The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-06-02


the standard of qualification for high offices has
been gradually lowered II has been seen and felt,
and deeply deplored The natural consequence
has been that the bonds OF Government arc relaxed,
and are becoming more and more loose. treason
Id no longer, in public estimation, what treason
was some thirty forty years ago. IL certainly is
not owing any prejudice on tho part Of the poope
against the most able aud efficient men, for the
reasons have already explained.
But whatever may be the cause, every good man
must be Impressed with the importance OF furnish.
ing some adequate and speedy remedy
There s a tendency under all free governments
to great variety OF opinions, especially on pubic
atfairs. When men are free 10 speak and think,
they Will think differently. Many men will have
many minds Where there ia one man Of a large
AMI comprehensive grasp OF mind, there area hun
dred active, sharp, subtle. but narrow intelects.
The pride of opinion in these men liz always the
stron gest. They look only at one side. and hence
they sec no difficulties. AZ Sir William Temple
says " Their own reason they make the certain
standard of truth, and their own knowledge OF
what Is possible in nature
In all free governments the central power must
be more or less wea kened and that OF the local mu
inequalities increased. This Ia requisite, in order
TO spread among the people practical knowledge
of public affairs, and to prepare and mt them 10
watch their liberties But the natural result
OF it ia to multiply indefinitely among the people
divisions of opinion upon public affairs Party spl
rit is thus cngendered, and II becomes continually
more and more prevalent. Patriotism, which II
supposed TO be the great and essential element OF
yields the lUUuenCes OF tncSe oil
Visions and men give up TO party what belongs to
their country, Hence the maxim so often met with
III political writings, that faction md discord are
the bane OF all republics. These political divisions
lead to general RIGHTEOUSNESS. and men Of proprie
ty, of character, of peaceful and conservative dis
postions, become ready to take refuge IN come
strong government. We see il exemplfcd in the
late French republic.
But when this popular disscnson assumes a sec
tonal character the danger and brought
nearer. Sections are enlisted against sections. IL
~ not only u contest between parties but between
phrtes occupying separate and large territories OF
the country. Animosiy 10 hence doubly Dcrcas
ed. and responsibility in the ratio diminish
cd If THE Government should fall, 1t will more
probably break up into sectional fragments Ion 2
before party hcentiousncss prepares the public
mind for the introduction OF n stronger govern
ment,
What is The remedy We are unwilling to in
crease the power Of the General Government But
we may increase Its moral power and influence,
and that TO be done by raising instead of lower.
ing the standard Of qualification for high offices.
TINS is not be done by dtfusing the idea that the
man best qualified is too great for the people. Act
In public affairs as every prudent man docs in HE
private affairs. Employ those best qualified and
fitted for the business to be done. This remedy
vii! be found ciiectual We have only to look back
upon our past political history. Whenever great
mind has been ut the head Of this Government nc
has been able TO carry on the Government with
most efficiency, Notwithstanding party disscn-
eions. Such Was the with Washington and
Jefferson
Does any one believe that this remedy or that
any remedy at all is not needed? We have, am
aware, been accused as people OF being little
straightforward thinking We can do any thing and
cyety thing, and yet, that under the influence of
our manifest dcstiny, all will be safe. Let
suppose we are exempted from the common lot of
humanity. Let no one take that ha,terlng unc
ton TO bis soul.
There Is but one further topic, and on that will
detain you but very short time and that is in refer
eucc TO our foreign relations. Society In Europe
seems TO be IN n transition state. New classes
springing up III society out Of the old, and
curing influence in the State. This causes, from
time to time, general upheaving of the moral ele
meuts Has il ceased? Certainly not 1t will con.
tInue as long mankind continue to advance IN
wealth and know ledge. They viii advance thu.
while improvements and new facilities of inter.
course and commerce continue to toe opened up
Railroads., csnals, magnetic telegraphs are great
revOlutionists.
Changes in government becoming necessary by
the increase and extension Of knowledge and
wealth, cannot be effected without commouon and
conflict. There is speck of war IN the European
horizon. IL may not burst forth this year the
next aud IT may the year after. when II shall
come, what will be our condition. II we avoid in
tetveution with them, can We prevent their inter
vention with US! We could not do II in the long
wars which devastated Europe IN the days Of the
great Napoleon. Our proI unity has since changed
from forty To ten days Suppose difficulties should
arise, VIC must pr paTe Tor the eKigency. II they
threaten TO sweep our commerce from the ocean a.
blow by appeals to their justice, by pointing out IN
clear and strong language the falPity of their We've
and the gross violation Of intefnationn law, which
their conduct would involve A clear and power.
ful exposition Of the real attitude in which We may
stand may be Of Immense value both IN reference
TO item aud ourselves.
Let tne suppose such n to anso aud that tho
very pane created should throw our business in
confusion, threaten a general bankruptcy, and
paruiyzc all operations. and that you should be
collected here as you nov are that. in place Of
the chairman and myself, this platform shuuld be
occupied by oil the present candidates for the
Presidency, and you had time to hear a speech
from some one, and on, only, Of them. setting forth
our real position, the dangers and difficulties W.
had 20 appreh.nd. the beet means Of avoiding
thou, or the beet mode OF encounterng them.
whom would you call outl Whom would you
wish 20 hear? fCres Of Webster Webster 4 IL
there man in the country who would not want.
Ia sooh all crlgcncy, 10 hear him IN preference to
any other; Yet We arc told the people would not
put him ia The appropriate place, from which his
opinions should emanato, because, forsooth, he b.
too great man. IL 10 time that this sensclcss Oh
Jccuon should be abandoned.
Mr.. Wood sat down amid long md loud cheer b.
ing