Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-09-19

IF there be any thing that eminently distin-
cuisines us from any other nation, think it is
the variety there is in our manners, humors,
customs, talents, Aexibility, and INCONSISTENCY in
all of these.
Variations in thinking and acting, may be OBJ
served In the religion, the laws, and the adml-
nistration or government Of our country. we
not only differ from each other, but at times e.
ven from ourselves; and this medley is often as
visible in public as in private life. To this va
ricty Of temperament are owing the frequent
want of harmony in our principal politicians,
rather than to any great grievances that ocea-
sioned them, or any great advantages, which
are expected from them This diversity'is ac-
counted for by looking back to the original OF
the American nation, and observing the cha
racters of the several countries from whence we
are descended, who all imported their own Gus
toms and manners y it'll themselves; which, to-
gether with the climate we bve IN, and the air
which we breathe, where 1t IS common to see
the weather change three times day, Will, In
some measure, txpound several queer vagaries
and whimsical events, both traglcal and conf
cal. with which this nation sometimes amuses
itself and surprises its neighbors; but, notwith-
standing we may have suffered some inconve-
niences from this humor, it is certain that it
has been attended with many happy advantages.
We are perhaps obliged to this part Of the
American character for our improvement in
useful arts, for the extensiveness and variety of
our commerce, and above all, for the preserva-
ton Of our liberties. The reason some of our
neighbors have lost their original rights, is be-
cause too many of them have concurred in their
resignation of them. But we Americans, who
never yet were unanimous in any thing, have al
ways had some among us who have been con-
Trajectory enough to struggle for our Constitu-
ton, in spite of certain we'll bred persons who
have been willing to destroy it.
We know that liberty is the favorite charac-
terstic which we feel with pleasure, is some
thing more than name; every American may
convince himself that he is freeman by the
evidence of his senses, and the plain testimony
of matter Of fact; and he knows that the great
est man IN the United States cannon deprive him
of this without his knowledge, nor take it from
him without his consent.
IL has been abundantly proved that the Ame-
ricans are brave people, fearless of death or
danger; which renders them, at least, equal to
any of their neighbors, in war by sea or land;
but il must be owned, that being used to ease
and plenty at their homes, they do not as pa
tienIly bear hardships, Inconvenience, and want
of provisions, as some other nations who are
used to fare worse.
Nor would it be an extravagant compliment
to ourselves, TO say that we might rival Europe
in the mechanic arts as well as in literary wealth,
did we not so love that ease and pleasure; and
thus making the price of labor so high that our
neighbors are able to under-sell us. 1t matters
little that we exhibit the best goods, while the
purchaser is obliged to pay an American work
man as much for days labor as would sup
port an English, Dutch, or French workman a
week.
The Americans, like the English are inclin
ed 10 melancholy, one infallibe symptom Of a
fine understanding, They are generally excel
lent In those sciences they apply to, and in the
study OF letters they have produced some of the
greatest men, though not the greatest numbers
of them. Even the common people are better
informed than in most other countries,
The pleasing independence and medley Of
characters and notions peculiar to these free and
happy States, make up, altogether, glorious
scene; and the general spirit of peace and pros
perity that pervades all, will well excuse warm
hearted yankee as we are all called in Eu-
rope. from thinking the United States the finest
country in the world. FRANKLIN.