Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1837-03-09

power; they varied in the character o
their industry and staple productions;
and in some existed domestic institu.
tons. which, unwissly disturbed. might
endanger the harmony Of the whole.
Most carefully were all these circun
stances weighed. and the foundations
OF the new Government laid upon
principles Of reciprocal concession and
equitable compromise. The jsalou,ies
which the smaller States might enter
tam Of the power Of the rest were al.
Isyed by rule Of representation, con-
fessedly unequal at the time, and de-
sigoed forever TO remain so. A natural
fear that the broad scope Of general
Legislation might bear upon and un-
wisely control particular interests. was
countersctcd by limits strictly drawn
around the action Of the federal author
i,y, and TO the people and the States
Was left unimpaired their sovereign
power over the innumerable subjects
embraced in the internal government
OF just republic, excepting such only
as necessarily appertain to the concerns
OF the whole confederacy. or its inter
course, as united community, with
the other nations Of the world.
This provident forecast has been We
rihed bv time. Half century. teem-
ing with extraordinary events, and
elsewhere producing astonishing re-
suits, has passed along; but on our in
sti'utions it has left no inIurious mark.
From small community. we have
risen to 4 people powerful IN numbers
and IN strength; but with our increase
has gone, hand in hand, the progress Of
just principles; the privileges, civil and
religious, Of the humblest individual
are s,iil sacredly protected a, home
and, while the valor and fortitude Of
our people have removed far from us
the slightest apprehension Of foreign
power. they have not yet induced US
IN q single instance, TO forget what is
right. Our commerce has been ex-
tended TO the remotest nations: the
value. and even nature, Of our produc-
tons has been greatly changed; wide
difference has arisen IN the relative
wealth and resources Of every portion
OF our country; yet the spirit OF mutual
regard and Of faithful adherence 10 ex-
listing compac,s, has continued TO pre-
vail in our councils, and never long
been absent from our conduct. We
have learned by experience a fruitful
lesson: that an implicit and undcvia,-
ing adherence TO the principles on
which we set out can carry us prosper
ously onward through all the conflicts
OF circumstances. and the yicissiiudes
inseParable from the lapse OF years.
The success that has thus attended
our great experiment. is, in itself. a
sufficient cause for gratitude, on account
of the happiness it has actually con
ferred. and the example ii has unan-
swerably given. But to me. nv fel.
low-citizens. looking forward TO the far
distant future, with ardent prayers and
con6ding hopes. this retrospect pre-
sents ground for still deeper delight.
IL impresses on my mind firm belief
that the pcrpetuity Of our institutions
depends upon ourselves; that. If We
maintain the principles on which they
were established, they are destined to
confer their benefits on countless &C.
nerations yet 10 come; and that Anne
rca will present TO every friend OF
mankind the cheering proof, that po-
Pular Government, wisely formed. is
wanting IN no element Of endurance or
strength. Fifty years ago, ITS rapid
failure was boldly predicted. Latent
and uncomfortable causes Of dissolu-
zion were supposed TO exist, even by
the wise and good; and not only did
unfriendly or speculative theorists anti
ciPais for us the fate Of past republics.
but the fears Of many an honest patriot
overbslanced his ssnguine hopes
Look back on these forebodings, not
hastily. but reluctantly made, and see
how. IN every instance. they have com
Pletely failed.
An imperfect experience, during the
struggles Of the revolution, was suppos-
ed 10 warrent belief that the people
would not bear the taxation requisite
to discharge an immense public deb,
already incurred. and to defrAy the ne
eessary expenses OF the Government.
The cost Of two wars has been paid.
not only without a murmur. but with
unequalled alacrity. No one is now
left to doubt that every burden will be
eheeTfully borne that may be necessary
to sustain our civil institutions. or guard
our honor or our welfare. Indeed. all
experience has shown that the willing.
ness Of the people TO contribute 10 these
ends in cases Of emergency, has uni
formly outrun the confidence OF their
representatives..
In the early stages of the new Go.
vernmeni. when all felt the imposing
influence. a. they recognised the un
equalled services Of the first President.
): was = common sentiment that the
great weight OF his character could
alone bind the discordsnt materials Of
our Government together. and save us
from the violence Of contending fac
tons. Since his death, nearly forty
yesrs are gone. Party evaporation
has been oflsn carried 90 ~, hizhe II,
po,Ht the virtue and The fofitude Of
the people have sometimes been greatly
tired vat our svsfar, ,,urtGrH .uI q, 80