Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-06-16
PUBLIC LEDGER.
AN EXTRACT FROM A LETTER OF
HON, ALEX. ii. STEPHENS.

HonHAlexander 81. Stephens has writ
ten a letter ia reply to one from Judge
Nicholas, of Kentucky, which is pub
lished in the National Intelligencer.
This we referred to few days since in
an editorial, and regret that our space is
insufficient to publish the entire commu-
uication. Mr.. Stephens has compre-
hended the situation with his accustomed
acumen, and makes bold to proclaim that
we have already drifted into centralism,
of which, he says, there is no difference
between it and imperialism. In one
sense of the word the gentleman
ia correct in his conclusion, but wrong
in surprising that the present consolida-
ton is an Empire. Iii trueshat an en-
pire may be a consolidated govern
nent, but it is not true that all consolI-
dated governments Tor this so mucb) are
empires. Rather than live under this
admixture of republican with a greater
proportion of military despotism,we pre-
fer the more pure and respectable gov
eminent of an Empire, where there
would be certainty Of protection to all
who should live under its protecting exls.
We are not drifting. as Mr.. Stephens
has said, but have already drifted into
consolidation and since that is the set
tied policy Of the majority in this coun-
try, then let the empire come, and that
quickly. The old Jeffersonian republic
of ours, which the distinguished gentle
man speaks of in such high terms, was .
beautiful system to look on, but too frail
and weak to withstand the rude shocks
of human passion. The entire ma,
chinery of the old Government, COM
posed Of the Federal and tho indie
pendent State authority, was such as
could not be carried into practical
efficiency, for when the test of years was
applied it was found inadequate to the
requirements of the good and bad all
combined. Mr.. Stephens thinks before
we have a return to the days Of peace,
harmony and prosperity that the country
must 20 back to the Jefferson doctrine,
aud the Government to conform in its
workings with the organic principles OF
that structure. But when we think OF the
impracticability and uncertainty of this
thing being done, then we are bound to
conclude that it will never be ac-
complished, for il is well known by the
distinguished Georgian that this much
loved Jefferson system of his was never
approved byNorthern politicians. butfrom
the foundation Of the Government Fed
eral ideas took deep root 10 the minds of
these people, which have sincebloomsd in
to the present centralized despotism. The
teachings Of such as Hamilton aud Dan
tel Webster are visible, and marked by
the course now pursued, since such OF
their followers have assumed the reins OF
government. Then, as we are TO have
a strong Government, give US one of our
own choosing, constructed by the genius
Of the country, and sustained BY the Of.
lection Of the people.
We can see no difference between one
form Of despotism sad another, and all
governments are liable to run into such.
Democratic msjorities have been known
in this and other countries to be the most
despicable tyrants that ever placed foot
upon the neck Of the weak minorities, and
have never long existed without eventual
ly running into excuses aud termina-
ting in anarchy and revolution.
The Empire is the only form Of govern.
ment that will now insure peace to the
American people. We cannot 60 back to
the Jefferson republic; aud il we could,
the country would be liable 10 readopt
secession, and sgain renew the wars Of
conflicting interest between State aud
national sovereignty. The battle for the
American republic was fought and lost
when the army under General Lee was
forced to surrender to the more vie
torious army of the North at Apo
mattox. The consideration is not now
what we failed TO do, but what is the best
form of government that can be built up
on the ruins Of the beautiful but too frail
structure reared by our fathers. The
times demand new ideas and new men
Old ideas and old politicians are moi
suited to the emergency that of necessity
forces itself upon the country. The ex
tract spoken Of above is as follows:
This new ideg Of so constituting q fed
eral republic as to make Of its separat'
members lone nation as 70 all foreigr
concerns, and TO keep them distinct as 4
domestic ones" with q division Of th'
powers delegated into "legisistiye, exec
utive and judicial depariments, with {
perfect machinery Of government to op
crate within prescribed limits, in the ex
eeution Of the delegated powers, consti
tutes the most striking difference between
our present Federal Union and ell former
republics of its class. iimarks the great
vest stride Of progress in free institutions
ever before made. Il is this which has &C