Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1871-07-25

this republic which hitherto has pro-
fsssed to recognize no class distinct
ion will drift toward the aristocratic
forms of the old world. The number
of those who are made princes by
the fortunes of a single day, will con-
stantly increase. The energies of
the land will be taxed to maintain
such expensive luxuries as Gould and
Fisk who are now living on the right
ful earnings of others. in more than
Roman magnificence. Our Astors,
Drews and VanderbiIts will become
more numerous The CONTROL of
mercantile interests will center in
such gigantic houses as the Stewards,
Clafflins, and Farwells. And with
the development of the arts Of agri-
culture, wealthy landholders will
gradually absorb the lands of the
humble farmer, who instead of tilling
his own acres in fee simple, must eke
out hardy subsistence as depend
ant tenant. | have the sanction of
statistics for the statement that with
in the last decade the tendency to-
ward land monopoly has constantly
increased. Many Of our smaller
farmers in the hope of new independ-
ence are yielding their beautiful
homes and cultivated fields for the
freer air Of the far west, Land mo-
noply is the most powerful enemy
with which our free institutions have
TO contend. The only means of safe
ty is to secure to the whole people
equal Legislation, to extend its protect
ion to all, without regard to wealth
or influence, and to cultivate in the
people intelligence to keep, industry
to acquire, aud liberality to use the
blessings which crown our present.
There is another danger to our
land, family seen, it is true, just now,
yet surely coming. / mean the effort
in many parts of our land to secuse
the union of Church and State. This
effort is more extensive to day than
many believe. Two senators have
their seats in Congress by virtue of
the rules Of the church whose tenets
they advocate. Ever official in the
city of New York maintains his of
flee because he gives its influence to
the interests of the church which
controls the votes Of that city. Rear
ed amid the associations and tradi-
ton of Puritan New England, the
whole course of my education con-
spires with the dictates Of my reason
to honor the God who directs the
destinies of nations. But that very
reverence bids me speak in earnest
protest against calling to the aid of
religion by a union OF Church and
State, the power of government.
Tie experience Of the past is tull of
warning of the fatal consequence of
such a policy. What has made Spain,
once land of promise and beauty, a
hiss and bye word among nations
What tore the laurels from the brow
of Rome and left her the melancholy
monument of folly and superstition I?
What has furnished the glory OF
England and entailed ages of misery
upon her unhappy dependencies ?
What in recent days has dragged in
the dust the glory and chivaIry of
beautiful France? And shsIl we not
profit by this example, or shall we
prostitute the religion of heaven and
endanger the best interests of the
land in the vain attempt to unite
what is wholly distinct in nature and
promise, and which must bring con-
tempt to the one or ruin to the other? |
speak Of this matter because | am
persuaded that at no distant day it
will be q matter for the people to
consider and decide. | regard it not
as the visionary scheme of religious
fanaticism, but as the struggle of re
ligious sects contending for the mas
terry in the control of the legislation
of the land. Can any man doubt
that if any leader of the foremost re-
ligious denomination of to>day were
presented as candidate for the presi-
dency, pledged to use the influence
of this position in the interests of the
church, he would control the vote of
that denomination irrespective of
any considerations of party policy ?
In its appropriate sphere | entertain
the highest respect for the church. |
appreciate the great work it has
done for the enlightenment of the
human race. l recognize its necessity
in any government, and doubly so
in government like ours. But |
believe as we'll that its throne is in
the individual conscience, and gains
nothing by direct appeal to the aid
of human establishments. | cannot
think that the sacred name Of Christ
would gain aught of love or reverence
if made part of the constitution of
our land. am persuaded that Deity
can take care of his own, without
calling to his aid, as in the dark days
of the middle ages, the arm of war or
the weak legislation of short sighted
man. Our safety lies in keeping the
current Of political action within its
proper channel, keeping ever in
mind the fact that all the powers of
government must be used for the
common good, in the interests of the
whole people. and in holding the am
bilious strifes of rival denominations
forever beyond the pale of legislation,
recognizing in a political sense no
creed but the best interests of the
whole people, no faith save 10 the
integrity of our institution, and no
religion save the diffusion of sound
morals and devotion to true liberty.
A government for the million
should be maintained at the least pos
sible cost to the people. Its admin
istration should be economically
conducted, itsappropriation prudently
planned, and taxation made equal and
always reduced to the lowest point.
Thoughtfully men need no argument
to establish the fact that our prese Mt
system of taxation, both in princi-
pie Of assessment, and method OF levy
is most Gripping and oppressive.
The taking of private property for
public uses can only be justified on
the ground of public expediency.