Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-05-07
f'ooRREsPoNDFscE OF THE spEcrAToR.
WAsHIsaros. MAY lsr 1851 {.

sti.uons Of The various states of this Union in the
astthirtY years. The modern doctrine is, that all
the old constitutions were too arstocratic-that our
fathers did not understand the true doctrine of pop
ular sovereignty. Great wisdomis attributed to our
political fathers in forming bills Of rights as
our modern commentators understand them but
in the very next breath great error is charged on
these very fathers, in carrying out these very rights
in the forms of Constitutions. Consistency ;hou
art jewel! The fact is, no race of men ever liv-
ed who had more profoundly studied and better un-
derstood the great and true principles of true re-
publican government; of true liberty OF true pop
ular sovereignty than the revolutionary patriots.
and time will show it. They acknowledged to the
full, popular sovereignty; but they know that
which our modern Solomons do not, that popular
sovereignty must be restrained and kept in bound
or that this sovereignty would become the very
worse tyrant They knew that all government was
but the protection of the people against themselves,
securing Of the rights off against the aggesslons
ofB.
The examination speak of would lead to one
conclusion, that the tendencies of all The govern
ments Of the States is to pure dmocracy; and that
the tendency is equally to anarchy and dsorganlza-
ton. Look to the North, and what do we see.-
Look at the corruption which walks in open day
light. Look at the corruption in the election of
Sumner in Mass Look at the agrarlan doctrines
in the State of New York, tendencies to down right
anarchy. True, they are developing the resources
of the State; but what of that? So is Turkey.
So is Russia, more than any othergovemment on
earth. But what is their social and moral condi-
tion2 The mere acquisition of wealth and power,
by individuals or States, is secondary natter
Good Government is seen, not SO much in this, as
in the effect on the moral condition of people in
securing protection TO person and property.
Isay, the tendency is to pure democracy, to the
unbndled exercises of popular sovereignty in the
control without check Of every interest and every
right. The whole tendency is to the government
of the multitude, with great inequality of interests
but perfect equality ofelectoralpower Now would
ask question. Is there more patriotism, political
honesty, intelligence, and less demagogueism, than
when our fathers thought fit to put wise checks in
our primitive constitutions? Are 100000 peo-
pie made up of every nation under tie sun, enter
tanning the idea that liberty means for man to do
just as he lists, easier to keep in bounds than only
| 100000 were, when the hearts of most of them
warmed with the true fire Of freedom, and honestly
desired. to establish systems Of rational liberty
Are we prepared ask, just now. TO deliver mp our
governments into The hands of foreign mutitudes,
who are focking to our shores? Does not every
man see that, We are every year undergoing a
ciuil conquest more terrible than the sword 3
We could defend ourselves against the sword but
this evil conquest, is creeping on US slowly and
like the huge serpent, wrapping itself around
the body polite.
Is this the time for wild notions of mere govern
ments of msjorties? If so, the time is near at
hand when the negro holder and the land and the
bond holder, and the property holder generally will
see their error. The time is at hand when that
cry which always proceeds revolution will be rife
in the land, "lhe rich against the poor" Princ-
Piles are at work, more widely extended than is
generally supposed, tending to that result. We
have amongst US hundreds who already doubt the
right 10 the present land tenure. Hundreds, who
are pleading the plausible dnctrne that it ne yer
was the intention of Providence that one man
should hold more than certain amount Of land, and
not even that over certain period. While we are
sleeping, "the enemy" is sowing tares and our
children will reap the crop.
Does it not become evey man then to look back
at the old land marks and TO remember the advice
Of the Father ofhis county who told us the differ
ence between Liberty and Lieentousness In the
Northern papers of to-day, we have accounts from
the State ofNew York of bands ofagrarian ruflians
setting the law at defiance, and nlcting the most
diabolical cruelty the officers of justice. This
occurred in Albany County. near The seat of Gov
ernment. The Albany Register expresses indigna-
ton that such offices should have prevailed in that
region for so many years. and that "the law has be-
come so far dead letter that no redress can be OBJ
tanned by the injured party" Such he says are
the inevitable consequences ofsome of the doctrines
of,he progressive" school of the present day.
Here we see that in The heart of the Empire
State of New York, the law has become ssdead
letter"-a state which stands, or would stand, at the
head Of the States-frst in population, first in
wealth, first in improvement, and first we have
been told in order and intelligence II.
SUDDEN DEATH OF COL CoIsroN-It becomes
our painful duty to announce that Col. Edward
Cnlstnn Of this county is no more He was sud.