The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1883-05-19

Thomas JeuerSOns
More fortunate than many eminent
iaw-givers in their days, who had ancient
errors, prejudices, and abuses embodied
in customs and ordinances and perhaps
sanctioned by superstition, against
which to contend, the lot Of Mr.. Jefier-
SON was cast in that which was strictly
formative periods time when the or
ganic basis of q nationality was to be
prepared. the foundations of its civil
polity laid. and the elements of its po-
iitical future determined. 1t was here
that the Intellectual forces of a master
spirit could be brought to bear more
Immediately upon the integers of the
situation and more distinct impression
of them produced. Probably no other
man saw with the prophetic clearness
of Mr.. Jefferson the great civil, politi-
cal and material future in store for the
Caucasian race upon this continent, or
was more impressed with the impor-
tanceof so adapting the institutions Of the
coming great commonwealth as to allow
| the fullest freedom to the mental and
physical powers and faculties of its con-
| stituents.
Thus it is that we not only owe debt
to Mr.. Jefferson, but owe it in such a
manner that some mental estimate of
its nature and extent may be obtained.
| The ideas of Mr. Jefferson. as embodied
in the Declaration of Independence and
elsewhere, were to the American what
Magma Charta, at its period, was to the
English peoples revelation At their
utterance, as at touch from the wand
of magician, the inner consciousness
of man became pregnant and new
| thoughts were born. Moreover, as
these grew older, errors, fallacies and
illusions, the relics of past misrule,
passed out of their memories, and, like
persons suddenly awakened, they cast
their eyes around, first with inquiry and
then with intelligence. To the people
of the emancipated colonies, Mr.. Jeffer-
son was the apostle of liberty; and if
his convictions had been allowed to pre-
vail unmixed and unadulterated, our
institutions would have been more SYM
metrical, and the future of the Ameri-
can people better assured.
Mr.. Jefferson was a man eminently
adapted to the time in which he lived;
but, broader and more flexible than
Others, he was one capable OF respond
ing to the demands of all times and cir
cumstances. A patriot and a states
man, resolute to resist encroachment
and combat error; a philosopher saga
cious to comprehend the profoundest
problems of human nature, and poll
tician equally wise in counsel and in &C
ton, to formulate and to execute, there
is no parsonage known to American
history to whom the title pater patridt
more properly belongs. Human liberty
was the object of his unmixed devotion
and of his untiring exertions; liberty
pure and MISUNDERSTANDING with.
out RIGHTEOUSNESS; perfect freedom Of
thought and action, subject only to such
restraints as are in all countries, civil
lied and enlightened, demanded by con
siderations Of public policy, morals, and
religion.
Still there are some who believe littlt
in Mr.. jefferson. Detraction loves 9
shining mark, and falsehoods begotter
during heated term in politics, become
tyaditionary along with their contempt
rary events. Naturally Mr.. jefferson
had his maligners-those who invented
falsehoods, and those who, through par
ty and personal prejudice, misinter
preted facts and misjudged qualities
The same qualities which inspire friend
ship in an ally provoke enmity in al
antagonist, and few men had firmel
friends or bitterer enemies than Mr.
Jefferson. He was accused of all TO
which politicians are wont to arraigr
each other; of insincerity, of instabilit,
in matters of opinion, and of double
dealing in affairs. But the effect of thes'
are worn away as in the light of bette
knowledge there is more correct ap
probation of his character; and whel
the final verdict of history shall be pro
nounced, few of the great men of tn
world will stand higher than the autho
of the Declaration of the independence
ofthe United States Of America. Anser
ican Register.