Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1815-01-28
From fhe Boston Yankee.
CALEB STRONG SPEAKING THE
TRUTH. IN 1906.

we give the following extract from The
speech of Caleb Strong. in January. 1906.
1t will, no doubt, make some men stare
Pray read it attentiveIy, and ponder well
on the singular description he gives of the
restless demasogues who have just return
ed from the Hartford Convention.
Changes in the constitution of govern
ment are more injurious than in the system
OF laws even small innovation NAV des.
troy its principles. The trainers of the ma.
tional constitution had before them, not on.
ly the forms which had been preferred by
the several states, but those also whish be-
fore that time had en- devised in other n
ges and nations t; and tho the repeated ex.
Periments which have siace taken place in
Europe may suggest matter for warning,
they afford nothing for imitati a. II, not
withstaudIng. it is found by experience that
the constitution operates very unequally, or
the construction OF any part is doubtful, a.
menoments may be necessary 20 alter or ex
PLAN It. But 1t IS in vain to expect that ali
will be satisfed.-Free Government, ADM,
of an endless variety of notifications, and
the opinions entertained of their respective
merits are equally various. When the con
stitutioo was established, perhaps no man
tnat became subject 20 it, was perfectly
pleased with every part. 1t was the result
OF mutual concession. and such indeed must
always be the case, when form of Govern
ment is voluntarily accepted by Commu
nifty.
Almost every nation, at some period of
their existence, have enjoyed the privileges
OF free State but how few have preser-
we'd them they have been lost by the in
constancy OF the eidzens. or forfeited by
their vices. In many Republics. repea-
ted variatians in The modes of Govern.
ment have taken place, as different parties
happened TO predominant, until the people
became weary of changes, and preferred
me quiet of absolute power. to the tumults
OF perpetual revolution. In the minds of
some men, there seem to be a reslessness.
which renders them dissatisfied with any n
inform course OF things, and makes them
eager IN the pursuit of novelty they abound
IN projects, and are ever mediating some
fanciful change in the plan of Government,
which their imaginations represent as use
ful. But men OF great ambition are still
more dangerous they commonly make the
tairest Pretences to principle though they
are actuated only by self interest. IF the
Constitution or Laws of their Country pre-.
sent obstacles to the Accomplishment of their
wishes, they employ every arti6ce to alter
their attempts, they are equally artful and
soictous to destroy their influence, and rem
der them odious to their fellow citizess.
Few men. even in prosperous commu-
nifty. are fully satisfied with their condition;
q great par; are easily induced to believe
that there is something wrong ia the Go,
vernment or Laws whice might be recti6ed
to their advantage they therefore readily
embrace ANY specious proposal 10 effect an
alteration The crafty and ambitious know
how to avail themselves of this disposition
to change, and encourage their followers to
expect, that the amendments they propose
will perfectly suit their case, and produce
the very blessings they wish in this way,
they not only effect their immediate object,
but acquire an influence which enables them
afterwards To accomplish the most deStruc-
tive Innovations Such persons encourage
hopes that can never be realized, and excite
complaints which the most wise and bene-
lent Administration is unable to remove.
Our forms Of Government are doubtless
like all other human institutions, imperfect
but they will insure the blessing of freedom
to- the citizens, and preserve their tranquil.
~, as long as they are virtuous and no
Constitution that has been, or can be form
cd, will secure those bic ssings to depraved
and vicious people"
When Mr.. Strong was not closely beset
by the British incendiaries, he could and
did reason very correctly on the principles
et government, and on fhe sacred and invi.
ciaole constitution which binds the states to
gether. In 1906, he said--' II is in vain 10
expect that all will be satished-That the
Constitution was the result of mutual con
cesslon--That in the minds of some men,
there seems to be a Testiessness which rem.
ders them unsatished with any uniform
course of things, and makes the eager in
pursuit of novelty. If the constitution or
laws OF their country, present obstacles 70
the accomplishment of their wishes, they
employ every artiice 70 alter OF abolish IT,
great part are easily induced to believe
that there is something wrong in the govern
ment or laws, which might be reeti6ed to
their advantage"
The fact is, the whole OF the above ex
tract, from Caleb S,rong's Speech, is sound.
constitutional doctrine. If his excelIeucy
was pronouncing judgment on the Hartford
COnspirators, tor their folly and restless ans
bition, he could not have described their
crimes in more cutting or appropriate Ian
guage. Yet what are we to think Of the pill
ant. time-serPing conduct OF his excellency
BY what internal means has this mans mind
been operated upon, so as to give counte-
nance to the nefariouS conduct Of the eonspi.
rators in 1914 which he so wisely and elo
QuentlV cOndemnd In IHO6 NNhanre ,h;e