American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1827-07-24
NoIune VI.
EXTRACTS FROM
AN GRAFTON
Deirarpd at tie State House in Dorep. Del. on tbs
4M IF July 1897 !;
BIZ WILLIAM HurFiNGroa. ESQ.

ton IN the world. for it is the only one which owes
its existence to the free cnn.ent Of the people. 1t
IS not part OF the natural rights and privileges
0f mankind. wtestch from the hand of power in
deadly conflict; but the noble creation of free
nation, Just bursting into existence for the future
securit, OF their lives, liberty and property. 1t
4 Is not an fleal, but real existence 1t is not al
thing in name, but in fact.'
In this country, every maa. is, comparatively
speaking. King, for he knows no master but the,
law OF his choice, and yields superiority only TO
merit Being based on the truly republican prIn-
ciples Of equality and the sovereign. Of the peo-
pie, the laws Of our country view all men alikes
ana equally protect the pourest and most lowly
citizen as well as the richest and apparently great
est. In consequence of his superior privileges
T the American citizen walks abroad in all the.
majesty ofireedom' conscious Of his rights and the
security he ENJOYS by the wise and liberal institu.
tons of his country independence beams in his
eve, and humanity CLOVIS in his heat.' Has he
done wrongP He knows the limits Of his punish
rnent, and the character Of his judges Is he inno-
cent lie feel that no power earth crushhin.
Among the most important Of the numerous bless
sings, secured to us by liberal constitution. aud
equitable system Of laws, are those of religious and
poltical liberty. This is the only civilized coun-
try in the world without an established religion
Here every man is permitted to worship his crea-
tor according to the dictates of his own conscience,
and to adopt that form OF faith which he may deem
most rational and correct. Hence, no where is
there less hypocrisy, or more sincere and heartfelt
devotion. The supreme being is here worshippedi in
the true beauty Of holiness'--He receives the ac-
ceptable homage of the heart and is not Knocked
with modes and forms Of service instituted BY law,
for the sole purpose Of creating class of cleric
cal nobility who wherever they exist fatten upon
the spoils Of the land, while their nocks are wrhs
ing under oppressive tithcs and taxation, levied to
support their guttony and debauchery, and MINIS,
ter to their midnight revels BY political iber
ty, we have the press free and unshackled by any
unjust restraints from the goyernment.-Ous
thoughts. language and written opinions are free
as the air mr breathe. and we have thus fair and
safe opportunity of scanning the conduct and
motives oil public men and pablo measures, OF
exploring and correcting abuses, and are thereby
enabled to secure our rights, and privileges. IN
all their original beaut, and purity It's evcrthe
less true that this liberty Of the press may often be
abused and perverted to party and personal pur-
poses. by disappointed, ambitious and reckless as
pirants for office, and it is much to be lamented
that at this particular time, there issues from it,
in many parts Of our Country. by previous comhi-
nation and concert, one continues foul stream Of
mendactv reiterated with such shameless pertina-
city, that it slckens the heart and pals upon the
sense, against of the abest and purcst public
servants that ever reflected honor on The stations
they hold But should the press on that account
is alike open 10 the accused and The accuser; and
the good sense of an intelligent community, who
never decide incorrectly when correctly informed,
will distinguish between true patriotism laboring
for the good Of the people, and the camorous revi
lings ofinterested demagogues. They will inquire,
they will investigate and not mark with obogny
and execration, long tried and consistently faith,
full statesmen. because they happen 10 be hated
and illuminated by personal enemies, Or those who
with aHbushing front, in the absence OF even pre-
sumptivc evidence, charge them with foul corrup-
ton and base dFrellcti0n of duty. with view to
PROSTATE them, that they may mount In their places
Truth and recttude Of intention. has nothing to
fear, for serror of opinion is dangerous
when reason is left free to combat it,
Our country greater in -Ktent than any king
dom or empire Of the earth, aud embraces within
its limits, every variety Of soil and climate neces
sary to the production of every article that
contribute to the comfort and happiness Of man
kind. We are world within ourselves. and are
marching ON with such bold aud rspll strides to
power and pre-emincnce. that the gro, cling and
ipbased people of despotisms, where nations dwin-
die and man degeneat es, under the pestiteluus in-
huence Of slavery, are struck with astonsfment
and lost in wonder; and We have only to knows
and duly appreciate our own interests to become
in "a short period, entirely independent OF every
foreign nation. But new order OF things is about
ITO take place. and it behncves US IN such an event
to innk timely 10 the course we ought to pursue as
IN independent nation. under the circumstances in
which we shall then be placed. War has nearly
ceased in every country and the blessings Of peace
cover almost every land; and those nations who
have heretofore greatly depended upon US, for arr
tcles of the FIRST necessity. which constitutes the
BULK of cur present expectation, arc now or very
SION will be in situation to supply themselves.
We are no longer the caterers for the world and
must fran necessity create for our surplus produc-
lions market at hcme and this il only to be dong
10y Just aud systematic encouragement Of home
manufacturers, so thst the consuming class OF the