The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-11-15
From the Philadelphia Public Ledger
PROSPECTIVE GRANDEUR OF
AMERICA.

THE future population, strength and resources
of this country have been subjects of speculation
with staticians and poets. Calculation and rhap-
sody have not been wanting 10 determine or fore
shadow its destiny. But neither the one nor the
other, as far we have seen, has adequately
compassed the prospective grandeur of America.
The calculations have fallen short of what might
be anticipated; and the prophetic imaginings have
been too vague to convey any definite impressions
of absolute results. This, however, is question
which statistics can exemplify, and in such man.
ner as to render prospective fact more brilliant
and marvellous than the widest range which
imagination has taken in regard to it. We shall
endeavor to explain our views on this subject,
confning ourselves TO rigid calculations and fair
deductions
In the increase of population in this country,
two things are remark kable: its rapidity and its
uniformity. Nearly century ago, Franklin stated
that population nearly doubled itself once within
every twenty-five years. The process of redupli-
cation has been going on ever since; and, accord
ing to the last census, it appears that 1t IS now
is an important fact, and renders the calculation of
the population for future exact periods, thing of
clear certainty. Where population has doubled
itself so rapidly for such length of time, it is
evidence Of the working Of principle. 1t ceases
to be accidental, and hence uncertain in lis nature.
The population of France has doubled itself
within hundred and twenty years, and that
Of England in sixty. Either period is long
in itself, and The anterior periods required fer
the reduplication of the population of each Of
those countries SC uncertan that a satisfactory
statement of their future increase of population
may hardly be afforded. But for the reasons we
have stated, no such impediment to reasonable
calculation on the subject applies to this country.
The results Of continuing the calculation of the
increase of population in this country in geomet-
rical ratio, are so vast, and OF so distant period,
that it would seem safe and prudent not to venture
stating them exactly. 1t would appear that Chan.
cellor Kent must have been under the influence of
this sober feeling when he spoke Of their beir e
three hundred millions of people in it in the course
OF ages So far from many ages being required
for this, the child is now born in this country who
will see in il population of more than three hun
dred millions. 1t may be argued that population
here to double itself at its present ratio,
when it reaches high poirt-suppose one hun
dred millions. But this consideration is Of no
avail; for if we look at the means Of the incre-
ment of population, we shall find that il goes
beyond numbers, the Mahusian theory to the
contrary notwithstanding. Two things establish
the augmentation of population, liberal form of
government and national integrity being always
secured. These things are improving agriculture
and mechanics Now it is ascerained that agri-
culture has just begun TO improve. 1t is fact not
less memorable than disgracelul, that agriculture
has remained stationary from the age Of Augustus
Caesar almost to onr own immediate time. Eigh-
teen hundred years had not mended its rules or
practice. Any one who will read Virgils Geor-
gics and compare il with ordinary farming practice
will satisfy himself of this. Though gunpowder
and inquistorial tortures, heradry and alchemy,
cruelties and follies, occupied mems minds; though
printing had been long discovered, and society
had taken a civilized character yet, strange to
say, the fundamental art, the great necessity, the
support of life, the. production of food was left
rude as antiquity had known it. Had agriculture
been as glorious as war, it would long since have
ructiied the four continents But this great art
is now rendered susceptible of indefinite improve
ment Chmstry, the creation of few years,
analyzes soils and their productions distinct
characters and mutual adaptabilites. With
beauty and certainty that exhaust admiration, it
places agriculture beyond the evils of ignorance
and waste, and displays a sublime economy in its
operations. Machinery, with ingenious forms and
prowess, comes TO supersede or fortify
human hands. These united agencies will give to
the science and practice of agriculture magni-
cent scope and effect, perennial power Of life
'usentation, that surpass alike the bounds of sober
or rhapsodical fcrvor The genius
Of mechanics, which has been started into new
proportions by the Ithuriel touch of the age whose
stature literally reaches to the clouds, has, inde
the second great effect OH national
lesny. Like the whirng spheres, it multipes
'orms infinite IN numbers and beauties. 1t begins
with necessity and ends with luxury; it embraces
every ministraon to bodily comfort, every artifce
% extend spiritual cultivation. These two great
orces, which have just had their new birth, are in
he hands of posterity for deyelopement
Their influence will be to quicken the growth
IF natons-not to retard them at this or that point
If numerical strength. We cannot then admit
hat there is going to be any retardaton in the
Increase of population up to that period when 1t
urpasses the supply of food-a period not neces-