Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1827-05-04
-, from ne .Sei6!o [ohtO) Ga-ci;,.I
TIE AMERICAN CIIARACrI,E

Judgment which ~ TathOr distinguished for its
want OF acute observation, tban for lis uncanid and
ioerai survey of society. IN reality no idea can
oe more mistaken, and slrlgly shows
Tue u'icuity with which old associations are broken
ana new Ideas permitted obtain access TO the
'nu. society in these states is modelled after very
u'ie'eht fashion from that il the old world: and
e VINO consent TO be the nattentvc observers Of il,
,u'' no. De amazed If in the vehement pursuit after
Anowiedge OF all kinds, which marks the period in
whch We live, they should be discovered TO be igno-
rant OF some of the most interesting facts in the so
~ OF our species
IL is not character which we want It; is oaly true
at we nave few OF those broad pccuiiarities
permanent which are noticed among other people, and
winch are considered as stamping uron them distn-
gushing and ndclible character. Thus the French
man remarked for his vvaci;y and the
Spanard for his cold and naughty reserve; the Dane
Tor ms hlegmatic disposition. The absence OF sinsu
'ar TRAITS OF tins description, may in reality be in
dcat'on ct very extraordinary cast of character, al
nough there Should be sing ic feature in the national
opposition prominent to win the attention of
general observer. If indeed those peculiarities can
only be controlled and subdued by other qualities of
more masculine complexion, Their be nothing
probable IN the assertion that the American people
are distinguished by marked and well defined lines
o. character as any nation on the globe.
n people who are addicted to martial pursuits. or a
people who animated 6y an attachment to birot,ed
and cruel religion, arc understood by every one 10 be
impressed with visible national character; while
people who are at distinguished for commercial
activity political sagaci!Y and civil courage qualities
WINCH suppose If they do not create character OF
great and decided energy, treated deicen, ia,
tonai character. But writers who profess 10 be en-
gagged IN an inquiry into the national Ciarac.e of other
people, are in reality, only discussing the existence of
some predominant temperament: while in this country
mere physical causes ami external circumstances
are SO much Subjected TO the will of the individual
nat Tor thai very reason you will in vain look for the
gay and airy fancy of the Italian the elastic vivaci!y of
the French, or the sombre gravity of the Span bard
should say that the Americans have a more marked
personal character than any other people, and that til
ri, of
The individual s more thoroughly developed among u.s. g.
so universally is this the case that instead DESTROYING
II manly contributes to the existence Of general
anu uniform character.-That sa,neness Of manners
which is denomnated national, NAV be produced BIZ
very different causes and because in Europe old nsti>
utions which derive irresistible strength from inme.
mortal usuage have fashioned the national DISPOSITION
after one dcpo;ic model it does follow that the same
uniformity may not exist where the freedom from en-
'ernai restraint has quckened into activity the efforts
OF eoc'y class OF men in the community. England
ana America indeed appear to me 10 be the two coun
tries IN which the people have tie most decided ma
tlonnl character. do not know but might add tina,
they are the only two in which If is possible for the
people to acquire much character at ALI And thus the
nhhounded freedom OF our institutions, although il
may contribute to variety and even eccentricy Of
dposition is after all inspensably necessary 10 the
formation OF any thing like tional character This
circumstance even appears 10 render the existence of
all others comparatively uninportant great writers
mas traced the most remarkable qualities Of tho En-
glish character to the existence the custom, OF pr
"oSeu'uIe. hnu yet these Qia.IfcS to the least
as decIsvely manifested in Pennsylvania and New
England, where that institution never existed. The
uuthis, although the struggle with difficulty is an
absolutely Necessary incentive to fruitful and vigorous
eXertion; yet IN country where entire freedom of
action exists, there is this double advantage that al
though political serYiiude is destroyed, together with
Tue external disquetude which Accompanies il there
substituted IN It's place thousand private and
ahxietes, which whet and sharpen the faculties OF men
and do not permit them seek refge from ,hcir own
inactivity in the public disorders of the times; While at
The same time, they endowed with a power of in.
dependent exertion whah enables them 10 bea. down
the difficulties which surround them
HE English are universally esteemed grave peo
PIE; ana II appears TO me that the Americans hard
less so. inns characteristic disposition of the two
nations which different from Spanish gravity as
1t Is from French vYacity, arises from the cause ia
which have just referred Almost the whole peo-
pie IN both countries compelled to rely upon their
own sagacHy and enterprise independently exeted,
Tor success IN fife while in other Countries there
Is sort OF graduation Independence through all ranks
which entcebles every courageous effort of the mind
and manIiests IT'S influence on the disposition
The moment that you impose upon men the alb ]itv
and the necessity of experimenting their own affairs
of originating and finishing every schene which ia
entered upon for the improv of their condition
You render them thoughtful and consequently serious
at first sight would suppose that there should bc
more seriousness in countries where an irress,il,c
power exercises balefuI aud potent Influence over
all 'he thoughts and actions of men. But ii is other.
wse-Therc the mind is, IN reality less bessoed ard
excited by The cares and aDxeties Of lfe For either
the feelings which necessary TO render mon sepsi
bic OF their situation cannot grow up in such soil
or people at once deliver themselves from all thourb
OF TO morrow, By passing into the opoosite ex,rens F
careless and frivolous vi7acity III the same t,mo
me brilliant appearance which, the face of public af
a'rs wears in such countries, calculated to OCCUPY
aHd absorb the thoughts of every one, and TO ilIum
nate with a deceilful lustre even the ,yrc,nbe3nas.
which IS every where prevalent.
we are accustomed 10 congratulate ourselves On our
Iee institutions; and it is fortunate that we have the
courage aod "isnon TO do so. But it is common to
give 10 me Term happiness more than meaning II
may admit OF doubt whether in every sense of that word
we ENJOY more than the people of other countries-I
w hen you contrast the thoughtful countenance of men
o. onsneSs IN all occupations in this country, With the
unceasing gaety and loquacity of the Italians and
rencn you would be disposed to say that the latter
were The haPpiest But servants are always more av
ana iuii OF animal spirits than their masters; and while
ne song aud the Joke enliyeniDg the kitchen tI,o
inmates OF the parlour will frequently exhibit iemeao
OF OF cold aud thoughtful We are mistaken