Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1819-09-04

umphs over the Legislation of Europe,
and laughs at the barbara pomp of Asia.
Among free and brave people, but
in rude age, before genius and science
had thrown radiance over the western
world; among the nations from the
north, who formed settlements amidst
the ruins of the Roman empire, as we
know from the history of more than
thousand years past, there was adopted
a system of territorial possessions, which
had in view the certainty and security of
titles to landed estates. Their mode of
approaching their objects is observable
in the forms of their original convey
ances. With palpable deficiency in
science, the mode was imperfect; yet
it marks the value attached to indisputa-
Bile land titles by the freemen of an un-
lettered age.
Centuries have elapsed since that sys-
TEN was perverted by changes and abu-
ses in the land tenures Of Europe. 1t
has been reserved for the freemen of the
United States to realize objects which
were SO desired, but could not be at
tanned, by the nations who founded a
new system of empire in Europe during
the sixth century of the christian era.
And such objects are of extensive
importance for purposes Of cultivation
and social improvement. Giving per-
manent basis Of civilization, the certain
ty and security of land titles are emf
nently worthy the attention of en-
lightened and free people; for in sys-
ten Of freedom, two objects are essen
tial: The first is, to ascertain the boun-
diaries of right; the next, to secure the
observance of such boundaries.
Look at the system of the United
States, with reference to these objects
No other country or age has produced
land system SO sublime in principle, so
perfect in practice, so magnificent in
prospect. 1t is glorious policy which
draws wisdom from heaven, 10 fix the
boundaries of right upon earth. With
glance from heaven to earth, casting
an eye on the map of public surveys,
philosophy can declare the longitude
ana IatltudS OF every farm.
principles of the system are taught
by astronomical and geometrical science.
They have the exactitude of mathemati-
cal demonstration. They are durable
as the globe.
The titles to land, as so ascertaincd,
are derived from the public authority,
whose arm is extended to maintain the
rishtful possession. The efficacy of this
protective power is recognized in the
wilderness, which is traversed by adven-
turous science. 1t is recognized in that
navigation, without sails or oars, moving
on the waters which distinguish and en-
rich this empire Of freedom.
See those vessels with the agency of
steam, advancing against the powerful
current OF the Mississippi and the Mis-
souri,! Their course is marked by vo-
lumes ofsmoke and fire, which the civil
lied man observes with admiration, and
the savage with establishment. Botansts,
mineralogists, chemists, artisans, cultiva-
tors, scholars, soldiers; the love fpeace,
the capacity for war; philosophical appa-
ratus and military supplies; telescopes
and cannon, garden seeds and gunpow-
der, the arts of civil life and force to
defend them---all are seen aboard. The
banner of freedom, which waves ever the
whole, proclaims the character and pro-
tective power of the United States.
Greece in its wisdom, Rome in its
grandeur, Europe in its glory, never re-
allied system so deserving the admi-
ration and applause Of human kind.
I!,iMPDEN.