Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1811-10-10
VLNDEX.
From tie .Maional IntelHgencer.

Notwithstanding the predictions of fedora
ilsm, there has been scarcely period since
the memorable triumph of 1900, when the
republicans were more united, thar. they are
at this day. Amidst all the vicissitudes of
our affairs, occasioned by the folly or deprav-
ty the conduct of foreign powers towards
us, 1T is an invaluable consolation that the
great body of the people manifest stability
| In principle and an attachment to men not
to be shaken by events. Because the MODS
| OF Greece and Rome were subject to violent
gusts Of passion as all mobs ever have been
and ever will be, it has been since absurd
ly echoed and re-echoed, by those whose in
terest lies in depreCiating popular rights,
that the democratic feature of our institute
ons would disclose the same results and ex-
Pose us TO like evils. These inveghers a.
gainst republican government have been al
together insensible to the marked difference
between the form and character of the anci-
ent republics, and of that under which we
live. They have ignorantly or Intentionally
lost sight of the REPRESENTATIVE /eature that
distinguishes our system, and that renders it
as different from Democracy as from a
Monarchy. The truth is that all extremes
are more nearly allied to each other than
superficial observer would imagine. There
are infinitely more points Of resemblance be-
tween pure democracy and an absolute
monarchy, than between representative re-
publican system of government and pure
democracy or absolute monarchy. For, i'm
the representative republic the general SEN
| timent is transfused into the government,
| and checks and controls the absolute power
OF any one man; while in pure democra-
| cy, as well as in an absolute monarchy, how
ever gilded, the will of an Individual is the
supreme law. Both are, consequently, e.
| Quaily despotisms. The only difference is that
a. az es5So!ute monarchy there is little hope
Of change for the better, while in a demo
cracy the very instability of public opinion
mu!tipIies the chances OF reform.
In representative republic there is more
stability, because the substantial interests Of
nation are subject to but little variation,
and because the government from its very
! organization, is compelled to Consult and
| promote those interests. There NAV be oc-
| casional periods when these interests are ne
| elected or sacrificed but public opinion
soon becomes too powerful for those who have
| thus violated their trusts, aud replaces them
! with men more worthy Of the national conf
| dencc.
OF these remarks our recent experience
Affords the happicst verihcation. The CT
| vilized world, Of which We form part. has
never been more embroilcd and cony1IIsed
4 N"ii'tb WY past tJii years l ne aGItu-
tons of the nations of Europe, and their
wrongs towards us, have exposed usto great
or evils than could possibly have arisen from
any internal causes. They have kept us in
a constant state Of alarm, and have deeply
affected as well the nature as the value of
our labor. They have by this operation af-
torded to faction the most fruitful and plan
sible themes for defamation and denuncia
ton against The administrators Of our govern
ment. Opportunities, so allurine, have not
/ been neglected. Every artihce has been n
| sed 70 insal The belief in the existence of a
foreign influence in the very bosom of the 90
veinwent. No virtue or public services have
constituted shield against this calumny.
which has flowed in bold and steady stream,
! and what has been its cffcct9 Has II. as
under different systems, ruined those at whom
It has been leVeledS Has it robbed them 81
the public coniIdenceS Has it lessened their
capacity to be useful Has it inundated
them IN the discharge Of their duties On
the Contrary, it has exalted them il has
Clothed them with additional confidence it
has increased their ability to serve their coun-
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