Liberty advocate. [volume] (Liberty, Miss.) 1835-1866, 1838-07-14

government so admirably organized. as "
guard successfully against any possible a.
buse of power; containing the self correct
ing principles, which, guided by eafighten-
en- public opinion, will perpetuate it unlm-
paired; with all its rich blessings, to the
remotest posterity. On the people, and on
the people only, does its success depend.
From them, must every public fnnctionary
derive his power, and TO them, must he pc
riodically surrender it, and give an ac-
count of his stewardship. Here are nodi-
vine rights, or hereditary privileges, 10
shield corruption; or bar the searching
influence Of public opinion. Is the public
agent recreant to his constituents interest,
though surrounded by all the glittering
show Of wealth; the scathing influence of
public opinion consigns him, to am igno-
minious obscurity. Is he faithful to his
trust, preferring before his own the public
good, the same ordeal will richly reward
his merits, however humble his origin; and
the brightest honors Of the republic, are
often before him. Let us then, as we love
our liberty, cherish and cultivate an en-
lighted public opinion; for if the fountain
head becomes corrupt, all the streams will
be impure. Let us pursue with acontenpt
that Shall rither, the willy demagoguo,
who shall dare to insult the peoples digni-
ty; with hypocracy hanging upon his lips,
"And smooth assimilation, skilled to grace
A DEVILS purpose, with an angels face"
Such men should be Stunned, like the
poisoned breath of pestience-they are the
natural enemies of the epublic-preju-
dice, sectional feeling, difference of grades,
and appeals to the lower passions are
their favoriie workingj tools, with which
they organise, and keep up parties; and
when aided by subsidized press. their
power is almost overwhelming. To such
men, is attributed the downfall of the an
cient republics; and their poisoning inhu-
ence, is clearly traced, on every page of
their declining history. Even gratitude
for public merit, though ever SO laudable
when duly restrained, if it should lead to
blind confidence in men, is no longer
virtue. Bonaparte while republican
general, dared not to hint crown; but
gradully he climbed the ladder of his am
biton, covering each step with glory, until
a willing people hailed him Emperor.
Republics may be charged, by the friends
Of monarchy, with ingratitude to great
men; too jealous eye to growing fame,
that shall clog the path to glory; be it SO
for great men too have destroyed repub-
lies; popularity is power, and power can
only safely dwell with the people-"woe
be unto him OF whom every one speakelh
well,n has been said by Him, who spake as
no man speaketh, and better knew the frail,
selfish naturel of man. Yet it is the lot
of this republic, to boast of one, the espe-
cial gift of heaven, to a favored people,
whom praise could not intoxcate; who
! gloriousy passed by a crown, and loved
/ virtue for its own sake; to him, may a
whole nation, pour forth their gratitude!--
for well is he worthy; while fame, with her
pencil dipped in glory, shall inscribe, on
the very summit of her pedestal, the be-
loved name of Washington.
Gentlemen of the Amite Library and De-
batting Society.-You have shown by your
laudable devotion to this day, how justly
you appreciate, the intimate connexion be-
tween republican liberty. and intellectual
improvement. The history of the whole
world proves that your position is founded
in truth. Despotic governments rest their
support upon the dark pillars ofignoranco,
which degrade, and sink the people will
lingy into the condition of slaves. Phys
icaI power is always with the people; give
them but light and knowledge, ditfused
among all classes, and you add moral
power, which can successfully put despo-
tism at defiance. Republican Govern
mentis not a thing of spontaneous growthj
give TO uncivilized man the boon, and he
knows not how to appreciate its worth,
nor will he retain it. Like all the arts
and sciences, which exalt the character OF
man, and benefit his condition the science
of government too must have beginning
or starting point. Primitive modes are but
the first step in progressive scale, which
by the aid Of light and knowledge, may
still be advanced, towards the ultimate
point of perfection. Thus do we sec
connecting link, between our society, and
the system of government under which
we live Let US then, cherish, with be-
coming zeal, an institution which aims at
such exalted benefits, which has open be-
fore it, such a wide field for usefulness.
A strict regard to order, and respectful
dignity Of department, in its members,
keeping always in view the Importance Of
its objects, can alone insure its osperity,
and gain the advantages intended by its
creation. A patient and persevering in
dustry is indispensable. Man in the pro-
gress Of intellectual imp never
remains stationary. I'LL he utrelaxcs bis
| axoro;es, ha IL al, ~ w fall hnck. Wholena-