Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1900-02-22
tends to consolidate tb. DOW.


position. The necessity of reciprocal checks
in the exercise of political power, by diyid-
ing and distributing it into different de-
positories, and constituting each the
guardian of public veal. against invasions
by the others, has been evinced by expert
ments, ancient and modern, some of them
in our own country, and under our own
eyes, To preserve them must be as neces-
sary as to institute them. If, in the
opinion of the people, the distribution or
modification of the constitutional powers
be in any particular wrong, let it be cor
rected by an amendment in the way which
the Constitution designates. But let there
be no change by usurpation; for though
this. in one instance, may be the instru-
ment of good, it is the customary weapon
by which free governments are destroyed
The precedent must always greatly over
balance, in permanent evil, any partial or
transient benefit which the use can, at any
time, yield.
OF all the dispositions and habits VIII ich
lead to political prosperity, religion and
morality are indispensable supports. In
vain would that man claim the tribute of
patriotism, who should labor to subvert
these great pillars of human happiness,
these firmtst props Of the duties of men and
citizens. The mere politician, equally with
the piOus mar, ought to respect and to cher
ish them. A volume could not trace all
their connections with private and public
felicity. Let it simply be asked, where is
the security for property, for reputation,
for life, if the sense of religious obligation
desert the oaths which are the instruments
of investigation in the courts of Justice
And let US with caution indulge the sup
position that morality can be maintained
without religion. Whatever may be con-
ceded to the influence of refined education
of minds of peculiar structure, reason and
experience both forbid as to expect that
national morality can prevail in exclusion
of religious principles.
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 it, can look with indifference upon
attempts to shake the foundation of the
fabric?
Promote, then, as an object of primary
Importance, institutions Tor the general
diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as
the structure of Government gives force
to public opinion, it is essential that public
opinion should be enlightened.
As very important source of strength
and security, cherish public credit. One
method to preserve it is to use it as spar
ingly as po 'sible; avoiding occasions of ex-
pense by cultivating peace, but remember
ing also that timely disbursements, to pre-
pare for danger, frequently prevent much
CHI frr rnStooI ~. O. fup
likewise, the accumulation of debt,not only
by stunning occasion of expense, but by
vigorous exertions in time of peace to dis
charge the debts which unavoidable wars
may have occasioned, not ungenerously
throwing upon posterity the burden which
we ourselves ought to bear. The execution
of these maxims belong to your representa-
tives, but it is necessary that public opinion
should cooperate. To facilitate to them
the performance of their duty, it is essen
tial 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 devised which are not more or less
inc0nvenient and unple ssant that the in
trinsic embarrassment inseparable from the
selection of the proper objects (which is
always choice of difficnlties) ought to be
a decisive motive for q candid construction
of the conduct of the Government in max
ing it, and for a spirit of acquieseence in
the measure for obtaining revenue, which
the public exigencies may at that time
dictate.
Observe good faith and justice toward
all nations; cultivate peace and harmony
with all, religion and morality eDj DIN this
conduct; and can it be that good policy
does not equally eDjoin it? 1t will be
worthy of free, enlightened, and, at no
distant period, a great nation, to give to
mankind the magnanimous and too novel
example of people always guided by an
exalted Justice and benevolence. Who can
doubt that, in the course OF time aod
things, the fruits of such plan would
richly repay any temporary advantages
which might be lost by steady adherence
to il? Can it be that Providence has not con-
nected the permanent felicity Of nation
with its virtue? The experiment, at least,
is recommended by every sentiment which
ennobles human nature. Alasi is it to be
rendered impossible by its vices?
In the execution of such plan, nothing
is more essential than that permanent in
veterate antipathies against particular ma
tions, and passionate attachment for others,
should be excluded; and that, in place of
them, lust and amicable feelings toward all
should be cultivated. the nation which
indulges toward another an habitual
hatred, or an habitual fondness, is, in some
degree, a slave. 1t is a slave to its ami
mostly or its affection, either of which is
sufficient to lead it astray from its duty
and its interest
Against the insidous wiles of foreign in
fuence Il copjure you to believe me, fell
low citizens) the jealousy of a free people
ought to be constantly awake; since history
and experience prove that foreign influence
is one of the most baneful foes of Republic
can Government. But that jealousy, to be
useful must be impartial, else it becomes
the instrument of the very influence to be
avoided, instead of defense against it,.
Excessive partiality for one foreign nation,
and excessive dislike for another, cause
those whom they actuate to see danger
only on one side, and serve to veil, and
even second, the arts of influence on the
other. Real patriots, who may resist the
intrigues of the favorite, are liable to be-
come suspected and odious; while its tools
and dupes usurp the applause and conf
dence of the people to surrender their
interests.
The great rule of conduct for u.s. in re.
gard to foreign nations, is, in extending
our commercial relations, to have with
them as little political connection as pos
sib e. So far as we have already formed
engagements, let them be fulfilled with
perfect good faith Here let us stop.
Europe has set of primary interests,
which to US have none, or a very remote
relation. Hence she must be engaged in
frequent controversies, the cause of which
are essentially foreign to our concerns.
Hence, therefore, it must be unwise in us
to mpicate ourselves, by artificial ties, in
the ordinary vicissitudes OF her politics, or
the ordinary combinations and collisions of
her friendships or enmities Our detached
and distant situation invites and enables
us to persue a different course If we re-
main one people, under an efficient Govern
ment, the period is not far off when we
may defy material injury from external