Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1805-05-15
FROM TIE LITERARY MAGAZINE.
CIV re AlNERIcdN coNS7Y7.u71oM

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IS somewhat surprising that the me.
ritsot the government OF the United States
OF America have not been more accurate
ly discussed by European writer's. 1t was
this republic which exhibited the FIRST in .
stance, in The present century, of what
could be effected by people who were
resolved 10 be free and who by their sue
cesses, encouraged others to attempt to
J shake OF the yoke by which they felt
themselves oppressed; bat they enioved
advantages (which the nations of E,irop.
were destitute. they had long been ac-
crstomed to live under popular govern
i meat, and had been educated amid the
enjoyment OF freedom, both civil and po-
lliicai; 20 them, therefore liberty was not
stranger, known only by distant report,
with whose features they were rot suiIici
emily acquainted to distinguish from the
imposlor RIGHTEOUSNESS, that so often as
sumes her name, and counterfeits herpre
tensions. Their manners were not coy.
rupt by the contagious example of those
l'cenuous courts, which consider religion
only as political machine 10 keen the
people in subie6lion, and force on them an
uniform profession of faith, while govern
ment itself may violate every obligation Of
moraiity.--The Jealousy and ambition oil
princes, instead of operating against us.
was, by concurrence OF circumstances.
directed against the power with which
we are at variance, and at ieng.h openly
favored our Efforts. Under these advan.
tages, we not only succeeded in wildcat.
ing ourindependence, but obtained leisure
to exert our abilities in planning a form of
government, which, If not perfect, seems !
at least well calculated 10 promote The han !
plness OF people, whose love of liberty I
IS attempercd with that Of order and de-
cency, and accompanied with the virtues
OF integrity, moderation and sobriety.-
fortunately separated by the ocean from
the present hofrid scenes OF war, we are
undisturbed in the enjoyment of the adj
sailiages so dearly purchased fields
are not exposed TO the irrupiions OF an ir.
rta'ed and llCentious multitude; nor are
we 'iAbie 20 see oar country impoyerish-
ca ard IS inhabitants sacrificed, by be
ing forced into concurrence with wild
schemes OF selfish ambition and the lns,
of power.
The constitution oflhe American states
deserves the greater attention, as il is the
nrst that, since the improvements ia tb,.
circumstances of society, which so honor
s5sy distinguish modern times, was found-
eason the free delberation of men, ubo
understood the nature of Liberty, and were
Jealous IN her cause who while they des-
p'sed the political and ecclesiastical pre-
Judices, which are fostercd in the conn
tries of Europe knew The necessity nj =.
Dedience 10 laws, and of regard of reri-
g'on and virtue, both in principle and prac-
ice and who were no, fetiercd by that in. |
innate political connection with FOREIGN
princes, which is always dangerous 10 the |
independence OF republics.-Af attentive
view OF the harmony Of The American re.
vcintion, will point out the cause yhv tina.
OF France has not been attended with more
saln,ary consequences.
The cheif faults in The old confedera.
uon had their source in that jealousy If
power, which generally prevails amonr
people who have shaken off what they
CONCEIVE 10 be an oppressive yoke. and
asserted their liberties, Hav.
ing long been accustomed 10 see authori.
y and oppression united, they find il diff.
.'N"'e W 1iSunSulSn TWO ideas which they
have acquired a habit Of associa,;nr
They confess The necessity Of IaNsto re.
STRAIN licentiousness, as well as to repu.
late the proceedings OF government but
ihey are apt to look with aversion on those
VINO are appointed to execute them. az
men who would wish 10 elevate them.
selves above the level of their fellow CHI.
Gems, and To acquire power independent
OF them--they forget that in republic.
the magistrate, Of whom they are thus
suspicious, holds his power only FOR
short pefiod ; that when this has expired.
nc must retire 10 the station Of a private
citizen; and, If he has laid any buftben
on the community, must afterwards bear
his portion Of il. 1t must however be &C.
knowledged, that some degree OF this iea-
lousy is not more natural to republicans,
than it is necessary TO prevent their go
yeFHment from degenerating into sristo.
crazy but when il is carried so Tar as To
deprive the executive power OF that vigor
which is requisite 70 enforce the laws, and
10 maintain the constitution, il is pregnant
with ruin TO those liberties which il pro
fesscs 10 fruard.