Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-02-24

probably true; and in Governments of mon
archical cast, Patriotism may look with indu-
gence, if mol with favor upon the spirit of party.
But IN those of the popular character, in Govern
ments purely elective, it is spirit not to be en-
eouraged From their natural tendency, it is
certain there will always be enough of that spirit
for every sautary purpose. And, there being
constant danger Of excess, the effort ought TO be,
by force of public opinion. to mitigate and as
suagei it. fire not to be quenched it demands a
uniform vigilance 10 prcFent-its bursting into a
fame, lest. instead of warming, it should con
sumo. ]
1t is important, likewise. that the habits of
thinking in Tree country should inspire caution
IN those mtrusted with its administration, to con
fine themselves within their respective constitu.
tional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the
powers of one department to encroach upon
another The spirit of enerOachment tends to
consolidate the powers of all the departments in
one and thus create, whatever the form of gov
eminent, a real desp0tism. A just estimate of
the love of power, and, proneness to abuse it,
which predominates in the human heart, is suf-
hcient to satisfy us of the truth of this position.
The neeessityof reciprocal checks in the exercise
of political power, by dividing and distributing it
into different repositories. and constituting each
the Guardian Of the Public Veal against inYa-
sions by the Others, has been evinced by expert
ments ancient and modern; some of them in our
ovnc0untry and under our own eyes. To preserve
them must be as necessary to institute them
If, in the opinion of the people, the distribution
or modification of the constitutional powers be
in any particular wrong. let it be corrected BY an
amendment, in the way which the constitution
/ designates Bullet there be no change by usnrpa-
| ton; for, though this, in one instance. NAV be
the instrument of good, it is the customary
weapon by which free Governments are destroyed
4 The precedent must always greatly overbalance
in permanent evil any partial transient benefit,
4 which the use can at any time yield.
/ a OF all the dispositions and habits, which lead
70 political prosperity, Religion and Morality are
4 indispensable supports In vain woald that man
claim the tribute of Patriotism, VINO should labor
to subvert these great pillars of human shappi-
ness, these hrmest props of the dutiesgof Men
and Citizens. The mere Politician, equally with
the pous man, ought to respect and cherish them.
! volume could not trace all their connexions
with private and public felicity. Let it simply be
asked, Where is the security for property, for
reputation, for life. If the sense of religious obi
CATION desert the oaths, which are the nstru
ments of investigation in Courts of Jnstice2
And let us with caution indulge the supposition,
that morality can be maintained Without religion.
Whatever may be conceded to the influence of
refined education on minds of peculiar structure,
reason and experience both forbid to expect
that natural morality can prevail in exclusion of
religious prieciple. - - -.l
It's substantially true, that virtue or morality
IS necessary spring of popular government
The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force
to every species OF free government. Who, that
/ is sincere friend to it, can look with indffer-
enee upon attempts to shake the foundation of
the fabric? altEs
Promote, then, as an object of primary i'm
portance, institutions for the general diffusion of
knowledge. In proportion as the structure of
a government gives force to public opinion, it is
| essential that public opinion should be enligt-
ened. zee. .i a.H ~ -.t t-.- sr-
! As very important source of strength and
security, cherish public credit. One method OF
preserving 1t Is, to it sparingly possible;
avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating
peace, but remembering also that timely dis
bursements to prepare for danger frequently pre-
vent much greater disbursements to repel it;
avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not
only by stunning occasions of expense, but by
vigorous exertions IN time of peace tc- discharge
the debts, which, unavoldable wars may have
occasioned, not ungenerously throwing upon
posterity the burthen, which we ourselves
ought to bear. The execution of these max
inns belongs to your representatives but it is nee
eSsary that public opinion should cooperate. To
facilitate to-them the performance of their duty,
1t is essential that YOU should practically bear in
mind, that towards the payment of debts there
must be Revenue; that to have Revenue there
must be taxes; that no. taxes can be devised,
which are not more or less announcement and un-
pleasant; that the intrinsic embarrassment nsepa-
rable from the selection of the proper objects
(which is always choice of difficulties ought
to be decisive motive for candid construction
OF the conduct OF the government in making it,
and for spirit of acquiesceBce in the measures
for obtaining revenue, which the public exigen-
cles may at any time dictate. srri4fa.4,' r'l 10
Observe good faith and Justice towards all Ma
tons; cultivate peace and harmony with all. Re
ligion and Morality enjon this conduct and can
it be, that good policy does not equally eljoin i'll
1t will be worthy OF a free, enlightened, and, at
no distant period, great alton, to give to man
kind the magnanimOus and too novel example OF
people always guided by an exalted justice and
beneyolence. Who can doubt, but, in the course
OF time and things, the fruits of such plan would
richly repay any temporary advantages, which
might De lost by a steady adherence to itl Can
it be, that providence has not connected the per
manent felicity of a Nation with its Virtuel The
experiment, at least, Is recommended by every
sentiment which ennobles human nature Alas!
is itrendered impossible by its vices7 Dr.
In the execution OF such plan, nothing is
more essential, than that permanent, inyeterate
antipathies againt particular ations and passion
a.e attachments for Others should be excluded;
and that, in place OF them, just and amicabe
feelings towards all should be cultivated. The
Nation, which indulges towards another an habit
ual hatred, or an habitual fondness, is in some
degree slave. LIZ is slave to its animoslty or
to its affection, either of which is sufficient tolead
itastray from its duty and its interest. Antipa
thy in one nation against another disposes each
more readily to ofier insult and injury, to lay
hold of slight causes ofumbrage, and to be haugh-
ty and intractable, when accidental or trifing Oc-
casions of dispute occur. Hence frequent coils
ions, obstinate, enyenomed, and bloody contests.
The Nation, prompted by in will and resentment
sometimes impels to war the Government, CON
trary to the best calculations of policy. The
Government sometimes participates in the nation
al propensity, and adopts through passion, what
reason would reject; at other times, it makes the
luminosity of the nation subServent to projects of
hostility instgated by pride, ambition, and other
sinister and pernicIous motives The peace often,
sometimes perhaps the liberty, of Nations has
been the victim. -.-.,.., ~, a.. -,....., -. .-
| SO likewise, passionate attachment of one
Nation for another produces variety of evils.
Sympathy for the favorite Nation, facilitating the
illusion of an imaginary common interest, in
! cases where no real common interest exists, and
infusing into ore the enemities of the other, be-
trays the former into participation IN the quar-
rels and wars of the latter, without adequate in
ducement or Justification. i leads also to con-
cessions to the hvorite Nation Of privileges de-
MED to Others, which is apt doubly to inure the
Nation making the concessions; by.unnecessaTly
parting with what ought to have been retained;
and by exciting Jealousy, i'll will. and DISPOSE
! ton to retaliate, in the parties from whom equal
privileges are withheld, And it gives to ambij
tious. corrupted, or deluded citizens, (who devote
themselves 70 the favorite nation,) facility to be-
tray or sacrifice the interest of their own country
without odium, sometimes even with popularity;
gliding, with the appearances of a virtuous sense
! of OBLIGATION. n cOmmendable Difference for pub
lie opinion, or laudable zeal for public good. the
base or foolish compIiances Of ambition, corrup1
| ton, or infatuation. 80, 49, = s-.,-- II
| Az avenues To foreign inhuece in innumerahle