Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1850-09-26
EASTERN TIMES.
Bath, Thursday, Sept. rs, 1850.


The pr7n1pc OF repuolicdhlsln, the history
of civilization forcibly demonstrates, is suscep-
tible of being merged in, or covered up by the
form of government in which it exists, pre-
cisely as christianity may be shrouded and
stript of its vitality in unmeaning forms and
ceremonies. The principle itself is innate.
natural, and has manifested itself from the
dawning of civilization. It's essence and spirit
however, being purely mental, Intellectual
its supremacy and permanence are dependent
upon intelligence and intellectual cultivation.
The same principle was manifested in the
ancient republics that is witnessed in the pres
ent day-but the state of society being rude
and uncivilized, it soon gave place TO monar-
chies, aristocracies end theocracies. But ev-
cry failure gave rise TO feeling of distrust,
which even the hitherto unparalleled success
of our own republic has, as yet, been unable to
totally obliterate. Every subject calculated to
create difference of opinion in our country is
seized upon, as basis on which to predicate
an opinion, or to venture a prediction, of the
downfall of the republic.
The friends of republicanism in the early
period of our government had not only to con-
tend against the prevalence of this feeling of
distrust abroad, but were obliged to battle it at
their own doors. An aristocracy of talent and
Of wealth sprang up, fostered by the monarchi-
cal ideas in which many had been educated,
the separation from the associations of which
not having entirely alienated them from the
predictions in their favor. Universal liberty
freedom of speech-an equality of rights
were the great principles contended for-but
having acquired which, they began to distrust.
In the physical warfare-thc struggle for indie
pendence-there was but one common ground,
upon which all were arshaled-artificial
claims were disregarded, and individual merit
every where acknowledged. But indepen-
dence having been achieved, the question was
raised whether the people, who had gained
their liberties, were capable of maintaining
them. While some were inclined to impose
restrictions in this respect, more liberal feel
ing generally prevailed-which gave rise to
public discussions among the ablest statesmen
of the country-to which may be traced the
formation of the two great political parties
which have been properly termed the progress
sire and conservative parties. The one acknowl-
edged to the fullest extent the sovereignty of
the people-the other sought to restrict and
limit such sovereignty, BY imposing qualifca-
tons on the elective franchise. contending for
property qualification, upon the fallacious
reasoning that a mans allegiance to country
is dependent upon the amount of property that |
he may have inherited or that he may other
wise possess. The one, believing its princ-
pies to be as illimltable as the world, eschewed
the idea that the safety of the republic consist
ed in its restriction TO its original limits, while
the other party, distressing the principles as
well as the government itself, could see moth
ing but anarchy and ruin in any course which
tended to enlarge the area of freedom.
In the progress of our country, various and
diverse interests naturally arise which engen-
der sectional animosties This has ever been
the case, and will ever doubtless continue
always afford fruitful topics for our transat-
lantic friends who are looking daily for the
failure of our experimental government, to prog
nosticate portentous events upon. But again
and again have they been relieved ofther anx-
ieties by an amicable adjustment of matter
after matter-until now it is to be hoped that
the recent settlement in national councils of
the only question that really embodies in itself
the seeds of dissolution to our glorious Union,
will forever remove all doubts as to the success
of republican government.
The germ of the '.May Flower that was
implanted in the Colonies and blossomed
and attained maturity in the old Thirteen origi-
nal States, has spread its roots over a vast en-
pire, and the waters of the Atlantic unite with
those of the Pacific in furnishing common
sustenance and support. The Senators of the
thirty. first State Of the Union have taken their
seats at the national council boards-the repre-
sentatives from the shores of the Pacific are
welcomed to the national councils by their |
brethren of the Atlantic Statesl