Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1805-08-10

opening si I've hrst General Court holden
here on me 7th inst Tor publication. Tie
principles contained in Il are, in nv opi.
Mon, particularly worthy Of the public at
sention in this qnarter.
! have the homer to be,
Sir, your humble servant.
RUFUS EASTON,
Attorney Geni. Louisiana.
Mr.. SMITH.
3uDGE VAEpFRsUaoK'sc CHARGE TO TIE
GRAND JURY.
Geasiesnen Grille Graal L.ry,
II is highly pleasing TO me to meet at
this tire the Grand Jury of the Dissria
ct louisiana, as respectable and compo-
nens part OF the General Court; and that
pleasure is greatly increased, when re-
fection the distinguished event which has
united the L,uisauians with the citizens
Of the United States.
Among the many acts OF political wiz
dom for which The American government
has been celebrated, the acquisition OF
Louisiana merits conspicuous place.
This memorable event, which adds to the
Union, fertile and extensive territory, of
Immense value, as well as considerable
accession of population, respectable in
character and property, reflects honor and
dignity on those patriots and ssges who
were engaged in administering the con.
Germs OF the American people. Under
those happy political institutions which BY
this Ictiui occurrence have fallen to the
iot OF Louisiana II sincerely hops, and
confidently believe that The people viii al
wfys save reason TO rejoice, and have
no.doabt bat that by a wise aid iudicious
exercise, and by prudent and CAREFUL ap.
piieaiion Of those glorious privileges, for
which the constitution and the laws of the |
u. States are Justly celebrated, they |
viii experience all that happiness and free
dom, safety and prosperity which their
brethren in the U. States SO eminenly en-
Joy. | am confident that the citizens of 1
Louisiana will no, the foand lcssimpressed I
with the importance OF supporting and |
preserving the spirit ofour governments,
or less devoted to the principles Of the fr-
deral constitution, the rock of our national I
salvation, than any other of their fellow |
citzens in the union /; that they vili c,i!-
tya'e and promote By every cxpeden, in |
their power, the constitution and laws laid !
down Tor their government, as the hes,
means OF securing tn themselves and pos |
ter,ty al! he principles ofra,iooal aud prac
teal liberty. A constitution, which has
arisen out of society OF out or the social
compact in conformity with the natural
dignity of human nature, aud not from SUI
pefsiition or conquest; and administered
upon the humane and beneyolSnt pIinci
pies oi the one provided Tor the American
empire. and which has so abundantly
guarded against the vice and wickedness
o. man, most, when supported with inte-
grity, prove source OF psacc and safety.
honor and prosperity TO all THOSE who live
under its proteetion--Much, however,
gentlemen, will depend on your own con
duel and exertions, in order 10 attain that
degree of political happiness which the go.
yernment OF the United States is so emf.
nensly calculated 10 produce. Under a
constitution emana,ing from the people,
and which expressly provides that they all
have equal rights, no Object presents IL
self more ferciblc 10 the mind, or is enti-
tied TO greater attention, han that Of
schools and the means OF education. Re
iigion, morality and knowledge, being es-
sentiaily necessary TO good government
and the happiness Of mankind we ought
from sense of duty which we owe to our
selves ard society, 10 promote and encou-
rage by every means in our power an ob
jet which unites in it so many endearIng
considerations. 1t is by IN early and pro-
per edncaiion that the mind becomes i'm
pressed with useful facts and good princi-
pies, and by diffusing knowledge and
learning generally through the mass Of the
people, the stock of human happiness viii
thereby be greatly ircresseds--For [ be-
Iieye il may be fairly concluded that those
who ncgleG the establishment and cult
walton of learning, science and religion,
neglcctthe only means of real refinement,
prosperity and happiness.
Let me now, geOtleneo, direG your al
tenion more particularly to the obieels Of
your Official duties, which are dear 70 your
selves, ADD highly important and ioleres
ting 70 your ftIIow citizens. have no
doubt that your deliberations will be guild
eddy the principles Of truth and Justice,
and with ali that patient firmness which |
becomes the character Of freemeD, called /