The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1851-01-23
GUIZOTS WASHINGTON.

| work on Washington:
1T was under the monarchy, almost in
the midst Of the councils OF King Louis
Philippe, that / rendered homage to
ashington--io the foundation OF a great
Republic by grea, man. In re-publishing
1t to-day, feeling OF profound sadness
comes over me.
The more l behold, the more remain
convinced that the Republic, noble form
Of government, is the most difficult and
! most dangerous of governments. 1t is a
form Of government which demands from
Providence the most rare and favorable
circumstances, and from society itself the
greatest harmony, wisdom and virtue
And even then it exposes society TO many
risks, and chances numerous.
The United States were new society
which had not suffered stormy and divers
nsformatious-which did not bear the
yoke of a long past-w hich had nothing
to destroy when il had a government to
create. That young society was not sur
rounded by rivals, scarcely by neighborS.
( immensely OF space was spread before 1t,
open 10 the wants and TO the passions of
man. For long time in It's internal
affairs it had possessed and praclised the
republican form of government. Ii only
knew monarchy by name, beyond the
ocean, as u respected domination, rather
than a necessary and eXtant power. When
II commenced u struggle against that
power, it was TO resist iniquitous preten-
sions, 10 defend lis rights-legal rights Of
old standing. The citizens Of that society,
rich and poor, enlightened or ignorant,
were nearly unanimous III favor OF a re-
publican form OF government. They were
Christians in heart as well as in name
At the moment they broke with their
king, they lived in humility before God,
the King of kings.
1t was thus that the Republic of the
United States vas founded. And in despite
of so many advantages, !! II had been
placed IN our hemisphere instead Of its
own, compressed between the great States
of Europe, instead of expanding itself
freely like It's rivers IN its forests and its
plains, the doubt is warranted whether it
could have been founded, ard could live
peaceful and glorious as it has lived.
To-day France is undergoing the IN
expected experiment, with a constitution
which would cause disorder IN the best
regulated society; of that form of govern
ment, which America selected from her
free choice, according to her natural incIi-
nations, adapted 70 The unexampled stua-
ton accorded TO her from on high. VIII
the Republic of 1913 attain the destinies
of the Republic of Washington ? This IS
the question which is now under discus
sion. The Republic has had fair trial
Notwithstanding its origin, men of every
shade of opinion en,renched themselves
behind it as behind a rampant, for their
common defence, and for the defence OF
society in general, agains; It's mortal enc
mics. The Republic exists in the name
and in the interests Of that order which IL
has destroyed. Il had no righ: 70 expect
such good luck. VIII il turn il to account
Will il know how, with perseverance, TO
practise firm policy Of conservation and
reconstruction France invohes it Ii
suffices not for the foundation of govern
ment that il daily saves society from de-
( truction. Il must deliver society from
the daily fear Of perishing, and open to il
the prospect OF 4 long and peaceful exist
ence. speak neither of liberty nor glory.
! hope, however, that France will not
learn to dispense with either. GUIzor."