The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1821-12-12

} spread with a.more contagious rapidifr.
than propensity to initiate our neigh
bours in the fopperies of costume, and
the eostller excuses Of pride. We're
we without instruction Of the corruption
and ruin, from these sources, of the an
Gent States, we have enough at home
to torewarn us Of the fatal consequence
es. The Head Of the Nation, and the
First Magistrate ofeach State, have more
than their individual necessities to de-
fray from their stipends; and where the
grandeur OF whole people is repre-
sented, | would have no deficiency Of
means to make it respectable. In the
National Government, the principals of
the four great departments should be
able to maintain style suited to their
elevation. Nor should those entrusted
with the administration of the judicial
branch be otherwise than at ease from
the compensation granted them. These,
with the foreign embassies, are. in times
OF peace, the goals of the highest aims.
| am unable to name another officer
whose compensation should, on any
sound and correct principle, be advanc-
ed beyond handsome maintenance
The argument, that superiour talents
cannot be called into the puBlick SER
vice without allowances equal to the ac-
questions OF trade and professional en-
ployment, is not equally ponderous with
the obvious objections togreat salaries
they are the leaven of publick ferment-
alton. What is it that sharpens the as
perlties of party strife, but the possession
of posts of profit ? Principle has long
since been sunk in pretensien, and that
only made to keep those blinded whose
ballots are indispensable implements
In fine, great salaries and emouments
OF office are not only inconsistent with
republican plainness-their pestiferous
existence invades, with an active and
ceaseless insinuation, all those dispcsi-
lions to prudence, patience, moral recti-
tnde,- industry, and moderation of wishes,
which constitute the peace and security
of individual felicity, and from which
emanate the whole stock of publick
prosperity.
The argument in favour Of very liBe-
raj grants is less weighty in its applica-
ton to members of the Legislative body
than in some other instances. A seat
merely in either. House of legislation
conters no honour it should tonfcr
none. lfeven seat in either bralch of
the national Legislature should degene-
rate to the insigniicance of one in the
Legislature Of Massachusetts, it would
not, in an extended view of consequence
es, be unfortunate. In foreign coun-
tries, sinecures and Offices of the mean
est name confer titles of nobility, and
are sought with avidity for the perqui-
sites they afford-We are verging to
the same vice. Places unennobled by
money, and yet of the highest possible
importance, should here be the inyalua4
BILE gift of the people. In these trusts
every consideration concurs to make of
an incumbent an estimation strictly ac-
cording to his just dimensions; and by
this only safe and sure principle of re-
wards and punishment, of advancement
or expulsion, the pudding pate is exalt-
ed to be exposed to the peltings-of scorn,.
while the fertile brain expands and
fourishes in the publick favour. That
such heads would be always ready to-
adorn and guide our publick delibera-
tons, we have the best security from
the first impulses of the human heart.
Generous applause of the young and
richly endowed aspirant is his richest.
reward, and the more solid advantages
We may anticipate for his ripper years
will animate his cause. The Represent
alive body is the theatre of the first ee.
forts, and the path of preferment to the
accomplished to the empty head, to
him who bloats with his own wind, blus-
ters at the fame of others, assumes i'm
portance blythe repetition of expressions
or sentiments he has heard; or conceals
an insigni6cance under the detestable
veil of gravity, it is the scafIold of. dis
grace.
lt.has been said, that heterogeneous
pay great fortunes can only afford the
sacrifices to publick favour, and the
government may become aristocratical.
Fortunes have nothing to do with the
subject, and illustrious examples serve
to reverse the propostion.--AMEs was
moor. hut could he he renresspdq II An.