The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1872-08-15
How Republics are Destroyed.
Ernm the PhIlndalnhia I.adperA

IOll tuC
Several Republics have flourished and
passed away since society first assumed a
civilized character. Taking all the Re.
publics in history, very few Of them have
been permanent or have lasted any con-
siderable time. ltcan scarcely be doubt.
ed that law prevails by which the desti.
nies Of nations are settled; and If we ex.
anime closely the histories OF the Repub.
lies that have passed away, we shall find
in each Of them the recurrence OF some
disorders, the same crimes, ending in a
similar downfall. They are notably these:
When the Republic was first established
the people were comparatively poor, but
virtuous and selt.sacrifcing; the idea OF
country prevailed over every other, and
tho giving away of life for its safety was
not thought too great sacrifice. This
was the golden age" then came an.
other when-the came. to be q marked
difference between the various classes OF
society, and wealth was looked up to us
a power in the community. To crafty
the desire for the acquisition OF it wars
and enterprises of all kinds were entered
upon, and the grand old time of simplicity
in living and public virtue In the admin.
istration of affairs began to fall into disre.
pute, and this led to the age when men
became unscrupulousin the acquisition Of
wealth, unprincipled in the welding oil
power, and caring for their own selfish in
terests without regard TO the welfare OF
the nation. Then came the division OF
society into the very rich and the very
poor, the terms good and true" being
of secondary value. These were the days
when the dissolution of the Republic was
at hand, and the following were the steps
by which 1t was accomplished: AmystiC
conclave was formed of men whose aim
was to found or build up an empire. This
conclave consisted chiefly of those
who possessed or controlled great wealth,
and OF those who held exalted civil posi-.
tion, Of many Of the superior officers
Of the army, OF the more distinguished
members of the learned professions, Of
others whose riches and power were com.
prised in their talents and requirements,
and also a considerable number of those
whose pride was based upon family and
lineage. Among them were q few reck-
less, daring spirits, willing to head any
desperate enterprise for the sake of glory
plunder, or power, or all three. In this
circle OF congenial spirits the highest rank
would naturally be assigned, as in fact il
was, to the most powerful members, and
in their assemblages they saluted each
other with their various assigned titles,
Where these elements were wanting, the
deficiency could at any time be supplied
from the millionsires and leaders of socie.
ty, who were thus gradually forming an
aristocracy. Men Of great wealth, by
taclt consent, helped each other, and
worked together to hinder the men o.
moderate means from increasing their
property. Strengthen the strong" was
their motto, and the man who had already
amassed q colossal fortune was eagerly
patronized by other wealthy men. Proper
ty, which, in the iotmer ages. had been
valued chiefly for the comfort and in
dependence il brought, became priced in
the bronze age for theposition and power
itconferred. Then there grewup q dis.
position among the very rich to hoard
their wealth and transmit it entire from
one generation TO another. The lines o.
aristocracy were drawn with greater
stringency; the aim Of every one was tc
build up enormous estates, and no means
however unscrupulous, were omitted tc
accomplish this object. Then public mer
became venal andcorrupt, and perverted
their functions TO tile purposes of theil
clique. Then came assumptions of power
disregard Of rules and precedents, the
conversion Of official authority into ar
element OF speculation, the altering ol
enacting Of laws to favor the powerful
and the free use OF money, instupenduo
sums, to carry measures returning to tht
givers a tepfold harvest. For the like
purpose public lands and offices wert
lavishly given away 10 the unworthy, and
the most sacred Of governmental land
marks, the monuments OF public liberty
which the sovereign people had set up il
their solemn constitutions, were treated
with Indifference. Then came the end
the age ol iron and despotism and so viii
It come to every republic where these o.
similar disorders prevail. b.. ~.