Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1810-06-22

burst of the Gallo volcano, to this day-A
let os look at them OH the honorable sryLcd
OK neutrality, charged ia turn, by each bei..
lgerent, with mean degrading Partially.
and repelling with dignity, the unproyoi1ed
attack. See our federal rulers. robcd iu
Justice and honor. whilst Europe, conyuis.-
ed to the centre, has been in one great
blaze OF war, preserving. for. series OF
years, their unofendins states IN peace.
Behold them, in the choice of Unavoidable
evils, struggling with the impa,ience- and
am ctions OF the people. under the painful,
but indispensable operation. for preserving
the vital huid of the nation, their active
property And then let US declare the
Judgment of candor and truth on the coz.
duct OF our governments.
Whilst we admit, that there is no
perfection in human nature, and that
the greatest men do often err; let us
not construe the errors OF hone st func-
tionarles into crimes; let us place in
the opposite scale, their meritorious
acts, and at least give them full credit
tor the balance. When this is done,
may we not with truth declare, tEat
the federal government have done well,
and are good and faithful servants Of
the public?
The provisions, made by the con-
stitutlon and laws for the establishments
AID promotion of literature, religion.
morality, and the social virtues. sun
ported as they have been, and assured
iy will be by government, cannot fail
to attain their desirable objects. They
are the true and only sources of pre-
sent and future happiness. Without
these Qualities, what is man? A living
sepulcre, with a fair and deceitful ex.
terror, and an impure and polluted
mind and possessed of them, is he
not . the no5lest work OF God" How
Important then to society, is the patron.
age OF government for the institation
and support of schools, acad =mies and
colleges? These are the inexhausti-
pie fountains of true piety, morality
and literature; and tie solid fouudati-
ON of liberty, national honor, and pub.
lie happiness.
In the channels of husbandry and
commerce, flows in great measure
the active property of this State. These
| are natural allies, the aid of one, is in-
! dispensable to the other, and it is for
tunafe for both, that there is coinci-
| dence of friendship and interest be-
tween them. They are the great pill
lars of this commonwealth, aud not
right of either ought to be invaded, or
impaired, whilst she, in subordinalion
to the general government, has an aim
to protect them.
Industry and economy, these great
sources Of wealth, cannot be 100 much
encouraged and supported. Happily
for this country, they In numerous. in
stances, are Unlisted in the service Of
manufacturers and mechanics. These
valuable and important classes of our
fellow citizens, have Just demand on
| government, for every reasonable en-.
enlargement aud support. Their pur.
suits are practicable patriotism, and
whilst eur national and state parch-
msnts, establish our independence of
right. their measures, more solid, are
establishing for us an independence in
deed.
| When we reflect that the United
States are in possession of numerous
blessings, political, civil and religious,
many of which are not enjoyed by any
other nation that we are remote from
those scenes of war and carnage by
which Europe is vested in sable that
we enjoy the uncontrolled right, on
principles of true liberty, to form, al
ter, and carry into effect our federal &
state constitutions that founded ON
them and on law, there exists spirit
Of toleration, securing to every one the
undisturbed rights of conscience, aud
the free exercise of religion; that
the people, at fixed periods, have the
choice of their rulers and can remove
those who do wrong; that the means
of education in all lis branches, are IL
beral, general and successful; that
their national strength, resources and
powers, by proper arrangements, may
render these states invinciblc; that by
our husbandrg, commerce, manGfac.
lures and mechanical arts, the wealth
OF this country almos, surpasses credi-
bility let US not be prompted by inn
prudent 2ealots Of ANY description to
hazard the irretrieva5le los, Of all, or
of any of these inestimable blessings