Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-07-11
[12 l-2 Gents Singled

, rors of a civil war; is no uncommon sigh,
but for a nation peaceably to be assem-
bled, for the purpose of erecting a govern
ment, founded on the basis of equal right,
was phenomenon reserved to be exhibi-
ted by the American people. Fair dis
cusson now took place of that sanguinary
contest, which, in its course, had swept off
such numbers of the human race. A con-
stitution was established, which has an
swered our highest expectations. The Ii
berty of the press universal federation in
matters OF religion impartial trial by iu-
ry the separation of the legislative, exc
cutive and judiciary functions: the suGor-
dinaticn of the military to the civil autho-
rity, are its holy attributes.
! VIII these excellenc ies continue forevcrs
This is an important inquiry. History
! teaches us, that those governments, in
which the people possess the sovereignty.
are most of all others Liable TO decay.
Greece and Rome were once great repub
lies. The arts and sciences flourished a.
monSsr them by their virtues they became
power I'll but by means 81 corruption thew
sunk into slavery. The posterity of the
lively, ingenious and ardent Greeks, have
degcnerated into slaves of the ferocious
! Turks, remarkable only for ignorance and
barbarism. rhe mtrep d, he roic and pa
triotic Romans became cffeminate Italians
histories of ali countries furnish us with
eXa pies or the pruncness OF men in DOW
er, to desert Their trust, and become the
enslavers OF the people. Is our 'cunstitu-
ton so, that it will guard US against every
species OF attack Against the gradual ef.
forts OF men IN power against the Derni-
cious effects ofcorruption against the rest
less ambition CT disappointed individuals
against the Hydra Treason, which nourish-
es itself by drain ng the blood of our citi-
zens, and plunging them in all the miserjes
OF anarchy and confusion Win it like the
adder iniict deadly wound on the first
rude hand that dares profane it Will ie
protect MS against the Insult and oppression
| of that deceitful and proud foe, our victo-
ry over whom in former times, we are now
convened to celebrate woetul experience
answers IN the negative. Yet even in the
infancy ofyour politica. existence Won have
nad awful and solemn warnings. Let us,
fellow Citizens, endeavOr to avert these q.
wills. Let us rails our shield before the
mighty blow is struck, which threatens 10
achieve our ruin. The transition from Ii.
berty to slavery is easy, but it is the most
arduous OF all ngs, for a people whose
rights are once Frustrated at the fooC OF
deSpotlSm, to recover them. The ma
lions OF Europe, Tor many centuries past.
! have been bowed down with the oDDressive
! burden OF kings and mobiles with the in.
! tervention of but few resolutions i'm favnur
! OF the people, they have quickly rclapsed
to their former miserable state Let ne
not lose the government let us encourage
an interchangeable wa,Chfulness among cur
SeiVes; let the treasures of science be raid
! open inst II IN the minds OF your youth
the love of virtue, make them acquainted
.ff,r
with its fundamental principle, the soy6.
reRSHty OF the fe0his, with its equal and
exact justice toa!l. Compare it with tRose
/ OF the various nations OF the earth, with the
I lotty majesty OF their rulers and the dcpra-
/ ded sta;e ot their subjects Let them Know
these things and they will not fail to admire
! it.
! Above all things nourish patriotism Your
( country again demands your assistance.
( Great Britain has again commenced her
system of bloodshed; and endcavors to
! force you into compliance with her brutal
demands. Our repeated applications for
/ redress have been answered with reDcated
! injuries no longer place confidence in q
| perhdiouS government, which amuses vort
! with negotiation, while it takes eyerv
means to insult and Cypress you The up
! lifted hand OF despCtsm is PREPARED tn fiIt
]
struck. The violation of the neutral Fl ,gl
the wrongs of our impressed seamen, the
| spolidtions on our commerce, the blood Of
eur murdered felow-citIzcns of the Che
sapeakc call aloud Tor vengeance. preDare
for The dreadful conflict. If there IS left a
! spark OF the sacred flame of 70, il win novy
be ehCited. Nlrginians, address nyseifto
you on this occasion for noble eyer.
ton IN the cause of freedom, YOU have
stood "proudly eminent" The enemies of
mankind have trembIed at the sound Of
your name. Letthat love of liberty, which
mas h'thcrto Characterised you, never cease
to inspire you Proclaim To- the world tbat
las more than thirty gears ago. gou were
the first TO take up arms to maintain the
rights OF man, you will not now be back
ward IN brave endeavcurs To- crush tbst tv-
ranniccal nation, winch, forgetful OF its for
mer defeat and disgrace, has dared again
20 invade them.