular cry
on every popular occasion; it is an inial-
libie indication, either that he wants firm
ness To declare his own convictions, or that
ne Is too feeble minded to think for him
sell, and much more SO to think aud 10 act
Tor others. Such a man Will be the same
sycophant when he associates with the
great, as he is when mixing with the mass
oil the community.
Every hu nan institution has its imper-
iections. We have abolished monarchy {:
we have reason 10 rejoice in il. But we
have not in 50 doing abolished all the vices
which attend monarchical government.
They appertain TO human nature, and per.
pick and pervert the operations of every
form OF government. The sovereign
prince IS EiS couriiers, who instead Of cor.
recling his Judgment, enlightening his un-
Outstanding, and diluling, if may be al.
lowed the xpiession, The Intoxicating cup
OF power; ate ever foremost TO inflame
! The pass;ons--to sanction his conceits and
20 humor his caprices. The sovereign
people likewise have their courtiers, who,
instead OF being confined TO the precincts
OF palace, distribute themselves over the
whole territory OF the republic, and are as
often successful in obtaining popular ia
vor, as the other are in obtaining The favor
OF The monarch.
Wonldyou guard against the evil Of their
counsels |! Pursue the same course that a
patriotic prince would do. Think for your
selves-exercise your own judgments -
but listen TO those who sometimes dare to
controvert the in(allibility of your opinion :
call into notice retired and unostentati-
Gus merit :-be not over anxious for per.
sonalatIentions, but confer your confidence
on men OF sound wisdom and honest indie
pesdence Of character.
| Citizens of America! If you are not
wanting to yourselves, you have fair pros.
pect before you of permanent liberty and
OF increasing prosperity. 1t would be say.
ing too little, TO say that your form of go
verDment is the best that human wisdom
ever produced. Human wisdom alone
was never equal to the task. 1t has ra-
Their been the product of a most happy
combination Of circumstances and events,
which the Intellect of man has fortunately
built upon and improved. The great out
lines OF your government may be said 10
have been drawn by nature. Colony af.
Ter colony, each possessing its own local
government, was formed in America, as
circumstances dictated. They had both
but Common original, common Ian.
guage. External violence, superadded a
common interest. Jbis produced a con-
lederacy for the common defence. The
advantages of this were so evident, that q
closer union, better coHtrived and better
arranged was adopted. As TO external
dsience--external commerce-exlernal
Intercourse, youC federal government pos
sesseS all the advantages of a government
one and indivisible. As To local REGULATE
ada M cd In ia. ,r,a.,te r.