Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1822-07-27

liberty, the love OF glory and patriotism,
for viriuous and republican govern
mont, they march TO face the enemy Ill
battle, willing TO sacrifice their lives tor
the good of their country, or conquer the
foe that would dare agrees Oh the rights
Of ireemen. Such is the character OF
Americans, they fight not for rapine and
conquest of territory, but in defence OF
their homes. The Illicit conjunction OF
courage and raplne gave birth and I'M
porance to the Roman republic, which
in its turn moulded the notions and
habits Of its citizens to surpriziDg and
formidable perseverance III the same
system. The brilliancy of success with
which that system operated, on the vast
theatre OF the world, has attracted that
applause which the bulk OF mankind TOO
willingly bestow on the triumphs Oh con-
quest, however i'll they do accord with
the principles of justice, the tremendous
hostility of the Roman arms was gene
rally unprovoked by aggression, and ire
quently attended by rapacious and ty-
ranious insolence, and independently OF
the disgust which these vices must eX-
cite in the mind of the philosophical po-
litician, he will view the narrow and I'M
provident domestic policy OF the all VIC
torious commonwealth with contempt
which cannot be dazzled by the spien-
dor Of its most unsuilled achievements.
The Romans were indeed enabled to
subsist by the spoils OF conquest, while
the uncorrupted science and spirit OF
their military character secured them the
superiority in the conflicts oil the held !;
but their notorious and avowed disregard
of every pursuit but hat OF arms, threw
strong shade of wlllul ignorance, over
the lustre OF their warlike eXpiols, nor
when the energies OF the republic were
efaced, by the masnihcience OF The en-
pire, and satiated conquest afforded time
for speculation, did the Romans listen TO
the suggestions of national prudence,
with disgraceiul anxiety the dominating
power of the universe depended for sub
sistence on the Tributary harvests OF AT
frica, and the granaries OF Egypt were
emptied for the idle and licenllous popu-
lace OF Rome.
Such are the striking lessons impart-
ed by the free pencil OF history, let them
be contemplated for instruction, and let
US Justly deem ourselves respectable,
by being enabled by commerce to in
crease Our wealth, and by courage to pro-
tect our honor, which is at once enter
pricing and generous abroad, ana the
free structure of our government taclli-
tates every improvement at home. Thus
shall we be happy and prosperous when
the ambition OF princes and the unsa-
tiated desire OF monarchs are continual
ly involving mankind in war, inlpoverlsh-
ing their subjects, and filling the cup OF
human misery, to crafty the sensualitles
of their brutal pride. How many ma
tons have ceased to exist; how many
governments have been overthrow by.
the ambition of few individuals. Let
US profit by their imprudcnce, let US
consider the importance OF maintaining
indissoubly the federal union, The dan
ger Of indulging too much our feelings
in party faction, the necessity OF support
ing the public faith-of encouraging
foreign interest free from foreign inilu
ence--loosing sight of individual as-
grandizement for public good, always
considering the happiness Of our govern
ment, and that virtue is its only support,
that the blind and erring philosophy OF
man, has discovered no soil where it
may safely be planted but on the firm and
indestrnctible foundation OF true patriot
ism. Let US remember that venerable
sage, the immortal Washington, whom
history to the present moment has pre-
scented US with none like, whose dangers
in war and labors in peace, were under
taken, with single eye to the benefit OF
his country, whose unparalleled success
was the result of wisdom in design, and
valor in execution, whom danger never
appalled, nor defeat depressed, who per-
severing in the justice of his cause,
vcted no reward but the well earned APP
probation of those whose interest ne
fought TO promote, who superior to all
monarchs, was content to be called an
American citizen, his career of glory
through life was untainted by crime, his
death felt as loss by every member Of
that community whose political eXis-
tence is the fruit of his eXertions. At
the recollection of his name let tear of
sympathy and gratitude start in the eye
of every American, and brighten with
verdure the grave of departed merit
Leteur infant offspring be taught to vene-
rate his patriotism and initiate his vir-
tues. Let US always feel for our liberty
that precious deposit of our forefa,hers.