The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-07-26

[0NR0E COUNTY, OHIO
known that in England, with her dense
and crowded population, wages are re-
duced to the lowest possible sum, and a
scsnty subsistence is all that q laboring
man can expect to obtain. In Ireland
agricultural labor is paid but from nine to
eleven cents per day. and upon this small
sum nearly 100000 are compelled TO
subsist-and from this they have their por-
|tion OF the British taxes to pay, as well as
the contingent expenses oi the crown. But
the most bitter and CALLING tax upon the
industry of ireland is their church estab.
lishment. While five sixths OF the inhab.
i,ants are Catholics, the strong arm Of
power has established the church oi Eng
land as their national religion, and her citi.
zens are compelled to pay tithes to this
religion, alcreed in which few believe but
most condemn. The sum thus forced
upon the poor laborefs Of Ireland is five
and halt millions to support legalized
clergy. 5a a} ~ e
This brief statement of the laboring
classes of the Old World is sufficient to
satisfy the mind OF any one Of the superb
ority of our government and institutions.
With such boundless and uncultivated
tracts of land, agricultural labor can but
demand rewards corresponding with their
demand. whi!e the vigorous youth and
growing maturity Of our manufacturing
interests will insure TO that species Of labor
due recompense In short every species
of productive labor bids fair to be sus.
tained. 81 "a feeGs4 Is1s
In Europe the Iaboring classes are de.
prived Of both time and means 10 devote
TO. the requirement Of an education. In
some provinces Of France it is estimated
that not more than one.fourth Of the in.
hsbitsnts can read or write. and in l849
there was in ireland $50 900 children to-
tally destitute Of any. means Of education.
What American will not feel his heart
swell within him, as he turns from this sad
picture TO scontempla.es the bright one af-
forded in our own country? nj es :
We have ample funds for the support OF
education. and where poverty has denied
US its advantage in many cases. we are
helped by the great body Of the nation.
The school teacher is abroad in his ,yoca-
tioH, and the elements of education are
carried to the meanest hoyel in the land.
Our higher seminaries, Of learning are no
longer exclusively occupied by the children
Of the wealthy. Science has descended
from her once lofty station, and stands
ready TO be received by the lowliest Of her
votaries. The nature of our ins,itutlons, ),
the character Of our people, and the ad-
vancing spirit of the age. are constantly
increasing the means, and extending the
facilities, for acquiring knowledge. In
this country, where the people are called
upon directly to control the actions Of the
rulers and The affairs Of the nation, il is oil
the utmost Importance that they be pre-.
pared Tor the discharge Of this responsible
duty. essys
Here we may stop to compare the privi.
lteges Of American citizens with those ol
The most enlightened nations Of Europe
In France, the members of the popular
branch Of the government are chosen
nomin ally, by the people, and so high are
the qualifications Of the electors fixed by
law, that out OF a population of so 900, 600
less than 10000 are entitled to vote a,
elections. And how is it in England thai
England that is for ever boasiinp of Brit,
ish Liberty? There no country gentleman
is entitled TO a seat in parliament, unless
he possess a property, the yearly income
of which is Sc 500; and no one is allowed
10 vote unless he rent q building, the year
fly value Of which must be $50. The OBJ
fject Of such provisions are to exclude al
4 but the wealthy from any right OF repre-
sen,ation. Thus il is that the boastee
freedom Of British laws operate, to plac.
and keep, in the hands of q few, the we alth
honors and emoluments Of the land.
American liberty knows no such distinc
liion in the great Brotherhood Of American
tcitizens She knows no hereditary power
Ito advance men to seats Of honor, TO looi
fdown from their elevated position upon the
ipeopls. She points out 10 all the duties 0
tguarding the rights in which We are al
equally lyinterested, and also allows not on
ly her citizens to participate in the choic,
OF the rulers and law. makers, but to aspir,
himself TO the highest station which tn,
laws recognizes. The freemen Of this re
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