The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-07-04

the dist ribu,ion or modification OF the constitutional
powers be, in any particular, wrong. let il be cor
rectcd by amendment in the way which the
Constitution desi gnates. But let there be no change
by usurpation; for though this, in one instance,
may be the Instrument Of good, ii 10 the customary
weapon by which free governments are destroyed.
The precedent must always greatly radiance. in
permanent evil, any partial or transient benefit
which the use can, at any time, yield.
OF all the dispositions and habits which lead to
political prosperity, reli zion and morality are in
dspensable supports In vain would that man
claim the tribute Of patriotism who should labor to
subvert these great pillars OF human happiness,
these firmest props Of the duties OF men and citi
The mere politician, equally with the pious
man. ought to respect and to cherish them Avo-
umc could not trace all their connexions with pri-
and public felicity. Let il simply be asked,
where is the security for property for reputation,
for ie il the OF religious obligation desert the
oaths which the instruments Of investigation in
courts of justce' And let as with caution indulge
the suppositon, that morality can be maintained
without religion. Whatever may be conceded to
the influence OF refined education on minds Of pc
cuar structure, reason and experience both forbid
us to expect that national morality prevail in
exclusion of religious principles.
Ii Is substantially true, that virtue or morality Is
necessary spring Of popular government. The
rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to
every species of free government. Who, that Is
sincere friend 10 it, can look with indifference
upon attempts to shake the foundation Of the
fabric?
Promote, then, as an object of primary import
ancc ttutions for the general diffusion Of know
ledge. In proportion the structure of govern
ment gives force 10 public opinion. it il essential
that public opinion should be enlightened.
As very important source of siren 9Th and secu-
rty, cherish public credit. One method of pre-
serving il is TO use il as sparingiy as possible;
avoiding occasions OF expense by cultvaing peace,
but remembering, also that timely disbursements
| to prepare for danger. frequently prevent much
greater disbursements 10 repel it; avoiding like
wise, the accumulation Of debt, not only by shun-
ming occasions Of expense, but by vigorous exer-
In Al he W
unavoidable wars may have occasioned not UNI
generously throwing upon po'terity the burthcn
which we ourselves ought 10 bear The execution
oil these naxiins belongs 10 your representatives.,
but il is necessary that public opinion should
operate. To facilitate to them the performance of
their duty, 1t is essential that you should practical
ly bear in mind, that towards the payment of debts
there must be revenue; that to have revenue there
| must be taxes that no taxes can be devised which
are not more or less announcement and unpleasant;
that the intrinsic embarrassment inseparable from
the selection OF the proper objects, (Which is ways
choice Of ditiicutes,) ought to be decisive mo
tive for candid construction of the conduct Of the
government in making it, and for spirit VI acqui-
esccncc III the measures for obtaining revenue,
which the public cxigencics may at any time die
tate.
Observe good faith and justice towards all
tions; cultivate peace and harmony with all reli-
gion and morality enjon this conduct and can II
he that good policy docs not equally enjoin it! II
will bc worthy Of a free, enlightened, and, at no
distant period, IA great nation, to give TO mankind
pie always guided by exalted justice and benev-
olencc. Who can doubt that, in the course Of time
and things the fruits OF such plan would richly
repay any temporary advantages which might be
lost by steady adherence to it Can it be that
Providence has not connected the permanent fell
city Of a nation with its virtue? The experiment,
at least, is recommended by every sentiment which
cnnoblcs human nature. Alas is il rendered i'm
! possible by its vices'
In the execution of such plan, nothing lie more
| essential than that permanent inve.erate antpa-
thes against particular nations, and passionate at
| tachments for others, should be excluded and
that in place of them, just and aTnicable feelings
towards all should be cultivated. The nation which
INDUCES towards another an habtual hatred, or AN
babitual iondncss, 49, In some degree, n slave. IL
is slave TO its luminosity TO is affection; either
of which is sufficient lead it asray from its duty
and its interest. Antipathy in one nation against
another disPoses each more readily To offer insult
and injury, to lay hold OF slight causes OF umbragc
aud 10 be naughty and actable, when accidental
| or trifilng occasions of dispute occur. Hence fire.
| qucnt collisions obstinate, envcnoncd, and bloody
contests. The nation, prompted by -wil and re-
sentiment, sometimes impels TO war the govern
ment, contrary to the best calculations OF policy.
| The government sometimes participates in the
! tonal propensity, and adopts, through passion
what reason would reject; at other times it makes
the anilnoeity Of the nation subscrvicn 10 projects
of hostility, insugated by pride, ambition. and
other sinister and pernicous motives. The peace
often, sometimes perhaps the liberty, of natioiis has
been the victim.
50, likewise, IA passionate attachment Of
ton 10 another produces a variety OF eyils. SYM
pathy for the favorite nation, facilitating the iu-
| sion of an imaginary common interest, in cases
where no real common interest lists, and iniusng
into the enmities of the other, be,rays the far
tncr into participation in the quarrels and wais Of
tho latter, without adequate inducenent or justih-
cation IL leads also TO concessions TO the favorite
nation of privileges denied to others, which is apt
dOubly 10 injure the nation making the concessions
by unnecessarily parting with what ought TO have
been retained, and by exciting Jealousy i'll will,
and disposition 10 retalists, IN the parties from
whom equal privileges are withheld; aud il gyes
70 ambitious, corrupted, os dcuded citizens (wbo
devote themselves TO the favorto nation) facility 10
betray, or sacrifice the interest Of their coun-
try, without odium; sometimes even with equal
popularity; gliding with the appearance Of virtu-
ons sense of obligation, commendsblc Difference
for public opinion, or audsblc zeal for public
good the base foolish cOmpliances Of ambition,
corruption or iniatustion
A avenues TO foreign influence in innumerahe
ways, such attachments arc particularly alarming
10 the truly enlightened and independent patriot.
How many opportunities do they afford To tampcr
with domestic factions, 10 practise tho art Of seduc
ton, to mislead public opinion, 10 influence
tho pubic councilsl Such attachment Of a small
or weak, towards great and powerful nation,
dooms the former 10 be the satellite of the latter.
Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence
q conJure You to believe me. fellow citizcns) the
Jealousy OF a free people ought to be constantly
awake since history aud eSperisnce PROVE that for
cgn influence is one OF the most baneu foes Of re-
publican government But that jealousy TO be use
nent OF the very influence 10 be avoided instead Of
a defence against it. Excessive Partially for
foreign nation, and excessive dislike for another,
cause those whom they actuste TO see danger only
on ono side. and serve 10 VEIL and even second
the arts Of influence the other. Real patriots
who may resist the intrigues Of tie hvoritc, are
liable to become suspected and odious; while its
tools and dupcs usurp the applause and confidence
OF the people, to surrender their interests.
The great rule Of conduct for us, in regard To
foreign nations. is, in extending our commercial
relations, TO haas with them little political con.
nosion ne possible. so far ~ We have already
formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with
perfect good faith. Here let stop.
Europe has set of primary interests, which 10 Us
have none, or very remote relation. Hence she
must be engaged ia frequent controversies, the
causes OF which are essentially foreign TO con
Germs. Hence, therefore, it must bc unwise in
TO imphcate ourselves, by artificial Ties, in the or
binary ycissitudes Of her politics, the ordinary
combinations and collisions Of her friendships or
enmitics.
dur detached and distant situation invites and
enables US to pursue different course. II we
main one people, under efficient government,
the period IL not far of when may defy material
injury from external annoyance when we may
no tndg