The Yazoo City Whig. [volume] (Yazoo, Miss.) 1844-1851, 1846-09-04
PatriotislM-What is It.

Patriotism is the love of ones country
a zeal for its honor and its welfare, lis true
glory. II is a sentiment confined to no
country, to no party, and 10 no race of PEG.
pie. II is a natural feeling forming part
of our original constitution, but is suscep>
tblc Of the highest cultivation, until it
amounts TO passion. 1t 0ourishes most on
a free soil, where the people take part in
the Government, and are in great measure
responsible for its acts, but may be found
in existence under mcnGlchical govern.
mcnts.
Patriotism is a noble sentiment. Il is
possessed by every truly good citizen, and
the more intelligent and wotlhy he is. tho
more ardent is his patriotism. But never
was there word or a sentiment more base.
Iy rrostituted. Among selfish dcmagogues
il means not love Of ones country; not zeal
for its honor but love of party, fawning
acquiescence in ali it's behests, and de-
ANNEXATION Of all who reject its measure
4
President can do no wrong, that every act
of their leading men is just and right; and
that all who dare question their iron rule,
and f6arlessly examine into the conduct of
our public servants ale enc mics Of the coun>
try-nOt Of the party, or Of the evil con-
demncd--but Of the country!
II does not follow, that man is not a
patriot because he is opposed TO wall for the
greatest patriots aIe the friends of peace,
lie Judges, and Judges rightly, TOO, that the
r greatest good Of his country will be secured
by cultiyating and fostering peace with all
, nations; BY extending the blessings of COM
merce, Of agriculture, of the arts and sci
ence-Of religion and morality.
True, if the nation is engaged in war,
the patriot is ready TO defend his country
and fight her battles. He will freely give
his treasure, his talents and his personal
services, as they may be required. In do
ing this, he does not sanction the wrong.d do,
ing of hiI government. The country must
be defended, and the honor Of its Gag sup,
ported, although the war may exist by the
fault Of those in power. The patriot cub
mits as to a stern necessity, and hastens tC
rcpel the foreign foe, although he deeply
regrets the attitude in which his country is
placed by the NAL administration Of its rul'
, ers.
But is this all that patriotism demands
Far from it, The man that !ovcs his cOuD'
try, will watch over its honor with jealous
eye. lie will examine into the causes O.
the wal, and the measures and policy which
, have led to it, and If tae Government ha;
done wrong, he will openly and feafiessll
rebuke it. He will not suffer sin upon hi
Ownland, or injustice and oppression by hi
own government, any more than be viii
: stand by aud see her wfonged by others
Whenever a people become so degenerate
that they are ready to uphold all the acts Q
: their rulers right Of wrong, under the piosIi
4 futed name Of patriotism, they have lost III
e true principles Of liberty, and will soon be
}; come the willing slaves Of some POpula
4 hero, o. unprincipled and smOoth.iOngue
political aspiFant.
n The teachings Of history arc repsete wit
examples to illustrate our meaning. Happ
shall we be. If, with the blind spirit Of patI.
II the thirst Tor military glory, and the passio
J, for conquest, we escape tie rock on Whic
other nations have foundcred.