Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1809-09-15

object; their combined etr:cts fzve produ-
ced such prodigies in tine arts and scien.
ces.
In this latter state it was just that the
man who had bravcd dangers or devoted
himself TO incessant labor for some us full
requirement, should OBTAIN that honor VIII; ch
is SO pleasing TO the heart of man. But that
another. either through reliance on birth,
or on the riches which he acquired, should
Come forward TO share the rev ards of his
useful labors, is at once both unjust and pre-.
pcsterous
However, the aristocracy of wealth and
talents cling once forned in society, it is
probable that the latter shail ever coatinue
dependent on the former: aud tn a. man
Sind VIII forever, also continue to bestow
upon it, the greatest honors. Though in
tais respect they act not with greater de-
gree OF wisdom than the man who would
fail down and worship an ass which he him.
sell had laden with money-bag.
But the evil does not rest here the rich,
willing to perpetuate their wealth in their
children, will wish to perpetuate their no.
nors; and even such as have acquired no.
nors as the weil-earned rewards of their la
bors, forgetfu of their object, will wish to
eequeath them also ~ And the mistaken DO.
puiace either through admirai ion of their eX-
PLOTS, or through an inclpacity to- burst
those Chains which they themselves have
Forged for their authority, will or must sub
mitt -
Hereditary rank is thus formed, which
mlseaking the origin of its creation, and by
what means it has secured its power; per-
maps even presenting, that ITS continuance
must rave originated in the DEGREES of hea-
ven, and that 1T must b. formed of first ele-
mehts, pnrer than the rest of mankind, or
that at least it must have deprecated in
the continued honors of its station those dregs
OF blood and feelings which II once posses
sed IN common with the' rest or mankind,
incuica5es the jargon of divine rtgkt and
mobility of6i0od- And, slaves VIII not bc
wanting whilst it has hon RS and Offices TO
bestow, to ditfuse those doctrines of subec.
tiol.
Ranks, therefore, when they have once
| acquired this derIvative and hereditary
| possession, are equally fatal 70 the liberties
of people, whether they ut first origina
ted in wealth or talents.
To separate themselves as far as possible
from the heOhle, and TO forge their chains
still stronger by the delusons OF the UNDER.
standing. titles are introduced at once un-
meaning and Elusive i But the more sue.
cessful in operation; because their very
obscurty becomes in time cause of pro.
founder generation.
Manners are iatsIy formed which are,
indeed, necessary Consequences oftheir diff.
ference of situation from, the rest Of the PEG.
Pile. 1t is not difficult for him to acquire a
delicacy of feature, OF attitude who has ne
yer contracted his members by corporeal
labors: whose body is pampered with the
best viands and liquors, and is seldom ex.
posed to the inclemeucy of the seasons.
ms is AN experiment we have all seenas-
certainsd on dogs and horses. The forms
of mechanics become compressed and stiff.
fened by the !abors of their respective pro-.
fessions: whilst tradesmen are obliged to
devote themselves to the means of acquiring
n support in life and have not time to throw
away upon such LITTLE elegances.
Whilst the ideas and sentiments Of this
.,nseful class of men, whom they contemptu-
ously call the iaeohLe, are formed by their
respective avoCations they indeed may
wei. boast of superior generosity of SEN
timent, to which they had only to attend and
to superior elegance of manners, 20 whose
requirement their whole life has been devo-
ted.
.HDpI.JHA