Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1864-05-05
For the Gsilipelis Journal
A COMMUNICATIONS.

"A 4O<A - 0@"s
Madame Roland, when about to b,
executed, said in fearful agony ,r'Ol
liberty how many crimes are commit
ed in thy namer' The history Of he
ownli fully attested the truthful
nessof her dying words. When tn,
standard of public virtue is subjec
ted to the eapriees of passion, and
the true end of liberty forgotten
what must be the necessary conse
quences? Society will be defeated
in its purpose, for it will have lost all
power to enforce obedience to the
just and salutary restraints for which
it was originally designed. The pro-
lection which it should secure to the
individual will be uncertain, because
the principle upon which it operates,
a just regard for the rights of all, is
impaired by the laxity of public NOR
ais. Society is useless, nay worse
than useless, if there is not a correct
public sentiment underlying and en-
forcing its obligations. 1t then be-
comes an instrument of cruelty in
the hands of the strong against the
weak, and the guillotine and prison
house will be but too ready to obey
the behests of political and religious
Liberty to be enjoyed must be reg
ulated by. and be subservient to the
moral law. Otherwise, instead of
conserving the ends of justice, and
in that manner promoting hum n
happiness, it but prepares the way
for the extinction of every feeling of
honor ane sympathy, that should
govern the conduct OF men. 1t
would trample upon those very rights
which, when properly directed it is
calculated so well to secure. 1t will
be remembered that Robespierre, of
all the French revolutionists clamor-
ed the loudest for liberty But his
was the liberty that could brook no
and snffer no restraint; a
liberty to violate law with impunity;
the freedom of the passions in the in
diligence, of crime, instead of the
Of the intellecs in the great
work of social improvement.
Thus while we acknowledge on the
one hand, that equality is the great
law of humanity, still it mnst he ac-
knowledged on the other, that strict
adherence to the principles of virtue,
As set forth in the regulations of a
we'll constituted society, is the best
calculated TO carry the law into effect
And he, who would perpetuate the
blessings of our free institutions,
will do well to remember this fact
hat society in the fulfillment of its
mission must be protected by the
strong hand of government. for
which purpose alone it was created.
Hence that which has the least ten
lency to destroy social order, to in
lame the malignant passions of men,
% arouse the discordant elements of
human nature, should meet at the
lands of government the surest and
'peediest punishment. To-day our
country, in the midst of perils and
,alamities, has far more to fear from
Ter Vallandighams. her Seymours
md Longs crying in cruel mockery,
IS the bloody hero of the merciIess
,uillotine was wont to do in the
treets ofParis. Liberty! Ere, dom
# speech! than from those who arm
d with bayonets are in open hostili- |
y to. her. The liberty they would
ave, signifies nothing more than
to violate the sanctity of
aths, 10 disregard the pledges Of f.
elity to the country, that has unfor-
nnately entrusted them with power
nd Ipeace The gleamings of a
RICHTER day than the present how
yer appear, when those who have
ided or encouraged treason either
Y word or deed, will have to give
n account Of their Stewardship; when
vote upon the expulsion of men,
er of Congress for uttering treason
BILE language in the halls oflegisla-
on viii not be of a party character;
hen all having learned to appreci
be the blessings of Liberty and
MON, will unite in condemning him
no, under cover of free speech, put
lie nations safety in jeopardy.
IA P. H.