The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-07-25

WASHINGTON CITY.


against this great error of human se6shness and
encroachment, that it is wonderful, patriots or
at least, phanthropists have not oftener, and
more unanimously set their faces against it.
II is true that this, like most other evils has
been the result of carelessaess, as much as Of
ignorance. That it has sprung up as a result of
the individual system the interest of few,
fortunately placed, encroaching almost insonsibly
upon the rights Of the unthinking or preoccuped
multitudes In our day, and in this country, with
our love of Independence, and with press, hour
ly discussing facts, and disentering truths, there
is less danger from the activity of men in autho-
rity. There are counterbalancing agencies in
the institutions themselves, but there are none,
which may not be modified and revised" a la
Froncaise, to suit the views of clique.
If there is no authority with power to enforce
its will, there is no obedience, says, Thumbscrew.
It is not, however, obedience that is wanted for
obedience under power can only be obtained by
violence. What is required is good will, free ac-
ton for all, no arbitrary impositions, and no in
reference with interests different from our own,
and therefore not thoroughly appreciated. If
you believe your neighbor wrong, prove to him
by your own independent conduct, your moral
and material superiority. There is no proof SO
convincing. and none 80 readily and rapidly imi-
tated
So evident is this, that there is an universal,
instructive desire among intelligent populations
to adopt republican institutions, because there
is moral evidence, that the freedom obtained
under them is conducive to public prosperity.
The example of these United States issll power
full. But let it be well considered, that the favor
able view taken Of this country by Europeans, is
not because it has liberal government-the gov
eminent is rot thought of any more than if it did
not exist they have had enough Of governments
but because it is free country free in all its
parts; independent of authority; governing it.
self everywhere equally, without restriction or
ntermeddling Of its own public servants on their
own responsibility.
1t has been alleged however that it matters
little what be the form of government 80 that
the government is just Here lies the difficulty.
Power exercised with justice, would be miracle )
for it is almost an impossibility, humanity speak
ing.
We shall look in vain for such men as ABBAs
the Great, who had the incredible within of deal
ing out justice on all equally, no matter what
their position, their prejudces or their interests
Persia greatly ourished in his reign, or rather its
capital, Ispahan, prospered and increased mas
much as men of all creeds, and of every occu
patton and profession met with encouragement
and enjoyed security. At his death, confidence
being destroyed, the country returned to the oil
condition.
In Russia there is prosperity in the capitals
yet little or none beyond them; and unless tow
has the patronage of the emperor, it lies dorman
under the rod of the governor. Nevertheless
the provinces around the Black sea once knew
considerable prosperity; the consequence Of
independence.
In former article we alluded to England, as
proof not of the advantage Of Capitalization
but the reverse. She is peculiarly constituted
having remnants Of democratical independence
which, though somewhat under aristocratica in.
Auence, have been the only source of her pros.
perity.
Like Venice, after the modification of its re.
publican form, she is governed by patricans
who have sprung, it is true, from the body of the
people; and, like these proud representatives Of
30 much sound, they arrogate to themselves the
glory of a prosperity, that has sprung from
liberal principles and democratic institutions
which they have spent all the energies of their
minds in undermining or counteractiug
England, Scotland, and Wales, are a collec-
ton of locally independent States. Ireland
alone is dependent and is, in consequence, the
"great difficulty" of every successive British
ministry.
Even from Germany Ne may gather proofs Of
the advantage of separate and independent GO
vernment The free towns have been ever CEN
tres of wealth and prosperity; and to them,
neighboring princes have to apply for loans to
carry on their ridiculous game of Capitalization
of authority.
Impoverishing as that system does the mass
of the population, it is in no way surprising that
the revenues fall short An army has to be
maintained to keep people quiet and bear their
burdens with anti Christian obedience the po-
lice system has TO be augmented, until ii is an
other inquisition; and prisons and penitentares
have to be built to hold the oilers and criminals
thus created.
or late years, Austria has been seized with a
maria for destroying the independence of the
various nations acknowledging her sway. w,
know the story of Hungary, and it is easy tc
foresee the result. She is doomed to Irish pov
erty and weakness. Yet Austria had Bohemi,
before her eyes. Bohemia, once so rich ant
Rourishing, now but the mere wreck of what sh'
was. She stood by her nationality--she stoot
for freedom of conscience and, in return th,