Iowa news. [volume] (Dubuque, Upper Mississippi Lead Mines, Wisconsin Territory) 1837-1841, 1838-03-17


adventures through every region Of the globe.
4 AGRICULTURAL PURsu1Ts. IF have failed
l,o prove that the pursuits Of agriculture may
ne as lucrative as other employments, it will
DC an easier task to yindicate their pleasures
ana their Importance! need not dwell Eon
mat retirement, enc Of the purest enioymen,s
lot this life, and the best preparation Of the flu
fture, on those healthfnl occupations, on that
caImness Of mind, on that hiuh spirit or NAM
liness and independence, which naturally be-
long to that condition. These are attractions
which must have deep roots in the human
heart. since they have at all times fascinated
at once the Imagination, and won the iudg-
ment OF men. But may be allowed to say.
that, In this nation, agriculture is probably
destined TO attain its highest honors, and that
the country life OF America ought to possess
peculiar attractions. The pure g. splendid in
situations Of this people have embodied the
brightest dreams Of those high spirits, who in
other times and in other lands, have lamented
or struggled against oppression; they have
realized the fine conceptions which specula-
tive men have imagined, which wise men havo
planned, or bravcmen vainly persisted in at
tempting TO establish Their influence in re-
claiming the lost dignity Of man. and inspiring
The loltiest feelings Of personal independence,
may be traced in every condition of cur citi-
zens; but, as all objects are most distinct by
insulation, their effects are peculiarlv obvious
in the country.
The American Farmer is tho exclusive, al.
solutc uncontrolled proprietor Of the SOIL. His
tenure is not from government. The govern
ment derives its power from his. There is a.
bove him nothing but God and his laws; no
hereditary authority usurping the distinctions
LOT personal genius; no established church
spreading it's dark shadow between him and
heaven His frugal government neither dc.
sires nor dares 10 Cypress the soil; and the al
tars OF religion are supported only by the vol
untary offerings of sincere piety. His pur-
suits, which no pcrversion can render ininri-
GUS to any, are directed to the common benc-
fit ofal. In multiplying the bounties of Pro-
whence in the improvement and embelish-
ment OF the soil, ii the care of the inferior AMI
mails committed 10 his charge, he will find an
ever varying interesting employment, dignif.
ed by the union Of the liberal studies, eniyen-
ed by the exercise of simple and generous
hospitality. His character assumes lottier
interest by its influence over the public liberty.
II may not be foretold to what dangers this
country is destined, when its swelling popu.
la.ion, its expanding territory, its daily COM
| pllcating interests, shall awake the latent pas-
sions OF men, and reveal the vulnerable points
of our institutions But. whenever these PC
rs come, its most steadfast security, its I'M
falling reliance. will be on that column Of Ian
ded proprietors--tfe men OF the soil and ofthe
coun,ry----standing alcof from the passions
which agitate denser communities, we'll edu.
Gated, brave and independent, the friend Of the
government without soliciting its favors, the
advocates Of the people without descending 10
fatter their passions, these men, rooted like
their own forests, may yet inter?ose between
the faction Of tho country, to heal, to defend.
and to save.---f Biddle's Address.