North American. [volume] (Swanton, Vt.) 1839-1841, 1839-10-16

al tue wants 81 0@f vast FoVhtak3UHs
/ Intercourse has been accelerated, by the
construction OF canals and railroads, uniu
time aud space are almost anuihilaied.
On the peaceful bosoms II our wide spread
/ Lakes. and mighty rivers OF the west,
which &lxty years age. we're surrounded
/ by an lmpcaelfable forest, hundreds OF
! Steamboats,, now float, laden with the pro-
auctinns of every cline and every country.
While the United States have been go
+ ing forward IN this u0exsmpled manner,
/ England has remained stationary; their
government is bankrupt, and her people
miserable; her strength, always lay IN her
lextfavagance, and her institutions, are
peculiarly calculated, tn rob the needy o!
their mite, and 10 increase the wrelched-
ness Of the wtetched.
/ Among the most important advantages
which We derive from our form OF govern.
ment: is the universal diffusion oil know
/ ledge among all classes OF society. Com
mon Schools. have ever been considered
! the nursing mothers, OF Liberty, and I'M
4 der the fostering care OF the government
Afford The greatest encouragement 20 youth.
/ 10 every STATE, county, town and district,
Ithroug bout this vast republic, this system
| of education has been established and the
means Of information extended to all, while
in England but one in thirty OF her popu-
lalion are taught even the rudIments.
Our institutions like our form OF govern
meni, are based upon liberal principles
hence all have an equal chance, for dis
tincllon and unassuming merit is never
IL L., In thu nth ar
hand, the privileged fee, who derive the
advantages Of an education in England,
are obliged to pursue the course, and follow
the mode prescribed by dictatorial clergy.
To what are the United States indebted
for the unexampled literary attachments
and political wisdom of her Statesman? to
her system Of education. To what is the
present chief Magistrate Of our nation in
deb,ed for his elevation from a servant boy
in a hotel, tothe Presidential chair Of the
United States? To our common schools;
our equal rights and privileges.
Such are the advantages derived from
our institutions, that the whole communi
~, may become acquainted with national
policy, and the elements OF our couniry's
happiness, are themes Of common discus
sion.
The peace and prosperity Of the Repub
lie, is entrusted 10 the virtue and niell-
gence of the people, and by the embodied
wisdom of the great mass is our country
governed. Then let every lover OF liberty
see that the fountains Of education are
kept pure, and free from all sectarian no
tons; for on them hang the destiny Of!
America.
We have reason to apprehend: yea il is
plain to the eye Of every candid observer,
Though every American should blush TO
acknowledge i) that in some of our Sens
nares of tearing, and incorporated inst-
tutions; and more particularly in our mill
tary Acadamy, there is feeling recogniz-
ed and taught which is hostile To Republ.
can equality and simplicity, and at variance
with The Declaration which says all men
are free and equal. The anxiety then in
some OF our institutions TO ape the arisloc-
racy of England, to raise up privileged
aud counterfeit nobility in Republican,
America: this anti-repubican notion-that
A. b., A. NJ, and l., l.. D., Z" red
stripes, gilt buttons" and military cos
tune, create privileged order OF beings,
and entille them TO the exclusive appella-
ton of gentlemen, should be diseounte-
nanced s. discarded by every Republican.
Then let the few institutions into which
this bancful pollution has cTept, be c!cansed
by the united efforts OF every lover OF liber-
~.
Again there ia another evil sprnging up
in the land, which has arose 10 a fearful
pitch in some Of our cities, and its wither-
ing and blasting effects are occasionally
seen and felt in the country; it is the aris-
tocracy OF pealth; Of associated WealM 1t |
nourishes and cherishes that detestable !
principle, that the man who by intrigue, |
corruption, or in any other manner has
become opulent, is not only richer, but
better than his neighbor; that he is entitled
to more influence and respect, than the |
honest poor man who has spent his days
in useful employment Did this originate
in our institutions ?-is it fault Of the |
Constitution of cur country? By no !
means. These sentiments are propagaied /
By men in British interest; the splen-
dor of British equipage, The mGnied for
riding in golden chariots has benumbed
their faculties; they are not Republicans
they are Aristocrats; and may The shades
IF the immortal Washington, Adams, and
Jefferson forgive the ungratefu wretches,
who, living under our laws and our con.
,liiulion, have become so fallen, so re-
In ho,r