The Saint Paul globe., 1898-03-06

political power, by dividing and distributing
1t into different repositories, and consti-
tuting each the guardian of the public veal
against invasons by the others, has been
evinced by experiments ancient and modern,
some OF them in our country and under
our own eyes. To preserve them must be
as necessary as to institute them. II in the
opinion of the people the distribution or
inodlncatlon OF the constitutional powers be
In any particular wrong, let 1t be cor
rected by an amendment in the way which
the constitution deslgnates. But let there
De no change by usurpation; for though this
IN one instance may be the instrument of
good, 1t Is the customary weapon by which
iree governments are destroyed. The prece-
dent must always greatly overbalance In
permanent evil any partial or transient
beneht which the use can at any time
yield.
OF all the dispositions and habits which
lead to political prosperity, religion and
morality are Indispensable supports. In vain
would that man claim the tribute of patriot
ism who should labor to subvert these great
pillars OF human happiness-these firmest
props of the duties of men and citizens The
mere politician, equally with the pious man,
volume could not trace all their connections
with private and public felicity. Let 1t
simply be asked Where is the security
Tor property, for reputation, for life, If the
sense of religious obligation desert the oaths
which are the instruments Of Investigation
In courts of justice? And let us with eau
ton indulge the suppositon that morality
can be maintained without religion. What
ever may be conceded to the influence of re-
fined education on minds of peculiar struct-
ure, reason and experience both forbid us
to expect that national morality can prevail
In exclusion of religious principle.
1t Is substantially true that virtue or
morality is a necessary spring of popular
government The rule indeed extends with
more or less force to every species of free
government. Who that is sincere friend
to 1t can look with Indifference upon at
tempts to shake the foundation of the fab
r1c! Promote, then, as an object of primary
Importance, institutions for the general
diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the
structure of a government gives force to
public opinion, it is essential that public
opinion should be enlightened.
At very important source Of strength
ana security cherish public credit. One
method OF preserving it is to use 1t as SPAR
ingly possible. avoiding occasions of ex-
pense by cultivating peace, but remember
ing also that timely disbursements to pre-
pare for danger frequently prevent much
greater disbursements to repel 1t; avoiding
likewise the accumulation of debt, not only
py summing occasions of expense, but by
vigorous eXertions in time of peace to dis
charge the debts which unavoidable wars
have occasioned, not ungenerously throwing
upon posterity the burthen which we our
selves ought to bear. The execution of
these maXims belongs to your representa-
t1ves; but it is necessary that public opin-
lon should cooperate To facilitate to them
the performance of their duty it is essential
that you should practically bear in mind
that toward the payment of debts there
must be revenue; that to have revenue there
must be taxes; that no taxes can be de-
vised which are not more or less inconyen-
lent and unpleasant; that the intrinsic en-
barrassment inseparable from the selection
of the proper objects (Which is always a
choice of diffculties), ought to be decisive
motive for candid construction of the con-
in na1y yiny
for spirit of acquiescence in the measure
for obtaining revenue which the public ex-
igencies may at any time dictate.
Observe good faith and justice toward all
all. Religion and morality enjoin this con-
duct. And can it be that good policy does
not equally enjoin it? 1t will be worthy of
free, enlightened, and at no distant Pc
rlod great nation to give to mankind the
magnanmous and too novel example of a
people always guided by an exalted justice
and benevolence. Who can doubt that in
the course Of time and things the fruits of
such plan would richly repay any tempo
rary advantages which might be lost by a
steady adherence to it? Can it be that Prov
idence has not connected the permanent fe-
licity of nation with its virtue? The ex-
pertinent, at least, is recommended by every
sentiment which ennobles human nature
Alas! is it rendered impossible by it's vices?
In the execution of such a plan nothing
is more essential than that permanent, in
veterate antipathies against particular ma
tions and passionate attachments for others
should be excluded, and that In place of
them just and amicable feelings toward all
should be cultivated. The nation which in
dulges toward another an habituaI hatred
or an habitual fondness is in some degree
slave. 1t is a slave to it's animosity or to
it's affection, either of which is sufficient
to lead it astray from its duty and its in
terest Antipathy in one nation against
another disposes each more readily to offer
insult and injury, to lay hold of slight
causes of umbrage, and to be naughty
and intractable when accidental or trifing
occasions of dispute occur.
Hence FREQUENT collisions, obstinate, en-
vcnomed, and bloody contests. The nation