Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1851-12-31
European Tyranny and Ameri-
E...H can Democracy. .u.

Perhaps of all Democrats, Locofocos or Lib
eralsts, We are as little disposed to respect
the existing Governments Of the world as any
even the most ultra. Our radication reaches
that maximum of Democracy in which we have
no power to see the right of any man, or set
of men, TO govern against their will any nation
or people; and it is no answer to say, that even
in the United States we have a Government,
to which obedience on the part OF the people is
exaeted by the authorities, and yielded by the
masses. Modern Governments in Europe are a
fraud upon the race-a presumpt,reus assump
tom of power on the part of a few individuals,
who, by means Of the revenues exacted of the
people, are enabled to perpetuatc their author
ity. and to opprcss those whS supply them
of Government save that which is given by the
free action of the people themselves; and
throughout Europe, not excepting Republican
France, there is not Power that rests its au-
'thority upon such basis. France arose from
the union Of Rukedoms and Principalities;
States of the Kingdom exercising local power,
and that power to great extent shared by a
GLASS VI the PTeUCH TuuCe UeCdiue suDScQueHJ-
ly consolidated, until Louis the l4th declared
himself to be the State! This simple dec.
laration Of that monarch, intended to repre-
sent nothing more Than the extent Of his pow
er at the moment, truly expresses even the
present condition of the Governments Of Europe,
Monarchies with and without Constitutions
and the latter term, including England,
is but rounce to occupy the time, and to quiet
the nerves Of the people-are. nevertheless. in.
struments of the direst oppression. In all such
Governments. whatever the checks and bal
ances by which the Legislative will is surround
ed, the Executive authority is the great Gen.
tral power Of evil or good. If that authority
exists by any other tenure than that conferred
by the people, it is at once an instrument Of op-
pression-an irresponsible and soulless judge
of what is due to the governed. The exceptions
to this rule in the practical workings of Gov
ernmcnt are so inconsiderable, as hardly to be
sufficient to prove the existence of the rule it.
self 1t ismore than human nature is capable
of doing, to use & not abuse power, which is alb
solutely conferred Even the most benevolent
ments ofcruelty and oppression. The neglect
to perform duty even, is often the cause OF
more injury than the performance Of an act Of
premcdiated wrong. To confer benefits exacted
by the hand of friendship, and demanded by
the obligation of past intercourse, may result
in fatal injury to innocent persons. The Exc
cutive authority, in monarchial Government
thus irresponsible, whatever may be its dispo-
sition, is incapable of conducting the Genera
Administration without being the instrument
OF the most painful evils to the race. We dc
not thus speak because We suppose thrrc aft
those of our readers who doubt the truth ofthe
proposition we have endeavored to enforce; and
yet it is evident that even in the United States
there are many who would shun all efforts te
apply remedy, demanded BY the silent pray
ers OF millions of European subjects. Wha,
We claim is, that eyre monarch in Europe, lisa
Usurper! We hold that they have no earthly
right, whatever the forms may be by which
they are surrounded, to govern and oppress
their people; and we hold further, that it is
the wish of the people of every Government to
be free. The right Of the people to choose theil
Governor, civil authority being necessary fol
the good of all, is alike beyond dispute, and
too clear for argument; and yet we repeat, we
have many among who deem the usurper
justified by the hoary character of the wrongs
inflicted, and by the submission of the people
under their hur,bnps -Datro;t Eroa pro,.