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THE general tranquillity which now prevails in the
political world, has given rise to a more full discus»
sion of the principles of free government. in no
country are these principles better understood than
in our own, and in no country is civil and religious
liberty so extensively enjoyed. In the midst of
public prosperityit is not less a duty, than a pleasure,
on this occasion, to recur to the origin of our nu»-
tion, and to trace the causes to Which, under Provi-
dence, we are indebted for such distinguished bless»-
ings. Other nations have had their governments
imposed upon them by force, and they are willing
to resort to fable and romance to conceal their ori-
gin. Not so with our Republic, whose origin is as
illustrious as her subsequent progress has been un-
rivalled; whose history is as pure as her institutions
are free iand enlightened.

The principles which governed our ancestors in
their progress to Independence, were the principles

1.,

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of freeman, who knew how to estimate their rights
and who were determined to maintain them. They
had no visionary notions of liberty unrestrained by
law; they never opposed constitutional authority,
but justly considered all legitimate government to
be founded upon the true principle of reciprocal
obedience and protection. The first settlers of this

country were a hold, enterprising, and religious pee»-

ple, who seemed to be born to think and act for

themselves, They had witnessed in their own
country the beginning of those violent contests be»
tween right and arbitrary power, when the flame of
liberty, struggling to burst forth, shook from the
British constitution some of the relics of feudal des-
potism. Oppressed by religious persecution, they
fledto these western shores, then a Wilderness, and
brought with them just notions of their political

rights, which they carefully transmitted to their pos-

terity,

During those angry contentions between the colo-
nists and the mother country, which for several
years preceded t_he commencement of hostilities,
cur ancestors never denied their allegiance to Bri»
tain; nor did they renounce it, until they were actu-

ally compelled by force to choose between the alter-=2»

ti

natives of freedom and subjugation. They claimed
the right of regulating their internal concerns through
the medium of Provincial Assemblies, conforrnably to

the spirit of the British constitution; and as they

were not represented in Parliament, they denied
the right of Parliament to tax them without their
consent. This was a question about which they
never doubted, and upon which the greatest states-
men in England were divided in opinion. The elo-
quence of Burke was exerted in Parliament in de-»
‘fence of American 1'igl'1ts, and fortunate would it
have been for his country if she had listened to his
tvat'nixiig voice. But against the madness of ambi-
tion and the lust of dominion, the voice of reason
Was raised in vein. The fatal blow was struck, and
after a series of Victories and defeats, and hardships
incredible on our side, the termination of the con-
test in ’83 was an acknowledgment of the Indew
pendence which we this day celebrate.

At the close of our revolution, the aspect of
public affairs was indeed gloomy and discouraging.
A general debility naturally followed the high ex»
citement which had been kept up during the war.
The nation was drained of its resources, and oppress-»
ed by a heavy debt. Industry and enterprise had
lon_t,r been dive1~ted from their aecsustomed channels.

8

The confederation, forrned at a critical period and
under asense of common danger, proved to be great»
ly defective; and jealousies which had begun to
appear in many of the states were kept alive and
inflamed by ambitious dernagogues Who Were op-
posed to a national government in any shape. Un»-«~
der so many discouraging circumstances, to form a
system of government which would be adapted to a
numerous and increasing population, scattered over a
Wide extent of territory; a systen1,which in its ope»
ration would reconcile the conflicting interests of the
several states, and preserve the union of the whole,
was a Work which required all the ability, intelli-
gence and patriotism, for which the leading statesmen
of this country were so preerninently distinguislled.
It has been well observed, “ that it was left for the
people of these United States, to decide by their
conduct and example the important question, Who»-

ther societies of men are really capable or not of

establishino' ood overnment from reflection andr
as S g

choice.” Fortunatefor this nation, and the cause of

political liberty, the labours of Hamilton, of Madi--

son, and of Jay, were crowned with success. To
their invaluable writings, perhaps, more than toany

other cause, is to be attribut~ed the final adoption of

the Federal Constitution.   at     ,      

We
4’

Tile excellence of this new systern was soon per»-

ceived inthe rapid growth and prosperity of our

 country. Order and harmony were restored; public

 credit revived; treaties and commercial regulations

were made and adjusted with foreign powers; and
under a most wise and prudent administration,‘ this
republic, in the course of a few years, exhibited a
spectacle of youthful vigour and grandeur, unparal-
lelecl in the history of nations.

Tlio political events which followed the adminisn

tration of Washirigtoiin have been too often the

‘theme of declamation on these occasions to be now

repeated. They have become materials for histor ';
and when the prejudices and animosities of party
feeling shall be forgotten, the impartial historian
will delineate in true colours the actions and motives
of public men. Some variation in the general scope
of policy which has been pursued by successive
rulers, since our government first went into opera--
tion, there undoubtedly has been. Something may
fairly be attributed to changes which time has
etlecteél in the internal condition of our nation, by
acquisition of territor ,, by increase of population, by
the augmentation and new modification of A states‘;
something too must be imputed to the visionary en»

periments of the great Inovers of the machine; but in

H
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all the changes of men and of parties, our government
has maintained its original republican character; and
in allthe variety of peace and War, the great funda-
mental principles of the constitution, that citadel of
our liberties, have been adhered to; and, it may
now be truly said, that these United States present
the interesting spectacle of a nation, prosperous at
home, and respected abroad.

No government could have been more congenial
to thefeelings, manners and principles of our ances-
tors, or was better adapted to the constitution of so-
ciety, which in a great measure grew out of those
feelings and principles, and which now exists in this
country, than a representative system. Our govern-
ment is emphatically a free government. It origi-~
nated with the people, was founded upon their con»
sent, and depends upon the will of the people for its
continuance. The principle of personal equality is
the pervading spirit which animates the whole sys-
tem. In this country there are no liereditary dis-~
tiuctions, no privileged orders, no feudal restrictions.
Allmen have equal rights to acquire, possess and
dispose of their property; equal rights to obtain the
honours and rewards of otlice. t Talent, virtue and
enterprise ought to be the only true passports to dis»-

tinction. The honours of the nation, like the navigaw

9.

tion of those majestic rivers which serve to connect
together and facilitate the intercourse between the
several parts of i this country, are open and free to
all, and no individual or state has any exclusive pri-«
vilege. T The sovereignty of the nation is founded
upon the rights of the people, and the electoral
franchise which each citizen enjoys, convinces ~ him
that he forms a part of it. It is this power ofelect-~
ing magistrates and clisposing of rewards and honours,
that gives to our government its greatest advantages.
This is the vivifying principle which preserves and
invigorates our political institutions. Every citizen
feels a pride and conscious satisfaction insupporting
a government in which he has so visible an interest.
The system of representation which runs through
all the states, increases the number of candidates for
distinction; and afliords greater encou1‘agement by
multiplying the chances of success. yFrom the high»-
est oflice in the nation, through all the subordinate

stations in the several departments of the state and

federal governments, there is a wide field for exertion;

and While not oflice is above the reach of virtue and

talent, it is the peculiar excellence of our represen- t

tative system, that no oflice in the administration of
government is beneath a laudable ambition. A T
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Nor is the abstract form of our government less
Wonderful than its practical operation has proved to
be useful. The principle by which a balance of
power is preserved in agovernment entirely popular,
is both original and ingenious. To divide the politi-
cal power into several departments so that each may
act independently of the other, and, at the same time,
in relation to one common Whole, so as to maintaina
complete balance in the system, was a secret hidden
from the wisdom of the ancients, and left for the
statesmen of America to discover. In our govern-
ment, the executive, legislative and judicial depart-
ments are so regulated asnot to interfere with each
other. The legislative branch is divided into two
parts so as to form a check upon each other, while
the independence of the judiciary, that palladium of
our rights, is well calculated to keep the other de-
partments within their constitutional limits. Of What

importance to the rights and libertiesof this nation

is an independent judiciary, and how powerfully it
will hereafter operate to maintain the order and har-
mony ofthe several states, the impartiality and abi~
lity which have been displayed in the decision of
some of the most interesting questions in which the
rights of 1 the states and the nation were involved,

11

most clearlydemonstrate. To this tribunal there is
a safe appeal; they are the chosen guardians and
expounders of the constitution, and to their decision
the spirit of the constitution commands obedience.
What effect the increase of territory and popula-
tion Will have upon the internal operation of our few
deral system, is perhaps beyond the reach of politiw
cal foresight to determine. Whether‘ the augmen-
tation of states will have a tendency to strengthen or
weaken the arm of government ; to prolong or short»-
en the duration of the union, is a question too much
involved in speculation to admit of a satisfactory so»-
lution. Experience has shown, that the general go-
vernment in its operation has increased in power,
While the influence of the states is relatively dimi-
nished. This tendency,though contrary to the fears of
the framers of the constitution, may prove its greatest
security. As each state possesses some of the attri-
butes of sovereignty ~vvhicl1 it partially retains in one
branch ofthe national legislature,and in this particular
the small and the large states are upon an equality,the
common interest which they have, and especially the
small states, in the preservation of the union, must in-
crease in proportion as their relative influence is dimin-

ished by an augmentation of number. It is in the union

12

that the security of the srnallstates consists ; and the
greater the number is, to a certain extent,will be
the niajority who will be interested in its continu-—
ance. In this way the danger to be apprehended
from the ambitious views of a large and powerful
state is lessened, and those factions and divisions which
are too apt to grow out of sectional prejudices, will
be in some degree counteracted.

The importance of maintaining the rights of the
states by a judicious exercise of the powers of the
national government and of those of the states re»-
spectively, cannot be too huiglily estimated. Upon
the proper management of these different forces de-
pends the harmony of the whole system. Each state
possesses the right of regulating its internal con--
cerns, by the enactment of its laws and the ad-
ministration of its government, upon republican
principles; and it is the excellence of our confe-
deracy that the several states which compose it,
have surrendered their powers to the general go»-l

vermnent no farther than was necessary to preserve

the sovereignty, independence and safety of the na-t

tion. A It is by means of these local governments that

our representative system is so well adapted to this

A extensive territory; for without these snbordinate

13

authorities, it must have been confined to much nar-
rower limits.

The utility of state laws in protecting the
rights of person and property; the prompt and ef-
ficient administration of justice by magistrates and
judges selected from among ourselves, are some
of the greatest privileges; while the benefits which
the people derive from their civil and religious insti-
tutions, will always secure to them a ready and
liberal support. Nor are these advantages confined.
to the state where they are more immediately en-
joyed. In a confederacy like cure, a laudable emu-
lation is excited among all, without‘ any of the dan-
gers of competition; and by freely introducing the
improvements which are made in one state into

others, the advancement of each is made to contri»

bute to the welfare of the whole. History informs‘

us how powerfully the force of example, which was
set by Massachusetts in the commencement of the
struggle of our revolution, was felt in other parts of
this nation; and how much she has done since the
establishment of our independence, is best seen in
the spirit and extent of her commerce; in the in»
crease of her manufactures; in her numerous charita--

ble and benevolent institutions, and, particularly, in

M:

her schools and seminaries of learning. And What
nation is there, Which, in so short a time, has done
so much, as the single state of New York has ac-
complished in the construction of her immense ca-
nal; an undertaking, Which, for boldness of design
and extent of usefulness, has never been equalled in
this country.

The preservation of state rights is indeed inti-
mately connected with the prosperity and even the
existence of this nation. It is in the states that our
sympathies act with the most force ; it is here that
our attachments are strongly fixed ; here are our
homes, our fire-sides, and all the endearing charities
of life ; and, if in the course of events this Republic,
like the empires which have gone before us, is doom-
ed to fall, the last agonizing struggles will be seen
in the dissolution of the state governments.

Political discussions which relate to future prosa-
pects must in their nature be speculative, and are
useful, so far only, as they have a tendency to enkin--

dle a more ardent love of country and to elevate

I the tone of public feeling. Our Republic now as-

sumes a high rank among the nations of the earth,
and is destined to act a distinguished part in the
great political dramas which are hereafter to he
performed. In this enlightened age, when public

3-5

opinion almost throughout the civilized world, is
beginning to act most powerfully in favour of the
rights of the people, the moral force of this nation
will be felt in other countries, and will have
an influence in some degree proportioned to its
efiects upon our own growth and prosperity. Al-—
ready has our example done much to extend liberal
principles intothose countries, where it is the policy
of government to prohibit free enquiry; where
rulers and subjects form distinct classes of beings,
and the former are supposed to have all power and
the latter no political rights. A doctrine so degrad-t
ing to human nature, so repugnant to all principles
of freedom, can be maintained only by keeping the
people in ignorance. Despotism, indeed, sometimes
hides its deformities and swells into magnificence
and grandeur through the mists that surround it.
It is by the diffusion of knowledge that these mists
are to be dissipated, and in proportion as political
information is extended among a people, will the
foundations of arbitrary power be weakened and
undermined.

The time is past when it was thought derogatory
to monarchical power to adopt a measure or pursue
a planybecause it originated in a republic. The ex»

iti

ample which was first set by this nation in? the aboli-
tion of the slave trade has been followed by other
nations; and the law which was passed by our go-
vernment, declaring it piracy to be engaged A in that
abominable traffick, has been met by" Great Britain
in a spirit which does honour to that nation.----
An arrangement has accordingly been Inade with
this country to cooperate in the destruction of all
Englishmen and Anzericans who shall be found en-
gaged in that wicked and horrible traflick. ln this
instance, atleast, Great Britain has admitted that
the example of a leading republic is Worthy the
imitation of a powerful monarchy.

There is much ground to believe that the rela-
tions of amity and peace which new subsist between
Great Britain and thiscountry will be of long con-
tinuance. Timeand circumstances have in a great
measure removed those bitter prejudices which grew
out of the American revolution, and which subse-
quent political events have too long kept alive to
the mutual injury of both nations. A more generous
feeling and a more liberal policy have of late pre-~
vailed in England with reference to this country,
founded not less upon a more accurate knowledge of
the character andpower of this nation, than upon

W

those general principles of political expediency whilclii

the present" state of the World so peculiarly enforces,
There is besides a kindred feeling which arises from
a common language, similar laws, and a common an-
cestry. This is a natural, elevated and laudable
feeling. a It ever has existed in some degree, and
though weakened, and, at times, counteracted by un-
controllable events, it will contribute much to break.
down the force of prejudice. ‘What intelligent Arne-i
rican can read the Works of the most celebrated
British poets, orators and historians, and not feel a
pleasure in the reflection that their thoughts and
sentiments were first clothed in his native language,
and with that are destined to live or be forgotten ?
And Where‘ is the nation, besides England, that
has in the existence of another, an irnperishable
record of her own language; and from which is
reflected the light of her laws and her literature ‘?
Indulging a sentiment like this, a writer of that
nation observes--“ Wl1ere the children of Eng-»
land dwell, and Where her language is spoken, the
sun never sets; and from her loins has sprung the
nation which has, of all that history records, em»-
ployed the shortest time to rise to the greatest
power and freedom.”

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  It cannot be denied that the friendship of nations,
in order to be lasting, must be founded upon the
solid basis of a mutual interest; and, upon this prin-
ciple, the prospect of a durable and harmonious inter-
course between the two countries is not diminished.
Local situation, and the immense distance which
separates us, will prevent these jealonsies and inter-»
fering interests which are so apt to disturb the tran--»
quillity of neighbouring nations. The greatcomn1er--
cial relations of the two countries are mutual, and
must produce, as they always have produced, a rival»-
ship; but will not the dangers which arise from com-
petition be in some measure counteracted by the
advantages which both will always derive from the
wide market which this country opens to the manum
factures of Great Britain ‘i? And with respect to
fo1*eigt1 powers there is at present a strong sympaw
thy between England and these United States, found-»
ed upon a connnon interest. Equally renowned for
national valonr, which is nurtured by a spirit of free»-
domi, the two nations, forgetting former animosities,
may ere long be found to cooperate in maintaining
the cause of civil liberty throughout the World.
I am aware that cordial sentiments, expressed on
this occasion, towards England would once have been

19

thought to partake of foreign partialities; but such
sentiments are fast spreading in this country, and are
consistent with a genuine American feeling. We
have become too powerful, as a nation, to feel the

timidity of an inferior, and too magnanimous not to

indulge the liberal feeling of an equal. What Great ,

Britain has been for centuries acquiring, this nation,
by force of circumstances, has in some measure at»
tained in the short life of man. Such a comparison,
then, reflects the highest honour upon our growing
greatness, and is calculated to increase that national
velour and spirit by which We have commanded the
respect of foreign powers, and by which alone we
can hope to maintain it. A A
Our future rank as a nation will depend upon our--
selves; upon the manner in which our government
is administered. Experience has unfolded the true
policy which ought to he pursued. The example
of Washington is the polar star which ought to be
the guide of future rulers. His conduct towards
foreign nations was founded upon principles of jus-
tice, impartiality and firmness. Ever vigilant to pro-
tect our national rights; prompt to repel an injury,

_ and Willing to redress a wrong, he maintained amidst

the most threatening dangers a strict neutrality with

20

the nations of the World, “ entangling alliances with
none.” In the administration of our internal affairs,
his policy was liberal and magnanimous. No narrow
system of favouritism was adopted by him. He se--
lected men of talents and virtues wherever they
could be found, without distinction of party, to fill
the offices of government. In short, he regarded
the nation as a whole, and his enlarged policy em»
braced all its various interests.

Party divisions existed in the ancient Republics;
they have prevailed in our own, and the experience
of ages fully proves that they are in some degree
inseparable from free government. In a country
like this, where the form of government is free and
popular; the laws just, mild and equal; where the
security of property is so perfect, and the means of
acquiring it so great; there will be some whose
Wealth Will make them insolent, some whose povere»
ty will make them turbulent, some who will be dlS'*r
satisfied with public liberty, and many who are am-—
bitious, and who will resort to unworthy arts to gratify
their ambition. But the excess of partyvirulence
is here checked by the very freedom which some-
times produces it. The corrective is in the good

sense of the people; in the principles of our ances-:9»

21

tors; in the example of our most virtuous andemost
enlightened statesmen; but above all, in the deep
interest which a majority of the people will always
feel in the support of a government which has for
its object the good of the whole. All men in oflice
are responsible to the people, and their conduct will
be more or less influenced by a regard to their opi-~
nion. N o particular interest can long prevail which
is at variance with the public good. The vigilance
of the people will detect the evil tendency of mea-
sures, and, as they have the power intheir own hands,
when dissatisfied with their rulers they will apply
the constitutional remedy by selecting other agents
to administer the affairs of government.   This res-
ponsibility to the people is a principle of our govern-~
inent which is perfect in theory, and, though some-
times abused, is powerfully operative in practice.
No man, be his elevation ever so high, or his talents
ever so great, dares set at defiance public opinion;
and his deference for the people will always hear
some proportion to the virtue and intelligence which
they possess. ‘*4 The best interests of a country re»-
quire, that its talent and energy should be employed
in the enactment of its laws and in the administration
of its government, and that theseshould beiconform-

able to the general opinion of its inhabitants. It is

AG
.42

the great virtue of a representative government that
it answers this object; while the universal responsi-«
bility of its functionaries, and the favour with which
all colourable accusations against them are always re“
ceived, seems to secure as much purity in their actual
conduct as the infirinities of human nature will ever
allow us to expect.”

In considering the advantages of our free govern»
ment, the mind is irresistibly turned towards a nae
tion, now struggliiig for that Independence which the
wisdom and courage of our fathers achieved for us,
and which this occasion recals to our grateful re»-t
membranes. The name of Greece excites the most
exalted and patriotic feelings, mingled indeed with a
melancholy sympathy for the sufferings which that
once renowned people have been, for ages, doomed
to endure, It was in the ancient republics of Greece
that philosophy, eloquence, poetry and the arts were
carried to the highest perfection ; and the descend-~
antsof that nation, the glory and splendour of whose
institutions we see through the medium of history,
are now looking upon the political institutions of this
country, with an ardent, patriotic desire, to enjoy the
blessingsof a government like ours. In the com-—
mencement of their present contest, this oppressed.

people turned their eager eyes towards this country,

and implored our asssistance to encourage them in their
arduous struggle. They have awakened a general
sympathy and interest tlnoughout the nation. Our
encouragement is best alilbrded in the example of
those heroes and patriots who took an active part
in the war of our revolution, and whose counsels and
directions, followed up and carried into effect by a
brave and united people, were crowned with success.
They have our sentiments expressed in that instru-
ment “ which will last tl11'oL:g'l1 all time,’’ the declara-
tion of our Independence, wherein it is written “ all
men are created equal, and are endowed with certain
unalienable rights ; and among them, are life, liberty,
and the pursuit of happiness.” The speeches of our
orators and statesmen in our public assemblies
breathe a generous sympathy for their sufferings;
and, in an American Cong1'ess, the Greeks have found
an advocate whose eloquence “ may give them con»-
rage and spirit, teach them that they are not wholly
forgotten by the civilized world and inspire them
with constancy in the pursuit of their great end.”
‘VVhether Greece again become an independent
nation will probably depend upon their own united
and persevering efforts, unaided by foreignpowers.
Neutrality, from present appearances, is all she can
expect from the continent of Europe. Between



arbitrary "power and political freedom there can be

no syrnpath Most of the European Inonarchies ad--l
here to the doctrine, that the best forms of govern-
ment are those in which the people can have no in-
fluence or control. It is in this land of freedom that
more enlightened and liberal sentiments prevail; a

doctrine more worthy of human nature, more consis----

tent with the rights of man, is here inculcated. It

was reserved for the people of these United States

to decide the all interesting question, whether a free
people are capable of govemingthemselves. The

experiment has been fairly made. Time has shown

with What fidelity they have thus far discliarged the

high trust committed to them. We have existed as
a nation for a period little short of half a century,
bound together by the strong ties of a common syIn-
pathy, similar privileges, a common interest, and equal
protection. If this bond strengthen with our strength;
if an ardent love of country and a veneration for our
civil and religious institutions, and above all, if a pure
and enlightened public sentiment pervade the nation,
then indeedmay we hope, that this Republic, which
has been rising higl1er and higher above the political

, horizon, will continue to shine with increasing lustre

A for ages to come; A  

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