The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-08-16

in character Of fearful gravity and impor-
lance, the part we desire to act is that OF
peace-makers and conservators We abjure
precipitation--we abjure rashness and vio-
lence. We are for reform, but sound,'pro-
gressive reform, not subuerSion and deSfrae-
tion. To innooate is not to reform Wher-
ever we find deep seated political disease,
we would assuage its malignity; wherever
fancied wrongs excite tumultuous feelings, we
would endeayor to cure and pacify; we would
correct abuses but avoid extremes; we would
adhere TO the republicanism of our fathers
and preserve the ancient landmarks. Il.
Who Of us dare undertake to substitute bet
tor system than that which has made us at
once the wonder and the glory of the civilized
world!
Wesiook abroad over our immense country
and behold Union Of twenty-six independ-
ent states, all bound together by ono common
federal compact and living under one Constr
tuition, yet existing in different climates, upon
different soils, identified with different and
sometimes conflicting interests, engaged in
various pursuits, but nevertheless assimilating
with each other in character, principles and
sympathics, all worshipping at the same COM
mon shrine of freedom, and yielding the sup
port Of all their broad shoulders to one general
government, which includes all their interests,
and .blesses and protects them all alike. We
cherish most comprehensive regard for all
these interests, most profound devotion to
the whole Of this wide reaching system, which
is only equalled by our ardent desire to see
them prospered, preserved, and perpetuated
in all their pure and essential elements While
the states themselves must be considered the
conservative powers Of union, the Union it
self must be regarded as the saving element
Of the highest degree of national glory
glory, which the pride and patriotism Of every
American citizen should receive and re-
fleet We would preserve, and elevate,
and aim at the highest standard as United
People. We would cherish the connected
recoflectons of the past, the associated SYM
pathies Of the present, the glorious promises
of the future, and all those moral and political
virtues which will exalt our national honor
and goodness, in proportion to our greatness
and power.
That the people of the United States are
safe and well under the Constitution no, one
will pretend to .deny-that they have been
safe and eminently prosperous in the paths
they have troddcn, is verified by history. The
institutions established by our fathers are
found to be better adapted to the enjoyment
of life and liberty, and to the pursuit of hap
piness, than any heretofore known to man
kind. The system'is tried and approved.
Under it, there is no. reason why the country
should not continue to flourish as hitherto,
better than any on the face of the earth. There
is then no necessity for the adoption Of new
creeds, or the adventuring into new and I'M
tried schemes. But surely every thing, under
Providence, is at the ultimate dispensation of
the people. Their trust then involves the
more awful and solemn responsibility. The
world will look with eagcrness for the result,
and posterity will hold the present generation
accountable for conduct destined to affect the
social and political condition perhaps of ages.
Let reason be the ultimate appeal let vir-
tue decide the operations OF intelligence : let
prudence, moderation and forbearance distin-
guish our counsels let the common veal
ha ,,cr,E.ol Tho Sbr,no of calfp Ia