Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-09-10
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1882.
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cannot view the aspect OF our political horizon
with the same feelings that others around me DO.
do not wonder at, nor argue against, the present
ominous posture OF aif,irs. A great country, en-.
loving for SO many years the blessings OF political
harmony, and bearing in every part the evidences
of unprecedented national prosperity, seems on the
eve of a mighty crisis. From the one quarter OF
the land menace aud warning IN vain make theT
appeal, while from the other are heard the ex-
presslons of minds made up to meet the alterna.
i've of that warning. In this last moment vi
Cancellation, hundred voices strain their e'o-
quence to roll back the strong tide winch threa'-
ems ruin and desolation. Honor to the motive
which prompts the appeal OF these patriots but
the philosophic judgment prouounces them as 'ur :
tile as they are Just When was the destiny OF
Nations revoked by the energies OF patrio;s, OF
prevented by the lights of experience! when
was a great people known to remain content WIN
riches, happiness and peace? These things are
very sweet and welcome to the inert aud ingo-
rious portion of mankind; bet there is spirit IN
the general human character which contemns
their monotonOus round: spirit OF energy and
enterprise. whose influence is nature, and there
fore irresistible. This passion finds but poor en-
ployment in works Of universal benevolence, or
m the exer,ion of boodless ambition. 1t looks
TO political variety, storm upon storm aud great
event upon great event, as the congenlal Climate
of ITS beng. Whoever regards the calm sun
shine which has gladdened these United States
of America Tor the last L. years. will ackD0w-
ledge that these agents OF change have, indeed,
borne with the unnatural state of things longer
than was TO be expected. He will only see in
the aroused elements Of civil disorder the Symp-
toms of a revolution, which it is not in the pow
er o. human wisdom to control, because 1t would
break the uniformity of all previous history. For
l. long years. men Of aspiring dispositions have
been gradually crowding each other IN the lew
walks Of political preterment, until now the press
is intoerable TO any sensitive mind: DeSiues. un-
der a government like ours, there cannot be
half the accommodation extended to just an-
btion that would be in a state Of tumult
and division. Why. If all Europe were conso-
lidated in vast republic, where would be the
glorious distinction Of such Sovereigns as the
Philips, Williams. Miguels and Nicholas. TO
expect that men of proper temperaments and
enlarged views will submit to such mOnopoliZlng
regulations. when very simple process would
restore the balance OF nature, Is expecting them
to be more than human. Providence has kindly
distributed Genius in such exact proportions
among mankind, that each geographical division
is best managed. when governed alone, by the
paramount authority of local ruler, who will
generally be the first man in his country for mind
character and courage. Then how absurd is it,
after the failure Of 50 many conquerors to suhdue
the world into empire, for men at this late
day TO attempt the same object by the ingenious
device of a great Republic. | would ask, what
is life worth to the truly great, IT the chances OF
political distinction are lessened by any univer-
saI schemrs No man can be good public SER
Want unless he has the prospect OF reward by
reaching hon0rs. Here xe have one government
extending its supreme laws over region OF coun-
try great enough to constitute "a independent
sovereignties, bound together by no bonds save
those alliances which might be found expedient.
the only station which, from Its official dignity,
l. worthy Of the Interior aspirations Of first rate
political abilities. is that OF President: and this
il 10 oe the sole paramount reward which can re-
paw the arduous labors of l3.O00.0O0 Of citizens.
Now. suppose an immediate division Of this same
country into "a distinct governments. and what
new indictments would be given to all OF us to
watch more anxiouslv over the interests OF our
respective communities? So many Offices would
compensate good aud faithful servants, aud SO
much true neighborly feeling would be felt eve
nv where. that il would be a most delightful pic
ture. As to the secondary consideration Of ex-
ternal relations. we should find in such state
the most polite employment tor a supernumera-
nv population, and, at the same time. open many
avenues by which the chivalry of each nation
could distinguish themselves IN frequent border
wars. All commercial intercourse would then
be regulated according to sectional ideas aud
nreterenees: hence, we would be relieved from
the oppressions of northern majority whom we
abhor. In fine. contemplate this plan in what
ever way we will, tilt prolific with ADVANTAGES;
while our present system is full of Consolidation,
Corruption, Monopoly and Restriction. Between
the two great parties which agitate this country
on the subject Of the Tariff, have no Part'aii-
ties: believe both are right and only consulting
their Just interests by differing; but that fatal diff
ference proves conciusively the necessity OF
separation. Time has now shown, thar our Re-
voiu,ionary Fathers, with Washington at their
head, were the merest enthusiasts on The science
of Government. And il remains for this gene.
ration only to restore the weights Of the political