Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-08-10
THE PRESENT CRISIS.

enc, ossed the public mind to such an extent,
that the repose Of the whole nation has been
disturbed. From a state OF indifference and
compar alive unconcern We have been hurried IN
10 1rotracted and unproil able warfare, and
The honest woman, himself, has been reused
from the lethargy Of his peaceful occupations,
10 b ar part in the labors of 'he general con-
fict Our country presents, at this time,
scene If turbulence, confusion, and alarm
There are, it is true, those who still persist IN
the error of their course; but, even a, This late
period, they would cheerfully retrace their
s,eps-if, by so doing, they could reclaim their
los, reputation, aud avert the infamy Of impend
ing disgrace. In common with my fellow >citi-
zens | have reflected much on this important
subject, and the result of these speculaiions has
been withheld only in the hope tina, some spec
dychanee in tue policy OF the Executive, might
render fallac Ious the principles from which II
W., deduced. Ills change has been patiently
waited for, until silence has ceased To b d VII
tue,-snd now invite public attention toa few
observations on the present state oil out ali hrs.
The character Of vir u"uS ruler VII be
found admirably drawn IN The following *
tract, which will not be deemed mapplit aoie to
the present period -" He will favour one patty
and discourage another. upon occasions, where
in the state OF his kingdom make, such a en-
none, much less eUiH he prescribe eny. He Will
list no party, much less will H. do ,hr m ane'
ani most imprudent thing Hi, 6 can do,-hsl
himself IN any. II will b. his aim pursue true
principles Of Government, independently Of
all and, by sic DIV adherence TO this measure,
his teign will become an undeniable and glo-
rious proof, that wise and good prince may
unite his subjects, and he himself the centre
o. The union" Such was The language OF DO
liLgbrokc, in r. ference 10 the parties by which
E. gland was divided, aithe accession OF Gorge
I. He endcsvorrd, in an admirabl' work on
{" Tee Spirit of Palriotism," TO impress upon
the public mind the only true source OF al ma
tiunal evils and the idea he has lett US OF
Patriot King" rxhibi's the application Of 'his
virtue in il salutary influence over the opera
tons Of government. w haever may have
been the changes effected by these effoI,s OF pa
iriotsm, during the ormy period Tor which
they were intended, it is, a, all events, lef for
posterily TO acknowledge their Justice, and the
truth of the prime ples they inculcaie. The no.
nest exertiuns Of an indi, idual, srimulaied by
\ purely dlsin,eresed zeal, avail much in ac-
complaining their laudabe ends. II, however,
at a period when the state OF les was not
more alarming than in our own country, the
influence Of so distinguished writer as bo>
hnehroke was inadequate 10 the important task
OF reform, how disc ouTagng must be the 90
s,acles that unfold themselves tn our view,
when we behold The people OF this country form
ipp themselves into two distinct and hostile
classes, and the acknowledged idol Of the one
layishing rewards OH his favorites, without
wish 10 conciiate the good feelings OF the 9TH
er. Such spirit Of moderation should exist
in the breast of every ruler. IL is In vain 10
hope for prosperity where the people act with =
"A ,a,o tbn eullc nt
government, are promoted, rather than checked,
by the Chief Magistrate himself.
I, seems TO me that the people of this Gown
try are in del lora ble condition My opinions
are not the Suggestions of precipi,are 'nvesu-
patton, nor are they The result ui blind and
absorbing prejudice. IL is nigh time that we
should be building fortified ions agains, the en-
croac hmeuts Of those III power. We may fam
CIV ourselves secure, and look WITH unconcern
NOON the evidences Of an aris,ocracy,-nol
commencing, but already formed, -and exert
ing he whole weight OF its combined ln1urncr
but the time must come, when that Influence
will prove grievous and even intolerabie; wien
i, will be too late 70 ;etrace our steps. A
disposition, in the Head ofary Government, 10
abuse the trust reposed in il, is 10 be checked
by the frowns and opposition OF the subject
alone. When nation is Impressed with pro
der idea Of patriotism, no encroac hmeut is 10
be feared. Every act, by which such adNan
tages are gsiued. must depend, in great mea-
sure, upon the will OF The people: as II must
receive from them lis ultimate sane ion and sup.
Dor. Bv chtrishns these principles OF SELF
government, public virtue and political homes
~. We may raise up barriers aesins, the ope-
ration and Elects Of any power, however dan
perous and misapplied. The depredations Of
rulers, upon the prerogaIive Of The subjec', is
10 be attributed no. so much TO themselves, as
the imbeeility and p-svtrseness Of those over
whom they preside. Where the subject is DIFF
ficuIt of con- ep,ion, aud impervious to the re.
auctions Of those IN power, harmony will al
WAYS be found to reigr and Ihe most arbitrary
ruler, instead Of persisring in his usurpations,
will, the rather, yield to the moral influence Of
theis example.
Every day conyinces US more and more Of the