Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1820-09-26
NATIONAL EDUCATION.
TO HENRY CT.AY.

TO HENRY CLAY,
srEAEEu OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE, Z. S
Washington Cay, 22d efl2tA month, 1919.
HoNoRED FRIEND,
Interesting views OF general educa
ton, and collateral means auxiliary to the
conformation of national character, re.
quirc to be grounded on practica
TRUTHS. To elucidate the subject OF
which | make this communication,
respectfully refer to the record of ages
as evidence III point to the truth OF my
propositions. History teaches mankind
that many nation, nave declined in morals
IS they Increased in riches; for their
fl~6lic intellect and happiness diminish
~ N proportion as they deviated from
that simplicity of manners, which contri-
tues to the true wealth OF natioDs. The
most eminent lawgiYers of antiquity IL
!ustrale this national truth. CYRus, who
oyvrwh, imed one empire, and establish
~ greater dominion, was as distin-
fGl.sl,ed by virtue as conspicuous for
.,t&er. His energies and success were
lived from simplicity of practice and
d. las acter. The judgment of SCION
as, that riches brought luxury, and
,uxury introduced TYRANNY into ma
ton" SoLoN was a true republican,
for when he happened to be in the court
of the monarch of Lydia, whom he saw
arrayed in purple, enthroned in splendor,
and surrounded with magnifcence, the
rich CRAEsUs asked the wise man if he
chad ever seen any thing more glo-
rious?" Scion, feeling nothing but con-
tempt, for the guided toys and playthings
of court, answered, yes cocks, pea
cocks and pheasants. This reply pre-
vented his being retained at the palace,
which he quilted, yet leaving behind
him the forcible impression of truth,
the repetition Of which saved the life Of
king Cracsus, when the revolution oftime
had brought on him the visitations Of
caaiAity and defeat.
ne same simplicity was inculcated
by socrates, who on observing young
CT Ken absorbed in pursuits unworthy an
iremortal mind, exclaimed, "BEHoLD A
GOLDEN SLAVE" PLATO was an exam
p.a of moderation; he refused a purple
robe when presented from king, saying
81 AN A MAN, AND sooRN SUCH Eff
FEMINANoIEs." LYcURGUs, by his pre-
ccpts, laws and example, reared the
foundation Of Spartan greatness. His
institutions were not characterised by
those refined distinctions which Burke
terms " the Corinthian capital ofpolish-
ed society" The purity of motive and
power of example, induced men to yield
a ready obedience to his laws, Simple,
as mighty, must have been that mind
which, in a dark and benighted day,
reared a political ediGce capable of bear
ing the convultions of society, and BRAY
ing the storms of time for four hundred
years These references are made to
reriue in thy classic mind, the chain of
connection which may be found in the
sentiments of great men, on the subjects
relating to the rise, progress, or ruin of
national character. The original influ-
ence of government in antiquity was
chiefly applied to small population.
There is one eminent exception, that OF
Moses, who led SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND
persons from the darkness of Egyptian
bondage to the glorious liberty of a free
people. An experiment under these
striking circumstances, on such an ex-
tens;;vs scale of numbers, in day when
noli,ical science was In its infancy, could
=. :, very likely to originate with man
' The case required the miraculous inter inter
u: :S's which distinguish the enter
prise. to crown witt success an unoer :.
liking, involving so great ana suooeh =
transition in the condition ola numerous
,,eonle. This instance is adduced, not
rs a case absolutely in point, but as one
too important to be left entirely an
noticed. Moses, undoubtedly, had to
1eeislate for people, in point Of num-
hers. greatly superior to the early popu'
Iation Of Greece or Italy; but, perhaps
a greater change was never produced II
The manners of a small nation, than tina
effected by means Of NuMA PoMriLius
His talents were those of legislator
who taught by example what he en- olnet
by law. He shone forth as sun beam
on one of the darkest days in the hlstor.
Of man, and his precepts seemed 10 car