The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1837-09-26
For THE CALIFORNIAN.
OUR COUNTRY.

Mr. EDIToR:-l was much pleased with the re-
marks your correspondent on "Our Country"
published in the two first numbers of your valuable
paper. They are evidently the production of no or
binary mind, and reflect much credit on the neli--
gent and ingenious writer. j trust after the high
political excitement of the times has subsidized, and
healthy tone is restored to the political ystem, he
will resume his pen and pursue the subject to the
end of the chapter.
Our country What subject! To the patriot
it affords matter for deep and interesting reaection
to the writer it opens boundless field for obser-
walton and discovery; and to the youth its very
name originates thousand ideas, of various char
acter, which are source of JOY and grief, their
impressions favorable unfavorable his Gov
eminent. It's hopes and its fears; its friends and its
enemies; its dangers and IFS prosperity; its laws and
its institutions; all crowd upon the attention of the
patriot and awaken sensations of the most lively
interest. No person who desires the prosperity of
his country, should neglect inform himself of the
integrity and principles of rulers; the character
and influence of our civil, literary and religious in
sttutons, and the extent of our political strength
and pecuniary resources. In republican govern
ment every man is benefit injury to his country
according to his moral character, intelligence and
the time and influence he employs in watching and
promoting the interests of its institutions The
true patriot is friendly to morality education and
religion He is keenly awake to every thing that
has bearing on the happiness of his country
When its fundamental principles are attacked he
noby steps forth and defends them from the shafts
of the enemy and forfes them against future dep
relations The desire of promotion to office has
no influence in changing forming his political
pinions, or in weakening his exertions 20 strength
Tho, Al. l. L
tons of his native country.
My country! How many endearing associations
rush upon the mind at the sound of thy name =
But while my mind revers to the past with pleas
ure look forward to tho future with fearful appre-
tensions. see thousands of dangers on every
hand of the most secret and alarming character
And behold muItitudes of our citizens rushing on
amid those dangers, giddy aud unconscious of mis-
chief, the more sure victims of their folly and way-
wardness Our political ship lis sailing over bois.
ferrous sea, under full press of canvass with pro-
Visions, if prudently managed, for long voyage
see breakers ahead and n storm is following her
tract with increasing and fearful violence as IL to
make more sure her destruction And yet he steers
man and officers give warning iof danger but
spread every sail to the wind and attempt to quiet
the fears and drown the voices of the more careful
ana observing OF the crew with threats and the
most perfect assurances of safety. Nothing can be
done but Tor every one who is conscious of danger
to llft his voice and, if possible, awaken the slum
oering and reckless from their stupor and rev.
cling, and give the ship new direction. But
leave the subject, Mr. Editor, for the present with
your intelligent correspondent, hoping that his in
dustry, wisdom, and untiring zeal in the cause of
freedom will succeed in establishing, in the minds
kof the rising generation the true principles Of
|publcanism. x
I Lyndon, Sept 6, 1887.