The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1829-08-20

Political Morality There are but few
subjects which should be moro earnestly
and constantly impressed on the minds Of
the young, than those great principles
which are TO form the basis Of their future
conduct as citizens Of a free government
Very soon willthose who are now in their
childhood supply tho places ftheir fathers,
and become tho keepers Of that liberty,
which was obtained by the sacrifice Of so
much blood and treasure. Their youthful
minds should not only be famiarized 10
the history Of those events which severed
us from our colonial connexion and gave US
a national existencc-but the pure spirit OF
patriotic devotion 10 the cause of freedom.
by the influence Of which the shackles Of
servitude and dependence were cast off,
should be infused into their very souls
No impressions are more durable in their
nature, or exert greater influence in form.
ing the character and regulating the fu-
ture conduct Of the man, than those which
are made in childhood. How important,
therefore that they be such as TO direct his
whole life in the paths Of virtue the
pursuit of those objects which shall allevi
ate the most misery and secure the great
ost happiness. In his private walks let a
virtuous sense Of honor and of strict integ
ritv. govern hs conduct and they will form
a sure foundation Of public tranquility and
safety. These principles are applicable to
no sect or party, when that influence is
found adverse to public good.
How far does the present system Of po.
litical morality comport with these princi
plcs Are the youth cf this age taught to
reverence and initiate the virtues of those
whose lives have been devoted 10 the cause
Of hpmantv and their country? Are they
not rather in too many instances instructed
10 lisp the dogmas of party. and shout huz
yas ~ the triumph Of some fortunate lead
er?
We have noticed one practice among the
children during the late excitement on the
Presidential question, not only unbecomlng
IN itself, but Of DANGEROUS import, as II
serves ,o withdraw their Young minds from
those fncts and principles which should reg
ula'e their future conduct as citizens. We
allnde To their constant hurrss for one or
other of the competitors for the presidcn
cy In effect, il is no matter for which they
take aidc. They probably express their
noisy preference from the contasion eX
element, md not from any opinions they
UiNF l''N''N w 'Ht dlNt Wp''h w
,he candidates. They act the part Of mere
machines, and serve 70 mako mp kind of
pagean,ry wholly incompatible with our re.
publican institutions. But tho effect pro
duced on their minds now. may he lasting
through life, and exclude the influence ~
those principles by which they should be
governed. Should such he the effect, they
arc only destined to act the part of tools To
some demagorue, whose argrandiZement
seeks It's gratiication in the perversion o'
the popular sentiment. II may prepare
them To barter tho noble birlhrieht Of free
men. to become servile appendages in The
train Of some ambitious, but unprinciplef
and successfnl aspirsnt We do not say
that such 10 tho tendency. How important
therefore. tina, parents, guardians and in
s,ructors should guard against that enlist
ment ut their feelings. which NAV subver
tho exercise OF their Judgment Let then
be ihorcuch'y instructed in the history @
our country. and in The interchangeable prin
elples o'feedom. Place tho vir,uous deco
OF on diying,iishcd pa,rio's rons,an,ly he
fore thcnss examples worthy of limitation
Awaken their ambition in the pursuit, ,
true 1lo'v but never suffer IL 10 he deba.
cd hv the eclst-of unmeaning applause. :
Impress their minds with ius, sense
honor, and integrity Of purpose and co,