Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1829-10-08

md has always been remarkable for free ,nstitutions
France under Charleuugnc, took the lead redu IL
cling the smaller peighbouring kingdoms co her do
lninion, until she presented formidable an aspect,
that her less powerful neighbours venturcd not to +
lnolest her. Thus situated, became useless /
iucumbrance, and consequently the practice of wear
inr them, would grow into neglect. Such was the I
carelessness and apathy of France in matters per-
tanning war, at the time of the invasion Of that
country by Henry V.,of England, that he was able
with handful of soldiers,t to effect the entire con-
quest of this vast and populous county Charles
VII. vino subsequently expelled the invaders, taking
advantage of the reputation lie had acquired by their
expulsion, and of the IMPRESSIONS of terror for
midablc enemy had left on the minds of his sub
ccts, ''execuied that which no Monarch of Europe
ever before dare attempt. Under pretencc OF being
always prepared ior sudden invasion of the English,
disbanding his other troops, he retained under
arms body of 1000 cavalry und 10000 infantry,
and appointed u fund for their regular payment."F
This afforded a most desirable opportunity to id
joining kingdoms, who OH the prcteXt of balancing
this augmented power of France, Were not slow in
following the example. Such the effect of this
change in the military arrangement, that those kings
who adopted 1t, from possessing only the shadow OF
regal power, came to be able at to assume des-
potic authority.
NIercenary soldiers or standing armies Of soldiers,
have all ages, and in all countries, been uniform
iy enemies to the privileges of the people, and de-
strnctye to liberty, arn.ed citizens have heep the
friends and support of freedom.
The regular soldiers of Holland in the troubles Of
f787, went far in illustration of this fact
to support the Stakeholder, in his usurpatons against
the authority of the Legislative assembly, by whom
they were paid. So liable arc unprincpled vulgutes
~bo enlist for such service, to be daz2cd by the
! pomp and pageantry of regal state!
l. We (the United States Of North America. have a
staining army! Our Chief Magistrate 10 Invested
with greater powers than were ever enioyed b,
feudal kings. We are men, SO are our Chief hIa.is
trates, and liable to all the frailtes caprices ano
passions of such. Our army is small to be sure bu
it Is much greater in proportion to effective pop
uation, than the forces with which Psistratns OF
Dyonisius effected the overthrow Oh their respective
! ComnonwealtlIs 1t is worth our while to cunsite
| earnestly, what would be situation we're ou
country placed under the control Of a President O.
loose principles, Strong passions, aud intemperats
preudices; ambitious, and OF accomplished niiltar,
talents! He Is Try the constitution OF the Unite,
States, coniaandef in cliint of the army: detach
men!s OF this army stationed at the different arsenas
have the custody Of the whole Of the armour Of thu
": - 1tis patronage extends to the disposal of al
oticesi Wisch ne could easily turn to proposes Of am
iolton, by comforting appointments Of trust only OF
personal adierents Of gabie principles, 10 the e
clusion OF honest pu..c sossants) and holding hun
CRY eXpectants in suspense, Securing their adhe
! renee by promises, q of places in cxpecto,,cv
all whom he could thus, by other attach t
his fortunes; the above mentioned arseneis, woul
enable him TO render effective support his ambio
in the assumption Of despotc authority.
| What could the people of the u. S. or tit is NOR
properly province to ask, what couldShe peopl
of Virginia, for the support of liberty, oppose TO suc
an army,
If we are in earnest, in the desire that the people
shall rule, think have sufficiently shewn it eape
dent that they should have arms in their hands Il
enable them to do so Written DEGREES, have eve
! been found tiilnsv defence, against ambition
| military leaders, and profigat nercenaries.
! The great object Of people i'll forming govern
for themselves, Should bc; to regulate its fun6a
damena principles SO as to secure justice and safet
to the citizens, with the greatest possible economy
and with the least possible danger OF forming III
exciting causes Of internal discussions.
There are three great objects laid down by Waite
tp be essential to good government:
list. To provide for the necessities OF the nation.
BY giving encouragement to Agriculture an,
/ Commerce, and dcyoting due care to public hieh
ways, &c.
end To procure the true felicity of the nation:
i ny due attention to piety, morality, Justice ali
I polity.
Sd. To ortify itself against attacks from without
II 1t can be shown that the two first objects her
| aid down, likely TO be only as much promote
any other practised modes can scarcely doubt, bu
decided advantage will be conceded in the 3d.
| The 1st object is wholly Incompatible and the %
| gree of public cornmotioD.
The objections to which general suffrage is obnox
lous are pointed out in my former letter. adnlitino
TO authority, persons who incapable of appre.
ciating the blessings they enoy and are consonnen.
~ TOD indifferent to their support, to make the ncces
sary sacrifices of personal enoynents for the promo
tion OF the public good has always proved oreat
source OF public connection, frequently goin, TO the
| excess Of Anarchy.
The discussions, and other III effects and conso
quences of classifying citizens arreeaby to standino
derived from birth, or wealth. has also been alreaGS
SO far eXcmpled, to require but little farther no
tIce Those qualities wholly incidental and in
dlviduai, and not necessarily connected as far as
can see, with any one object of rood government.
and must be always unwillDgly and often INDIGNANT
iy submitted to, by that class who are debnsed, or
excluded from privileges and iminunitcs When
te classification is from birth, the grievance is most
ent IN public stations, from industry or merit; sun
presses patriotic emotions, cramps emulation in the
public service, and is sure to engsnder discussions
and connections. Where meritorous citizen be
holds Offices and hoiiours ionopolFzcd 70 I; ,oy
sion by such as have no superior deserts no claims
opt those or adventurous osgin his feelings can but
be those Of indgnation man. his inferior IN talent
iiearninIg and wealth, one who has done less than
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