Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1840-02-25
DonlrStic.
REDUCTION OF POSTAGE.

The wor Id is upon the eve Of an in,ellectu-
al revolution. The march of mind is rapidly
superceedng the march of matter In,elli-
gence Is fast dispclling the mis,s of ignorance,
and mental enJoyments bid fair soon TO be held
IN higher estimation than sensual pleasure.
Nor should this be cause of wonder II is
not the least of the eXceloncics of Republics,
that the operation of their institutions induce
inquiry. As well might we look for the un-
chained car TO resist the impelling power of
steam, or the thin air To restrain the progress
of the booming thunder, as for the mind To lie
dormant in community of Frcctncn. The
right to think and TO speak, beges a DISPOSE
ton to do so. Thought bcgets enquiry--en-
quiry Intelligence happiness and
virtue. The maxim, under any circumsian-
ces that Ignorance is bliss" is~an untru,h.-
knowledge secures not only power but enjoy
ment. Hence it is that citizens of Republics
are found to be not only the ireest but the hap
pie:t. 1t is true, they may not be as bolster
Gus in their enloymenis as the light-hearted
peasantry of France or of Italy But that
species of happiness is more like the happi-
hess experienced by the invalid between his
paroxysms of pain, than the enjoyment of siea-
dy, uninterrupted health. 1t is like the turbu-
lent joy of the slave during his moments OF re-
Taxation from labor and the lash.
But, notwithstanding it is true that republi-
can institutions thus induce thought and en-
quiry and intelligence, it is equally true that
under mistaken notion of policy and econo-
my, heavy tax has been levied upon that
which thus produces happiness. And, what
is more singu ar, until recently, none have ev-
er dreamed of Directing to this tax, or seek
ing remedy. This proves to us, how much
more readily we resist that which intcriercs
nh al tha, al
The tax upon the simple article OF toa, was II
principle to shake off the yoke of Engla nd -
The tax upon articles of foreign manufacture
al one time threatened the dissolution of the
Union; and the mere suggestion o halfmil-
lion direct tax for the support of the govern
mcnt would be secuted as intolerable But
the enormous postage tax-whch so oppress-
lively interdicts the freedom and interchange
of thought-has been borne with patient in
difference, by no means creditable TO the as
serters OF human rights
Let us look at this tax as connected with
intellectual and social enjoyment. We have
been taught that the intercourse of friends was
a chief source of happiness. And who does
not know the truth OF tins observation, Man
is social being. The conversation of friends
has been represented as "Music TO the iroub-
led heart. And so it is. Nor is the epistle
of friend less grateful. Who has not expe-
renced the pleasure of this source of happi-
ness But, who also, has not deprecated
the tax imposed upon il To thousands, this
tax Is equivalent to an Introduction and par
ticulaTly is this true of those who, experience
teaches US, have the fewcst friends-the poor
How many to whom the postage tax is intol-
cradle, would be glad of more frequent com
municaton with their friends, How often
does the widowed mother sigh over her power
ty, as she reflects upon 1t as a barrier against
all intercourse with her wandering offspring.
As the western emigrant looks back upon his
ancient home, and brings up before his mind 5
eye, the reverend plains and hills and rivers
OF New England, how his heart yearns for a
word of friendship and remembrance from
! those who dwell there But bis poverty for
bids II. The postage tax is too great TO per
nit more than an occasional enjoyment Of the
| pleasure which "letters from home" never fail
! to afford him.
! And there are the beirOihedi What happi-
| ness are they forbidden We're this postage
tax removed, how much onencr than now,
would words that burn" transform this gloo-
my world OF ours into paradise. And who
can enumerate the broken vows and broken
hearts and broken matches that have been
caused by this intolerable burden Affection.
like gold; shines brightest when often POLISH
ed and letters are TO love, what buck-skin is
TO pewtef-they keep up lis lusire. A neg
lect TO apply either, Is succeeded by dull dun
ness, alike fatal 10 the beauty Of pewter and
the iervor OF love. And as love and affection,
like honor and fame, from no condition rise"
all lovers are not rch Many, very many.
lose their hearts who have an empty pocket /,
and for theirs, as for the benefit Of all oihers,
II should be removed.
But It Is as a tar upon knoUiedge that the
postage law Is most Objectionable. All the
other objections which we have urged are Of
an mdrriduat character This objection is
general. When the progress Of knowledge is
retarded, the evil falls upon all alike-the rich
and the poor This begins 10 be felt; and il
Is TINS which, perhaps more than any thing
else, has induced movement upon this SUBJ
Jet, and given evidence Of the truth Of the re-
marx that Ue are upon The ere Of an nfeiiecfu-
at rerofafion. When men begin % remove the
barriers which reiard the progress Of knowl-
edge II u the very best kind Of evidence, that
they are DESTROYS Of obtaining Us possession.
But lhls can only be secured by a general
movement Of the people. II those who feel
Tire esil, VIII labor 10 remove II, the work is
done Public opinion is the fulcrum Of a Re
public. But apply II with proper spirit, aud
the much required reform viii be secured -
knowledge will be unShackled and be per |