The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-04-07
DAVID HUME ON BLACK REpUBLIcANIsM.

little more than century ago, the celebrated
| David Hume published his Political Discourses
These constitute by far the most valuable and pro-
found portion of his spcculatens and in his brief
| autobiography he declares them to have been tho
only work Of mine that was successful the first
publication. 1t was well received abroad and al
homc.' Notwithstanding this favorable reception
at the start, these essays, with all their nooriety
have never attained any extensive popularity; but
have been studied in secret and been used with un-
imagined license by subsequent writer's, who have
rarely acknowledged their obligations, aud still more
rarely equaed Hume's perspicuity and depth
OF these memorable dscourscs, the most remark
able in many respectsis The last, in which he attempts
the development OF his idea of perfect common
wealth. When the fathers of the American constitu-
ton drafted that great instrument and drew up the
broad charter of The liberties OF people soon des-
tined to become great under it's shetering wing they
must have brought to the execution Of their solemn
task minds stepped in the political philosophy of
Hume, and impregnated with the suggestions of his
luminous poriraitrre of an ideal republic.
1t was perfectly natural that ii should be So The
intelligent men Of that day were sedulous students
OF TIC current anu Oh
aud France, much more than modern politicians
of any literature except partisan newspapers and
the Congressional Globe Humc's writings might have
been neglected at homc but his personal connection
with the Of Paris, and the congeniliiy of his
doctrines with the contemporary philosophy OF
France, gave him higher reputation HE coni-
nent than he enjoyed in Britain and must have con-
tributed to disseminate his fame in America These
Political Essays wcro several times reprinted, and
they could scarcely have escaped the notice and
scrutiny Of The Jefersons, Frankns, lan,iltons, aud
Adamses, and other studiow statesmen Of that day
in this country. Nor the practical dissertations
Of Hume likely to be overlooked by the sagacious
regards Of a mind like Patrick Hcnry's, connected
moreover as he was. by origin and consequently.
with the personal friends Of Hume in the Scotch
metropolis. Aud if they had attracted his attention
they certain to be appreciated by him, and to
prove abundantly suggestive to his original vigor-
ons and fertile mind by their deep disgust at State
craft priestcraft, and imposition OF all kinds and by
their far-reaching penetration.
There is every reason for supposng that the lead
ing men in America, and especially those who had
most influence in determining the frame of the con-
stitution, were familiar with Hume's political wri-
tings, and. If familiar with them, that they must
have turned his wisdom to good account If, how
ever, this natural supposon should prove to be u-
founded, a more miraculous for amazemcnt is
left behind, in the wonderful sagacity which could
have effectually repudiatcd the customary falla
cies of the contemporary age, and clearly ancipa-
ted the most characteristic principles and details of
the American constitutions State and federal with
out contributing to their suggestion The eighteenth
century exhibit nothing in the shape of political
or practical profmdity comparable TO the political
essays of Hume. Burke is scarcely an exception
ADAM Smith certainly is not. In no age could there
be produced such memorable instance of political
provision Embodied in an ideal SKETCH as is com
prised In Humcs IDEA of Perfect Government. The