, 1841-03-20

IN It's existence, or from the influence oil de-
signing men, diverting their attention from
the quarter whence it approaches to a
source from which it can never come. This
is the old trick of those who would usurp
the government of their country. In the
name of Democracy they speak, warning
the People against the influence of wealth
and the danger of aristocracy. History,
ancient and modern, is full OF such examples,
Caesar became the master Of the Roman peo-
pie and the Senate under the p~retense Of
supporting the democratic claims Of the for
mer against the aristocracy of the latter;
Cromwell, in the character of protector of
the liberties of the People. became the die
tator Of England; AMI Bolivar possessed him.
self of unlimited power, with the title Of
his country's Liberator. There is, on the
contrary, nc single instance on record Of an
extensive and welLestablished republic being
changed into an aristocracy. The tenden-
cies OF all such Governments in their decline
is TO monarchy; and the antagonist princi-
pie to liberty, there is the spirit of faction
a spirit which assumes the character. and.
in times of great excitement. imposes itself
upon the People as the genuine shirt of free
dom, and like the false Christs whose com
ing was foretold by the Saviour. seeks 10. and
were il possible would. impose upon the true
and most faithful disciples of liberty. Ii is
in periods like this thati it behooves the Peo-
pie to be most watchful of those To whom
they have intrusted power. And although
there is at times much difficulty in diSIIu-
gushing the false from the true spirit, Il calm
and diSpaSsionaie investigation will detect
A. Ill l-.I- r
lis operations, as the results that are produc-
ed. The true spirit of liberty. although de-
voted. preserving, bold. and uncompromis-
inc in principle. that secured. is mild and toll
Grant and scrupulouS as to the means it en-
ploys; whilst the spirit of party. assuming
10 he that of liberty. is harsh. Wind ctivc.
and intolcrant. and Totally reckless rs 10 the
character Of III allies which ii brings TO Iie
aid of its Cause. When the genuine spirit
Of liberty anImatns the body of 4 people To
a thorough examination % their ~aiiuIrS. il
leads 10 the ~exciSirn nt every excrpSence
which may have fastened i,S.if upon anv #
the Departments of the Government. and
restores the system TO lis pristine health and
beauty. Bat The reign Of IN Ini0lerant spIr
ii of party lmongs; Il Tree people. seldom
fails II result IN a dangerous accession 70 the
Executive power introduced and established
amidst unusual professions of devotion Of
democracy.
The foregoing remarks relate almost exciu,
sive'y - matters cnun"c ed with our dunes
tic concerns. II my hr pr,,.r. however.
that ! should i've 5 m- iniic4rlnnS 10 NV
fellow citizens 81 my proposed r"ur>e of
cOnGuCt III the m ma r'nrnt at our foreign
relations assure mem, therefore. that il
IS my ntentlpa 10 Use ct+rV means IN my
pOWei I, preserve the friendly intercourse
which now $. h"ppl'v exists WITH every TOR
eiTu nation. And thai although. al course; not
vel 'IEtormeI Il To tie state 81 prniinG nego-
tiatIonS with any oftIem. | see. in the personal
character of the sDvereigus: rs well rs in the
mutual interests of our own. and OF the
Governments with which our relations are
most intimate. i pleasing guaranty that the
harmony So important 10 the interests "t
their subjects, as well as our citizens. will
not be interrupted by the advancement Of
any claim or pretcnsIon upon their part To-
which our honor would PERM, us /" yield.
Long the defender of my counirv's riThr. ia
the field, ! trust that my fclI"w-ciiizrns vii
not see. in nv earnest desire To preserve
peace with foreign powers. any Indication
that their rights will never tie sacrificed, or
the honor Of the nation furnished. 10y any ad-
mission on the part Of thei; Chief Magistrate
unworthy of their Iorncr glory. In onr III
t%ercourse with our aboriginal ~ueighbors the
same liberty and justice which marked the
course prescribed To me BY two Of anv H.
~lustrious predecessors. when acting under
their direction in the discharge OF the duties
Of Superintendent and Commissioner, shall
be strictly observed. | can conceive of no
more sublime spectacle-none more likely
to propitiate an impartial and common crea-
tor-than a rigid adherence 10 the principles
of justice, on the part Of a powerful nation.
IN its transactions with a weaker and unciv-
illzed people. whom circumstances have
placed at its disposal.
Before concluding, fellow-citizens. ! must
say Something to you on the subject Of the
parties al this time existing in our country.
To me ii appears perfectly clear that the in
terest Of the country requires that the vio-
lence Of the spirit by which those parties are
at this time governed, must be greatly miii-
a. r