Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1841-04-02
LETTERS FROM THE METROPOLIS.
y D.
New IORK. March %

AVE-" UNA, -idItH W ICfl'
In some Of my former letters have spoken
OF the influences at work, and the opinions prev
olelt with regard 10 the organization of society
AMI in my last gave brief outline Of one Of the
lectures delivered in the city by the great re-
farmer of the day, and as he esteems himself
Of the age, o. y. Brownson. BY the way, how
exceedingly prone every new theorst is, to es-
teen his own particular theory The one that is to
rule the world and to look upon all others as
quite worthless and undeserylug the least atten-
ton. This, suppose, is the natural conse-
quence of long continued thought upon any sub
ject, by superficial minds thoroughly possessed
with the highest opinion of their own mpor-
tancc, and driven on in their own path, by the
urlted stimulants, of excessive vanity and ex.
! cred enthusiasm. There is indeed something
quite ineXpllcable in the power of enthusiasm,
both in It's operation upon individuals and masses.
To look upon the conduct of men, under its in
fucnce, one might well suppose that they were
merely the creatures Of some powerful impulse,
unable, even il DESTROYS, to withstand It's cner-
gy Look for instance, at the election of last
fall the causes which produced that tremen-
duous upturnng OF the mighty deep of popular
feeling. which gave birth to that whrlwind of
passion and fierce political excitement, could not
be merely superficial and temporary. The en-
thusiasm OF the multitude was awakened, aud
its power was irresistible. Can any thoughtful
man consider its action, without asking himself
the question. with no small degree OF anxious
Ipnh, 1ofbo la, h.,
cause
As an instance of the disposition of sell styled
'reformers' to set fair value upon their own
peculiar efforts, than others are disposed tc
grant, | would mention Mr.. Bersbane, the
ringlcGdcr, in this country at least, OF the newly
preached theory Of Association. lie spent, il
the early part Of his life, several years in Ger
many and France, and was fattered by the
friendship of such men as Cheyalier Furier
Madame George Sand and llerrck lIine.-
lie has become so thoroughly imbueb with then
ntde doctrines that he thinks nothing else
worthy the slightest notice. 1t is really anus
ing to hear him talk OF the labors of men whom
the world has heretofore thought OF som,
little importance. lie says he esteems Plato
Locke, Bacon, llegel, Kant and all men OF stamI
! (he makes no discriminatory to be the meres
jewellers, never accomplishing anything bu
specializing upon what has not the least impor
lance. The first new idea,' he says. that h,
over acquired was suggested by the word,
attractive Industry and apparently, it wa
also the last, for he can write talk or think o
nothing else. To such an extent does he carr,
his insane doctrines, that he says he has II,
doubt it was the intention of our Saviour and hi
disciples to establish society on the basis of As
ISOLATION, but that they were forbid by the preju
dlces OF the age and stupidity of those 10 WHOM
they preached. Now, however, the people ar
more enlightened and the time has come whel
this great Increment is to overturn all existing
theories and social forms. After this sample c
his rawlings nothing however wild and senseles
from that quarter will excite surprise.
: But am wandering from the purpose wit
which commenced this letter, mainly, to full
promise made in my last. to give you the ont
lines of an excellent article in the last nunbe
! OF Frazer's Magazine upon the subject of Soc;
, Organization, 1t is profoundly philosopher
} and written with great ability. From It's cha
acter, and the haste in which necessarily writ,
: ! fear shall convey 10 those who may youohsa