The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1867-05-07
WooDsFELD MONROE COUNTY OHIO MAY 7. 1867.

commerce Of the world, aud so far sue
ceeded that their merchant rulers compe-
ted with-nay, far eclipsed-the wealth
and splendor of the monarchs of other
lands. Read, again, the history Of the
Netherlands; when Ghent, the Bruges,
and Antwerp, exhibited imperial power,
and held within their grasp the treasures
of the laud, and of the islands of the
sea. They were rich and powerful, and
for time, prosperous; but the noisy tur-
bulence of their democracy, the wild pas
sions of their tickle populations, the un-
certain energy of their public will, as it
rose and fell with the changes of the
bourse, or with the emotions which were
communicated as the citizsnscrowded into
council at the tones ofs9he great bell
lacked that element of calm repose and
undisturbed deliberation which is essen
tial to the duration Of republics. They
could in an hour, call their citizens to-
gether, and, by appealing to tteir patri-
otism, or cupidity, or hatred, SO stir the
blood as to evoke an opulence of resour-
ces, and az energy of will which would
conquer the world-but they could not
quell the passions which they had arous-
ed, and private rights were sacrificed and
public interests were betrayed-and an
archy ensued, and democracy took refuge
under the shelter of stronger aristoc-
|raeysapd this, rent in twain by like eau
ses, sought to the stronger arm on the
monarch, and the republic becamethe
splendid foot-stool of throne, or dwin-
died away in poverty, obscurity, and
hopeless weakness. They we're the com
mercial republics of the world.
Compare them with Switzerland, whose
mountain fastnesses have produced race
of shepherds, and hunters, and graziers.
Compare them with San Marino. Its
population is eight thousand; its area is
not five miles square; its little Capital,
perched upon rugged height, can look
down with guardian care over every foot
of the country 1t was founded in the
last flashes of the declining glories of
Imperial Rome. 1t has outlived the dark
ness of the succeeding ages, the tempta-
tions Of the commercial success of the
twelfth, thirteenth and fourteenth centu-
ries, the convulsions and wars of those
still nearer to eur day, and her peasants
boast, with entire truth, that they are to-
day the free citizens of the oldest and
smallest Republic of the world.
Compare them with our own Republic.
The history Of our race, from the landing
at jamestown and New York and Ply
mouth Rock, till the doom which I have
recited was pronounced, may we'll excite
an honest pride. 1t has its dark spots,
its pages Of folly, Of weskuess, of crime,
but on the whole it is record Of great
virtues and great success-of industry,
frugality, simplicity, intelligence, aptitude
| for government and love for freedom
Nature had done much for our country.
Circumstances have done much for the
development of virtue and the repression
of vice, but to our countrymen is due this
measure of commendation that they wise
| ly profted by these advantages, and stead
| lily maintained their position in the ad-
vanciug ranks of the progress of the
ages.
These we're the Farmer Republics.
Theirs were
'sThe softening arts of Peace;
Whate'er the humanizing muses. teach;
The Godlike wisdom of the temper'd breast;
Progressive truth, the patient force of thought,
Investigation calm, whose silent powers
1 -
Heaven:
Kind, equairulel the government of lawsl
And all-protecting freedom, which alone
Sustains the name and dignity of man."