The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1868-07-05
Tho Fourth OF July.

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Tho Fourth Of July.
The Declaration OF Independence was 9
forward step in the science Of poIiticsA Re-
publicanism is q higher stage of govern
ment and more consonant with the dignity
do not say better form of government, bu
a more advanced one. Certainly, that con
dition> of man is more noble and dignifiei
where he governs himself, than where he il
subject to another. Whether It is better
for him depends very much on circumstances
In the first place, it h. mistake to sup
pose that man has an indefeastble and in
alienable right of self government at al
times, and the doctrine that " all govern
ments are exclusively for tho benefit Of TIA
governed" 10 . fallacy. 1t can be applied t.
republics only. In other governments, the
ruler may have . vested right to rule, 81
which It would be unjust and dishonest ia
deprive him. When small and feeble
community have sought the protection Of &
neighboring potentate, and consented to
submit to his rule, and that Of his descend
ants, provided he win engage in an arduoua
and dangerous war to ave them from i'm
pending extirpation, compliance with the
terms on his part obliges them to fidelity
In the observance Of their sipulations.
And though tho terms should prove oner-
GUS, they can never repudiate the contract,
unless he OF his descendants should first
violate their promises, either express or
tacit. Rights over territories and their in
habitants may be also gained by just and
successful war.
In the second place, it is not all people
who are fit to govern themselves politically.
No people are fit for self government where
the majority will not sacredly respect the
rights of the minority. A minority is always
protected in certain prerogatives by con-
stitution which cannot be set aside by a
mere majority vote. Sometimes the rights
thus guaranteed are initiated against by
the strongest interests and fercest passions
of the majority. That majority has the ply
steal power to enforce it's behests, regard
less of the constitution. Will it do SOL If
yes, then the constitution is a mere play
thing-a pretense to cheat children and
Republicanism becomes a farce. Among
such people, the strong hand of arbitrary
power is necessary to reduce the majority
to reason, and to restrain their lawless pas
sions by force, where justice speaks in vain.
The history and condition of Mexico, OF
the Central American and South American
States, and of all the republics of former
ages show us, cOnclusiyely, that many COM
munities of people are not fit for self gov
eminent, but ought to resort to a sterner
and ruder system for safety AS in agri-
culture, the delicate and finely wrought i'm
plements that succeed so admirably in fall
low ground, must be replaced by rougher
and heavier ones for the roots and stumps
of an untamed soil.
Republicanism is based on mutual fidelity
to political obligations, Independently of
force in other words, on political honesty.
This honesty is, generally, the combined re-
suit of public morality and public intelli-
gence. A people may be so well convinced
that "honesty is the best policy" as to
follow the dictates of that honesty, where
the mere sense of justice might not suffice
to mako them do it. Whenever, from either
motive, OF from both of them, they respect
the organic law of the State, there is no oc-
casion for the introduction of arbitrary force
to control them, and they are fit to govern
themselves. That is republic.
OF course, there win be imperfections in
tho details. Who shall vote and who shall
not vote, what officers must be elected and
what appointed, how to stop corruption and
1oko r,ocyalokinn oil nd MI.