Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1809-07-07

A ,
,tiicio; there will be 10 grand Jury to
End bill; the judge has his instruc-
lions how Co explain the matter to the
Jury and they OF course will understand
the paper better than you who wrote it. {;
You ouss also beware how you intro !
duce notes of admiration, abbreviate |
your words, or use initials: for ma !
nv q poor fellow who wrote the truth |
aud could prove it; have a few strokes
81 admiration, or dash Of his pen, or
QUO or two initial letters, made use
OF To stand for one or two words,
perhaps in hurry or in careless mo-
menl. stuck up in the pillory.
w men person born in this country
aud Stranger to tyranny, reflects on
the facts which are here stated, he will
stand amazed at the forbearance of
the people and at the infatuation OF
such III this country as look upon the
English government as the most "stu.
pendous monument of the human un-
derstanding;" will he not rather ex-
claim that it is the most s,upendous
monument of vice and folly!
In republican governments, until their de-
generating into aristocracies or oligarch HES,
freedom of speech and Of writing IS a con-
sequence of their popular origin. To this
the laws can ahax no restriction, because to
abr'dge this freedom would be To Change
the constitution. Speakers CAN only be re-
restrained by prosecution for defamation or
BY he fear of personal resentment. This
IS md <,4,,
IS sull permitted in governments the most
absolute. Ii is INDUCED to ambassadors and
to heralds in the presence of despotic prin-
ces We're it otherwise there would be an
end to all intercourse between nations and
perpetual exclusion or perpetus, war must
be the consequence.
Under the Goths, from whom the English
have borrowed the model of representative
government, and the form of their legisla-
tive sessions the civil government OF mill
ta'y adventurers partook of the character
OF tne military profession. The military
officers from the hrst chief, whether cal
led King or duke, down to the simple esq.
or candidate for knighthood, in their ma.
tional assemblies, had right 20 the free.
dom Of debate and of opinion. Thus far
the government wss republican,, but as
their vassals or followers we've in slavery
they only as superior order could be s,id
to deliberate concerning their exclusive
interest. Hence the !eudal governments
at their FIRST formation were OF anarIstocra.
tic form.
Thc introduction of manufactures and oe
coma erce, whilst they stimulated the APP
petites of the feudai baron for luxuries and
enabled the vassai 70 ensure his freedom
by minis,erins to their qualification in
trot!uced third order of men called com.
mems, but freemen The increasing con-.
sequence OF the commons on account OF
their Increasing wealth the policy of kings
IN supporting the commons in order to
break the power OF the MOBILES gave the
commons q seat in the Legislative essen.
biies of the nation. But the mnlcitude of
their nambers anu s1Penss proving an OBJ
stacle 10 their deliberations and attendance,
they Geputed others TO deliberate for chem.
fhas military system, operating in war,
was the origin OF representative govcra..
ment.
Under this system Of legislation, it is
plain, shat the people have NOT surrender.
ed up TO their representatives greater nor /
ton of their rights than what is necessary !
for the faithful performance Of their resDec. |
tive appointments. Were it otherwise. the |
people debarre3 the right OF tliscuss;nc
their conduct, or their PRINCIPLES, wou,d |
have appointed for themselves masters and |
NOT administrators of their pleasure
this right be exercised by word
Of mouth or in the more lasting form of
writing and of publication, is in itself in
this cannot change its nature.
But as nothing in life is perfect, and its
goods and advantages are all mixed with
physical evil or I,nperfection so has the
freedom OF discussion and of publication al.
80 its attendant mperfectioBs The pub-
locations OF the press are often resorted to.
as vehicles Of defamation and o. SANDER: eo i
the repose ofan opponent because
ne may happen to dissr in soma religions
n political principle to stab his character
~ the pr lpdgation of falsehoods and ficti1-
'us fumcurs, Kill in this manher becoming
he OJ ct Of public odium or OF public
sorn; Dciety believes him either emily
" contemplate. The murderer a.
way life indeed but makes NJ, attemnt ON
he most estimabic of posses ,.ons-.,charac.
er the slrnderer, after he has robbed HE
'ictim of hrs name, leaves Tin nothing bur
he form Of man Of all the noble prcFoy.,
ives Of his nature.
There is description of persons who
hough they have Got the claims of jniured
iuocence upon cur justice, Notwithstanding
ave some oI Que compassion and humani.
Y. All pun .shments except such as are Of
a "A. no 4