Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1852-12-16

mics, 10 aid all citizens who might have !
been. or should be oppressed in the
cause Of liberty." Here was the false
step which led to her subsequent mis-
fortunes. She soon found herself in
volved in war with all the rest Of Eu-
rope. In less than ten years her gov
eminent was changed from republic to
an empire; and, finally, after shedding
rivers of blood, foreign powers restored
her exiled dynasty, and exhausted Eu-
rope sought peace and repose in the un>
questioned ascendancy of monarchical
principles. Let US learn wisdom from
her example. Let US remember that
revolutions do not always establish free-
dom. Our own free institutions were
not the offspring of our Revolution
They existed before. They were PLAN
ted in the free charters of self-govern-
ment under which the English colonies
grew up, and our Revolution only freed
us from the dominion OF foreign pow
er. whose government was at variance
with those institutions. But European
nations have had no such training for
self government, and every effort 10 es~
tablIsh if by bloody revolutions has been,
and must, without that preparation, con-
tnue to be failure. Liberty, unregu-
lated by law, degenerates into anarchy,
which soon becomes the most horrid OF
all despotisms. Our policy is wiselyto
govern ourselves, and thereby to set
such an example of national justice,
prosperity and true glory, as shall teach
| TO all nations the blessings of self gov
ernment. and the unparalleled enter
prise and success Of a free people.
We live in an age of progress, and
ours is emphatically country OF pro-
gress. Within the last half century the
number of States in this Union has near
! " doubled, the population has almost
quadrupled, and our boundaries have
! been extended from the Mississippi TO
the Pacific. Our territory is chequered
over with railroads, and furrowed with
canals. The inventive talent Of our
country is excited to the highest pitch,
and the numerous applications for pat
ents for valuable Improvements distin-
guish this age and this people from all
others; the genius of one American has
enabled our commerce TO move against
wind and tide, and that of an Jther has
annihilaied distance in the transmission
Of intelligence. The whole country is
full ofenierprise. Our common schools
are diffusing intelligence among the
people, and our industry is fast accumu-
lating the comforts and luxuries Of life.
Thi> is in part owing to our peculiar po-
sitiOn, TO our fertile soil, and compara' |
lively sparse population; but much of ii
is also owing TO the popular institutions
under which we live, to the freedom
which every man feels TO engage in any
useful pursuit, according to his taste or
inclination, and to the entire confidence
that his person and property will be pro-
tested by the laws. But whatever may
be the cause Of this unparalleled growth |
in population, intelligence and wealth.
one thing is clear. that the Government |
must keep pace with the progress Of the
people. 1t must participate in their
spirit of enterprise, and while il exacts
obedience to the laws, and restrains all
unauthorized inyasions of the rights OF
neighboring States, il should foster and
protect home industry, and lend its pow
erful strength TO the Improvement Of
such means of intercommunication as
are necessary TO promote our internal
commerce and strengthen the ties which
bind US together as people.
II is not strange, however much il
may be regretted, that such an exuber-
ance of enterprise should cause some
individuals TO mistake change for pro-
gress, and the invasion Of the rights Of
others for national prowess and glory
The former are constantly agitating for
some change in the organic law, or ur-
ging new and untried theories of human
rights. The latter are ever ready to en-
gage in any wild crusade against a
neighboring people. regardless OF the
justice of the enterprise, and without
looking at the fatal consequences TO our
selves and TO the cause of popular gov
ernment. Such expeditions, however,
are often stimulated BY mercenary indi-
viduals, who expect to share the plum
der or profit of the enterprise without
exposing themselves 10 danger. and are
led on by some irresponsible foreigner,
who abuses the hospitality of our own
Government by seduciDg the young and
ignorant TO join in his scheme Of person.
al ambition or revenge, under the false
and delusive pretense of extending the
area of freedom. These reprehensibe
aggressions but retard the true progress
OF our nation and tarnish its fair fame
They should, therefore, receive the in
dignant frowns OF every good citizen
who sincerely loves his country and
takes pride in its prosperity and hon.
or.
Our Constitution, though not perfect,
is doubtless the best that ever was FORM
ed. Therefore LET every proposition to
change il be well weighed, and if found
beneficial, cautiously adopted, Every
patriot will rejoice TO see its authority SO
exerted as TO advance the prosperity
and honor Of the nation. whilst he will ;
watch with jealousy ang attempt to mutt
late this charter of our liberties, or per-
vert its powers TO acts Of. aggression or