Alexandria gazette, commercial and political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1812-1817, 1816-06-15

dppeareu, attcnueu ~ 2e'iS no w .o.
and Secretary, and delivered the fellow
ing SPEECH.
Geatlemen-of the Senate, end
Gentlemen Of the Eouse OF
Representatives,.
AS we have assumed the several sta
tons which the suffrages OF our fellow
citizens have destined US to sustain tor
the present year, ] avail myself Of this
customary interview to congratulate you
on the return of this interesting season,
and that cur country is enjoying state
Of peace ana domestic tranquility.
The institution OF civil government is
essential to human happiness-wishout
government, existence woulo cease tobe
a blessing. But as we can discern no
ground in nature for the assumption OF a
right in one individual to control the ac-
tons Of another, we conclude that all
men are originally equal; and therefore
that legitimate government must be de-
rived from the will of the people. How
ever little the existing governments OF the
world, generally, may correspond with
these positions, We have the satisfaction
to reflect that Massac husetts. and her SIS
ter states, separately and community,
have realized, and are now enjoying tic
right of sclf-government.
That numerous population should
assemble and legislate upon the nultifa-
rious concerns incident to the social state,
is obviously impracticable ,--Reaection
and experience, however, suggested a
convention, and a representative autho-
rity was the result of compromise. Every
conceivable compact is preferable to a.
narchy. But 'if men duly estimate their
own interests liz committing their natural
rights, each individual tor the portion OF
liberty he surreuders, must receive in
benefits from. society far more than an e.
quivalept.
The people Of this state have been ia
vored by an indulgent Providence, with
an opportunity of framing Tor themselves
a constitution of government upcn tie
broad basis Of equal lights. And we may
he permitted to exult in the reflection
that the O. eat questions involved in form
inc system Of rules that must last indie
fnitely tor ages, and influence the csn-
dition CT f.iliions, were discussed with a
degree of intelligence and spirit OF
candor and mutual concession, which
mark tie period as an age of wisdom and
virtue. la that interesting discussion,
facts and principles were investigated ;
the most distinguished forms of civil pc
!Ity. of which sncient and modern times
furnished examples, were analysed and
the effects Of each upon the character OF
man. and upon social happiness, were
|explored and elucidated as might baye
been expected among men TINS INFORM
ed /: men whose ancestors had suffered
under the lash Of tyranny, and who were
themselves menaced with similar evils :
power WAS imparted to public agents with
caution, aud in every practicable IN
stance, limited with precision. Such con
cessions how yer, we're made in favor OF
delegated authority, as promised to en-.
sure tranquility, and due execution OF
Che laws. 1t is obviously one of the lead
ing objects OF our constitution, efiicaci-
ously to counteract the tendency OF Office
to accumulate power, Il SO guard against
an abuse of delegated trust.
Frequent elections are deemed neces-
sary for pfese, wing the original princi-
pies of the government in their purity,
and it is no less requisite to that end
that rulers should thoroughly understand
and duly appreciate their importance.
Principles are immutable--and our sys-
ITEM is SO framed as to leave as little as
possible for construction. A popular 60
|yernment, destitute Of a system Of rules
land principles, expressly distributing Il
modifying the delegated authority, and
prescribing, as well to legislatorsas to ma
|gistrates, the conditions upon which it is
to be exercised. must be fuctuating and
transitory. The ancient republics at
ford striking illustration of the truth Of
this remark. A division Of the powers
of sovereignty into several departments ;
the idea OF yesting the legislative power
lin two deliberate assemblies, each having
la negative upon the other; of separating
the executive from the Legislative with a
perfect or qualified negative upon the
latter; and of establishing judiciary
independent OF both, were disderata in
the ancient republics, which time and
experience have since disclosed. AID il
lis. our happiness gentlemen, to have
Jour lot cast under a system of govern
lment censtructed;upon these principles.
This system being the ordinance Of the
I,,to ,nd onacfad nv them IN fbo