Alexandria daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1803-1808, 1806-02-04
EXTRACT
FROM GOVERNOR STRoNG's
s. p E e c IT,
ITO the Lsgislutare Of Massachusetts.

eBuT ohanges in the constitution OF go
vernment are more Injurious than IN the
system OF laws, small innovation may
destroy its principles. The trainers OF the
national constitution bad before them, not
only the forms which had been preferred by
the several states, but those also when
before that time had been devised in other
ages and nations; and though the repeated
experiments which have since taken place
in Europe, may Suggest matter 10, wafning
they afforded nothing for imitation. II
otwihsranding, it Is found by experience
that the constitution operates very uneqahy
or the construction OF any part rs doubtful,
amendments may be necessary 10 alter or
explain it. But it is vain to expect-that all
will be satisfied. Free governments admit
of an endless variety Of notifications, and
the opinit i, entertained Of their resPv Give
merits ar, xquaily various. When the con-
siiiueion was established, perhaps no man
that, became subject to 1t, was perfectly
pleased with every part Il was the result
OF mutual concession, and such-indeed must
always be the case when a form oil govern
nent is voluntarily accepted by a commu.
nifty.
Almost every nation, at some period OF
their existence, have enjoyed the privileges
of a free state but how few have preserv.
ed them they have been lost by the in.
consistency of the citizens, or forfeited ny
their vices. In many republics, repeated
variations in the modes OF government have
taken place, as diReren, parties happened to
predominant, until the people became wea'
ry of changes and preferred the quiet OF ab-
soiute power. to the ,umelts Of perpetual re.
volution- 10 the minds OF some men,
there seems TO be restlessness, winch rem
ders them dissatisfied with any uniform
course of .hipgs, and make them eager IN
The pursuit of nov ely they abound IN pre-
,iects and are ever medisating some tancl.
tul change in the plan OF government,
which their Inauguration represents as USE
ful. But men of great ambition are sill
more dangerous they commonly make the
fairest pretences 10 principle, though they
are actuated only by sslf-rteresl. 1t the
constitution or law Of lheircountry present
obstacles 10 the accomplishment OF Their
wishes, they employ every ar,'ace TO a!Ff
or abolish then aud ifindividuals oppoFe
their attempts, they are equally artiul afd
solic;ous TO destroy their influence, ard
render them odious to their fellow CHI
gems.
Few men even in a prosperous COG
nruuity, are fully satisfied with their cpn.
dition; a great part are easily induced 10
believe, thai there is something wronSin
government er laws which might be recsl-
fed TO their advantage they the etore easi'
lv embrace any specious proposal TO eject
an alteration. The crafty and AMBITIOUS
know how to avail tn, mselves Of thlsdls-
position to change, and encourage heir
followers to expect, that the amendnents
they propose will perfectly suit sheii case
and ;,roduce the very blessings they Wish;
! in shls way they no, only effect shef I'M
mediate object, but acquire an inAlenee
which enables them afterwards to aGom.
pIish the most destructive Innovations.
Such persons encourage hopes that c n ne.
YER be realized, AID excite complaints
which TIE most wise and benevo!eat ad-
ministraton is unable 10 remove.
Indeed, we are generally apt TO scrioe
too much TO the stlicacy of laws AMI gov
eminent, as if they aline could secFe the
bappines of the people; but 20 lafs viii
be sufficient to counterfeit the lnHuInce or
manners which are corrupted by yce and
yoluptuousness and il is beyond tie pow
er of any government, TO renderEhe cir.
cumstances of the citizens easy att pros
porous, if they want the habits of ldusry
and frugslity. Government IS NECESSARY
to preserve the public peace, andprotect
the lpeksons and property of indifduals ;
but our social happiness must chilly de-
pend upon other causes; upon Simplicity
and purify of manners; upon Thy educa-
ZION that we give our chlldrenjupon a