Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1809-03-09

able to defeat the most poWC1loi 'alo o'
of the earth, and perform exploits the pa
rallel of which no where exist. Greece Do-
came corrupt, and from internal dlssentlonss
soon fell a prey, first TO the Macedonian
princes, afterwards to Rome. It is IN the
history of this nation, which rose from the
smallest beginning till it extended its en-
pire over the finest portions OF Europe
Asia and Africa, that the most instructive
lessons are TO be found-Originally kind
of limited monarchy-wh they dethroned
their kings little alteration was made in their
constitution, except in substituting two chief
magistrates, annually elected, in the place
of royalty. The aristocratic feature pre-
vailed in their government, thro' the most
Aourishing periods of their history. De-
mocracy gradually incroached on that prln-
ciple, and from various causes became pre-
dominant. The people grew corrupt, and
after the most tragical civil conflicts, the
liberty of Rome sunk under the fortune OF
Octavius Caesar.
The concurrent testimony of history ex-
hibits this people as individually bious, Just,
to be depended on in al their engagements-
the z0ord ola Roman being considered as SUI
perior to the bond or oath of the citizen of
any other country. To the courage, the
fortitude, the magnanimity necessarily re-
sulting from such principles has been justly
attributed the majestic greatness in every
thing which could ennoble man, to which
the Roman name attained; but the vicissi-
tudes in the fortunes of this singular peo-
pie, the magnificent grandeur of the sub
ject, would lead too tar from the object Of
this paper.
A short reference has been made to Greece
and Rome, to shew, by the most brilliant
examples of ancient times, that Justice, pie
ty, temperance, fortitude and self-denial are
the great and only pillars which can support
the temple OF liberty--a truth, confirmed by
. the fate OF antient as well as modern repub-
lies.
five look nearer home, in our own coun-
try, we shall find in Connecticut, Massa-
chusetts, perhaps in New Hampshire, the
best foundations of the republican system
laid. In these states, particularly in Con-
necticut,which may be considered the stand
ard OF genuine republicanism, the education
OF youth forms conspicuous part of their
police, as does the pubic patronage Of reli-
gion they therefore have there additional
aids, superior to the other states, to main
tain their republican principles and habits
unlmpaired; for however opinions NAV va
ry, it is here commended to be an incontro
vertible political axiom, that religion and
morality are Indispensable supports to free
government, and to the happiness of man.
In the other states the education OF youth
devolves ON the parent, except in the cases
of paupers, for the binding of whom, to be
instructed in some useful employment, and
to receive the rudiments Of common edu-
cation, it is believed some provision exists
in the laws Of all the states, copied, in a
measure, from the laws Of England.
In Virginia no public patronage is given
to religion; on the contrary, the legislative
acts have rather tended TO disceuntenance it
no provision, under the auspices of the
government, is made for the moral or intel
lectual instruction of youth. We seem to
rely altogether On nature and the coercion of
the law, or to use more modern, fashion,
able, Godwinian phrase, on the effect Of
political institution" for inspiring those
principles OF justice, piety, temperance, for
titude and self-denial, and forming the ha-
bits consonant Herewith, so essential to the
duration of our republican system, to the
character OF our country, and the individu-
al happiness OF its citizens.
In all ages and in all countries, except the
United States, and here partially, religion
has been an object of the first public concern
and marked attention of government. 'Fhe
recalling the mind, at stated periods. to the
contemplation OF the Deity and of his Won
drous works, and CT the denendance of MN