Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1810-08-15
Fran tie Connecticut couraat.
A FRAGMENT OF A DIALOGUE.

We have hadn't Sef0dliy, from very Fc
-anectable authority, that a conversation OF
The following kind passed be:weena Euro
pean Of high distinction for talents and IN
formation, who was travelling over this
country, and an intelligent citizen OF the
II. States. 1t was at some period during
the first term of Washington's administra-
ton when the country was blessed with
general harmony, as we'll rs unrivalled pros
perity.
Eurobean. This is fine country, and
YOU at present are the happiest of people,
The constitution that binds together your
state republics in one general confsderacy,
eyinces great wisdom in its trainers. 1t Is
an experiment, which the world is beholdmg
with admiration and it has succeeded hi.
.ttherto far beyond all expectation. L re-
peat it, you are now the happiess OF people;
/ happier than'any nation else that now is, or
than any perhaps that the sun ever shone
upon. But il is not in the course OF human
nature that this state of things should last
long. The present calm will be succeeded
by storms. You will be exposed to internal a.
citations and commissions, which, If they
should not rend to pieces your consultation
of government, will SO warp and pervert 1t
as to make itqui,e different thing in its
nature and operation from what it is now.-
In short, the experiment is but just begun
and though every thing respec,ingis looks
fair and prosperous hitherto, it is hardly
time TO make positive conclusions concern.
ing its final success.
.Ameriean. For myself emo reason
why the United States, under the protec.
ton and blessing of Divine Providence,
NAV not continue in the same dlgn'tled and
prosperous course they are in now, tor ages,
and even tor centuries to come. / see no
reason why they may not continue to exit
bit an example of order and harmony, and
Of every thing that is great%and, noble IN
human nature, so as to convince the whole
we,ld of the permanence as well 'as excel
Ieuce Of the republican form OF govern.
ment. / beg, therefore, sir, you would
have the goodness to explain tome the eau
sss of your apprehensions.
Lurobean. The question is not what the
people of this country might do, should
they continue virtuous and true TO their
own interests but what probably they 7o1H
do, under impulses which will rouse their
passions and mislesd their judgments. Il
draw nv conclusions from tF- common
principles and passions Of human nature, as
they have been developed by history and
experience in all-ages of the world. The
bulk of mankind are very much alike every
where; and in Judging how they will act
under any given circumstances. we must
reason not from what they should be, but
from what they actually are. They are
selfish, obstinate, open to fattery, and easily
duped by the crafty and designing. The
people of this country atpresent are under
some singular advantages, which in the
nature of things can be but temporary.-
Among the chief of these 4 reckon their
having a, the head Of their government, the
great and good Washington; man who
unites all hearts man whose patriotism
is as pure and ardent, as his Judgments
sound, and his views comprehensive;
man whose signal services and long tried
faithfulness have gained him such a'weighe
Of character with the nation, as no other
man can ever attain. The whole weight of
his personal character bears upon the public
with most salutary influence. Intrigues
stand abashed before him. Political iniqui-
~ hides lis head. His example gives ;,
tone TO the public mind. Thousands ad-
mire it, and follow it. He uniformly con-
suits the good of the patton in his selections
to Office; and the people in accordance with
his example and views, choose some of
their wisest and best men to represent them )
in congress; so that you are now governed
by Reinstatement and ineorruptible patriots.
But when his influence ceases to be felt, and |
his liuino examnlr shall he no LONGER bel FORE |