, 1862-05-30
4 STRONG GOVERNMENT,

It has become an almost universally
accepted truth in Europe, that the only
strong governments are Of the monarehial
or aristocratic form. ANY nation whose
supreme authority takes the democratic OF
republican shape, is supposed to be too
weak to sustain itself against foreign as
sault or domestic insurrection. This opin-
ion has been busily propagated and earn-
estly defended by all who by birth, posi-
tion, or interests, are attached to the i'm |
periM and royal governments Of the old |
world. This large class Of writers
and thinkers have been able to
fad no elements Of stability in our
republican terms Of government, and have
always prophesied the dissolution and
cru1nbling Of the Union, sooner OF
later; and the inevitable escape Of
all the States from the intolerable
mischiefs and evils Of popular Institutions
into some more military or despotic form
of power. We do not know Of any politi-
cal philosophers who do not esteem free
dom in in itself q great good; but most Of
those who have been reared under the
shadow Of aristocrahc rule come to regard
freedom as good so prone to be abused,
and SO rapidly growing to license and auar-
chy that the welfare Of society demands
that it should always be held in with
strong hand; fettered and bound fast with
the most unyicldiDg cords Of authority,
It is, however, plain truth everywhere
recognized, that any. government must
place the main reliance for its safety on
the loyalty Of its citizens; and it is coming
to be admitted that this loyalty Is found to
be truer and more devoted in people
WHOSE form Of government secures to all
the greatest freedom, and holds out to all
hopes Of high position, and the distinctions
Of the most elevated Office. Men who have
been 50 conservative Of privileged classes
and 3 strong government, as essential de-
fenses against the encroaching evils and
dangers Of democratic equality, are begin
ming to ask, whether the common people
can rise IN tumult and fury to pull down an
arrogant and insolent nobility if there be
' none; whether their hearts will not be
bound By frner bonds Of loyalty and allie
glance to Chief Magistrate Of their OWL
choice, though they might sport and play
with the beads of kings; and whether d
form Of government built up by their oHr
!: hands, and opening to the humblst tht
gates OF place, preferment and power
might not be upheld and defended by {
million Of eager hands and devoted hearts
that would exult to tear Gown aud destroy
utterly the royal scepue that was made o
iron, or the Imperial throne that wa
erected on their necks
If q government can be devised 30 mi!t
and Just in the exercise of its authority: g.
equal and fair in the distribution Of it
burdens; so impartial in extending it
privileges and favors; and 80 wise in Offer
ing advancement to 1ofey ambition, an
rewarding true worth and patriotic servic
With place and distinction; that all tt
citizens may feel their interest and amb
hon, their present welfare and happfnes
: and an shei1 bess hopes Of honor or renow
-: to be 1nseparshly bound up with its st
b16ty and perpetuity, there you have forme
the strongest possible government. Ar
from the obvious and pa1pable fact th
These advantages can be secured in I
other, it is plain that the strongest eo7er
ment is the republican.
And while. the tories and conseryativ
and all their fellows id1he old world ha
been looking and prophesying with i'll CO
cealed delight, the final disruption =
utter ruin Of popular institutions IN ii
country, and exrltipg over the compl
failure Of the great experiment, tho fact
J. being revealed to their confusion aud I
mny. that our government isshowing m
:: irresistible power and profound sagscit,
!. Graphing with. and throwing them
formidable rebellion In the worlds histo
than was ever before displayed, OF q