Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1836-12-01
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THE AMERICAN FARMER.
BY NICHOLAS BIDDLE.

BY NICHOLAS BIDDLE.
From an address before the Philadel-
Phia Society for promoting .Agricul
ture.
'If l have failed to prove that the
pursuits of agriculture may be as lu
crative as other employments, it will
De an easier task to vindicate their
pleasure and their importance. Ineed
not dwell on that refinement, one of
the purest enjoyments of this life. and
the best preparation for the future, -
on those healthy occupations, on the
calmness of mind, on that high spirit
OF manllness and independence, which
naturally belong to that condition.
These are attractions which must have
deep roots In the human breast, since
they have in all times fascinated at
once the imagination, and won the
judgment of men. But may be al
lowed to say that in this nation, agri-
culture is probably destined to attain
ITS highest honors, and that the coun-
try life In America ought to possess
peculiar attractions. The pure and
splendid institutions of this people
have embodied the highest dreams of
those high spirits who, in other times
and In other lands, have lamented or
struggled against oppression,- they
nave realized the line conception
which speculative men have imagined,
which wise men have planned, or brave
men vainly persisted in attempting I'd
Observation-Disclosures in reclaiming the
lost dignity of man, and inspiring the
loftlest feelings OF personal indepen-
dence, may be traced in every condi-
ton ofour citizens,-but as all objects
are most distinct by isolation their eff
fects are peculiarly obvious in the
country.
The American Farmer is the ex-
elusive, absolute uncontrolled proprie-
tor of the soil. His tenure is not from
government. The government derives
its power from him. There is above
him nothing but God and the laws
no hereditary authority usurpine the
distinctions of personal genius,
established church spreading its dark
shadows between him and heaven.
HIS frugal government neither desires
nor dares to Cypress the soil, and the
affairs are only supported by the volun-
tary offerings of sincere piety. His
pursuits, which no perversion can rem
DER injurious to any, are directed to the
common benefit of all. In multiply
ing the bounties of providence in the
improvement and establishment ofthe
SOIL, In the care of the inferior ANIMALS
committed to his charge, he will find
an ever varying interesting employ
ment, digni6ed by the union of simple
and generous hospitality. His char
acter assumes lofty interest by its
influence over the public liberty.
lit may not be foretold to what dan
gers this country is destined, when
Its swelling>population, its expanded
territory, its daily conplicating inter |
ests, shall awaken the latent passions
OF men, and reveal the vulnerable
points ofour institutions. But when
ever these perils shall come, its most
steadiast security, its most firm reli-
ance will be on that column of land
proprletors-the men of the soil and
otthe country. u
49,, These men, power
1ui like their own forests, may yet in
terpose between the factions of the
country, to heal, to defend, and to
save