Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1805-06-12
From she National Lnfel1geacer.
Examination ofthe question &c In svhat does
srHe rsfiubfronisna consist 2"
CcoNrINuEp.l

! nebt points, on which genuine republican,
may differ without rendering themselves
objects OF suspicion, we are brought 10
the second division of our subject: The
points on which correspondence of opi-
fnion is essential. This view opens a wide
held OF enquiry, loo extensive to be fully
I occupied at this time. The very nature
oil the enquiry, however, supercedes the
NECESSITY of much detail either of arpu.
ment or fact on the several points of a.
| grcement ias they must inevitably be such
as do not admit ofany considerable diver.
shy OF opinion among republicans; and Il
the points specified be such, an Immediate
acquiescence may be relied on.
WeveDture to lay down these general
propositions that genuine republicanism
consists in,
]. A mu,ualtolera,ion of opinion.
.. indiscdssing the proprie,y orpropo-
sed measures, under sacred respea for
truth, and The influence of an unpreiudic-
ed and unin1amed Judgment.
3. lnrcsolntely going, however at vari.
ance with preconceiyed IDEAS, whatever
length reason and the public welfare re-
quire-
A. In adevotion to liberty eyinced not
SO much IN our abstract ideas of govern
ment, because the best & wisest men will
difier on these points, as by The general
tenor OF our sentiments and Actions. Con.
sequen'ly a true republican will neither
by word or deed say or do anything which
shall infringe the rights Of canscience, or
the freedom Of action in his fellow men.
which is not hagrantly inconsistent with
the general welfare.
). In The habi,uai manifestation of re-
speet;i7r republican institutions and the
people.
6. In an habi,ual and cheerful submits
sicnto the will ofthe people as expressed
by a majority.
q. Ina stronger attachment 10 mea
sures than inef,inan attachmentso strong
asio prevent violation of the former
from a regard to the latter.
8. In cautious abstinence from The G <
ercise OF all unnecessary power, leaving To
individuals the unmolested pursuit Of their
own concerns, wherein it does not iniure
o,hers.
9. In the imposition of light taxes on
ordinary, and OF equal taxes on all occasi-
ons.
10. In the habi,ual maintenance Of
peace, unless driven to arms by the sys.
temasic' and deliberate aggressions Of an
enc my.
ii. In strenuous and pcrseverine exer-
tons, by promoting education and he arts,
to raise the poor 10 a state OF comfort and
independence, and TO enlighien the whole
community, so as torender them better
Die to ENJOY personal happiness and main
tain social rights.
VIII not say that these arc all, or even
the greater part ofthc traits which charec.
terise genuine republican but will saw
that he who possesses them is a eeuuine
republican, however he may think or aa
either IN private or public life on subordi-
nate points. twill be perceived that these
traits necessarily imply sincere convicti-
on That all legitimate power is derived
from the people, and that its only honest
exercise is in the promotion of their hap.
piness.
Let US rapidly review these several
traits.
HrSf; n mutual liberation of ofif,lio1, is
an essential Ingredient in Tie character az
arspubllcan. Were called upon To name
the cardinal poin, OF repubncanism. nre.
eminent above all others, l would naror
this Without it freedom is bur name.
an 'gnts Jasuag, that moy. hurry ms into
difficulties and dangers, but can never
lead us to any useful result. lie who de.
mes freedom of opinion to Others neees.
ssrily arrogates to himself superior intel
Iiigence or virtue, TO all around him: and
without, perhaps, always pcrceiying il
himself lays the first foundation stone Of
monarchy or sristocracy. Whence is
IL, tina, free states have persisted, but from
the inordinate ambition Of few men, who
have not rested satisfied. until they pros.
trated all opposition.to their views what
was the first indication Of this ambition,
bu, intolerance of opinion, ovcrbearine
and menacing whatever crossed or thwsrt-
ed itl
Let US anelise the Ingredients of which
such spirit is generally composed. 7, Is
founded on the belief oflhe individual mat
he IS possessed OF high powers, arising
from comparison Of himself with those
around him. This belief may be lust. or
1t may be unjust. III uninst he car 49,.