Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-09-29
CHAPTER l.

We had for many years, previous to this
war, enjoyed great prosperity a nation and
a people. The foundation for that prosperity
had been laid by our fathers. They were
reared In troublesome times. 1t was but nat
ural, therefore, that they looked deeper into
the causes of human action, and necessity and
proper forms of human government, than we
have heretofore had occasion to do. They,
apparently, valued liberty and good govern
ment more than we do; just as the builder of
a fortune appears usually to appreciate and
value it higher. than he to whom it falls with
out exertion-by inheritance.
For many years preceding the revolutionary
war-ior the six years that the struggle lasted,
and for the few years following, that the Ar
ticles of Confederation were in force, this
subject received the earnest and searching
consideration of some of the most profound
men who ever lived. The memorials and ap-
peals to the British King, Parliament and
peOple-the Declaration of Independence
preceding that war, are living evidences Of the
fact. Inc CONSTITUTION Of the United
States was the final production of the en-
bodied wisdom of those wise men. Lives of
the Chief Justices, p. 140. By its history, as
written in the debates upon lis adoption, and
verified in many ways by those who aided in
its formation, it is clear that it was the result
of a reconciliation of many slight shades of
opposing opinions, and compromise Of con-
hicting interests, concessions deemed neces-
sary to secure the end aimed at by all, name
", the good of the UkOle.
One of the most profound and phiosophi-
cal statesman that has ever written, although
not a member of the Convention that formed
that Constitution, left upon record his views
In regard to the form of government best
adapted to the end thus aimed at, namely,
Mr. Jefferson, who, in his Inaugural Address,
thus sums up, so far as we need notice them
the requisites of such a governments
Equal exact justice 10 all men, Of whatever State
persuasion, religious Potcal The support Of the
State governments in all their nights, as the most imPor
tant administrations for domestic concerns, and the
buwarks anii-repubcan tendencies; the
preservation Of the General Government in its whole
constitutional vgor as the sheet anchor Of our peace
home and safety abroad; jealous care Of the night Of
election by the people; mild and safe correction Of
abuses which Topped on BY the sword Of revolution
where peaceable remedies Unprovided; absolute
acquiescence IN the decisions Of the majority, the vital
principle Of Republic from which there no appeal bu
toforn the vital principle and immediate parent depotism
the supremacy % the civil military authority
ouly IN the public expense, that labor may be lightly
burdeued; encouragement Of agriculture and Of con-
its handmade: the diffusion Of information and
arragnmeut of all abuses at the bar Of public
freedom Of relgOn freedom of the press. and freedom
Of the person under the prstecOn Of the hdHs corpus
and trial by jures impartay selected These principle:
form the bright constellation which has gone before
and guided our steps through age Of revolution and
reformation The wisdom # saaes and blood Of ouI
heroes have been devoted o. their attainment. They
should be the creed Of political faith the text o
civic instruction ard toeht0,e by seh5c try the
Tices Of those zee trust.
Holding to this creed, Mr.. jefferson became
President IN 1901, and laid thereon deep and
broad, the foundations Of the Democratic
party. Let us
LOOK AT THE RESULT.
For sixty years of the existence Of thu
constitutional Government. men HOLDING II