AN
ORATION
BY REQUEST OF THE CITY AUTHORITIES,
THE CITIZENS  BOSTON,
ON THE

SIXTY THIRD ANNIVERSARY

OF

AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE,

JULY 4, 1839.

BY KVERS JAMES AUSTIN.

BOSTON:

JOHN H. EASTBURN, CITY PRINTER,
No. 18 State ‘St1'eet. I I

 

‘I839.

CITY OF BOSTON.

In the Board of ./Ildermen, July 8, 1839.

Rmsonvnn, That the thanks of‘ the City Council be presented to Ivnns J.
AUe'r1:1~r, EsQ., for the eloquent and patriotic Oration, delivered by him, be-
fore the Municipal Authorities, on the fourth instant, being the Anniversary of
Axnerienn Independence, and that the Mayor he requested to ask of him, :1
copy for the press. .

Sent down for concurrence.

SAMUEL A. ELIOT, Mayor.

In Common Oouncil, July 11, 1839.
Reed and concurred. h
PIMI. MARETT, Pmsident.
A tree copy--Attest,
S. F. McCLEARY, City Cleric.

oRATroN.

Tm: history of the United States is the record of con-
stant improvement.

Wliat has urged this mighty nation onward? Amidst the
unceasing vicissitude of human aiiairs, in sunshine and in
shade, in tempest and in calm, in danger, trouble and dis-
tress, amidst the terrific convulsions which have agitated the
civilized world, what energy has secured to this country a
continual career of splendid and progressive triumph?

TI-IE Srmrr or Innrzrnnnnncnl The earliest, loftiest in-
spiration of the soul. The source of courage, constancy and
hope. The spirit which teaches man, his dignity and his
destiny. The power which developes his moral, his intel-—
Iectual and his physical capacities and assimilates him to his
Creator. The great artificer of Immaii character, the mighty
controller of human fate. ~

This spirit restrained by religion and directed by law, en-
lightened by reason and chastened by virtue, is the heredi-
tary characteristic of the American people.

It was the spirit of the Pilgrims in their native land. It
armed them against ecclesiastical domination and dictated
their charter of religious freedornix‘ It severed the ties of

“The “ ideal schemes of ecclesiastical policy” which Robert Brown in
1580 reduced to a system.

“ He maintained, that a society of Christians, uniting together to worship
“ God, constituted a church, possessed of complete _7'urz'snlict73on in the conduct
“ of its own a_.17'mI7‘s indepeizdcvzt of any other society, and unaccountable to any

6

kindred and rationalized the instinct of loyalty. It sought
abroad the encouragement denied at home. Its prophetic
vision pierced all future time. In the desolation of a track-
less ocean it promised them a refuge and a country. It
battled with the savage and subdued the desert. It protect-
ed their descendants through the perils of colonial infancy.
It blazed in the Declaration of the Congress of "76 and burn-
ed as a beacon fire to gather the patriots of the Revolution.

It evoked the Federal Constitution out of Confederate
Chaos as if the spirit of Peace had moved over the turbu-
lence of passion and by the fiat of Omnipotence had again
brought light out of darkness.

It carried the country through its second war for freedom.
It conquered with Hull and Decatur on the ocean, with
Brown, with Scott, with Jackson on the land.

In those recent comrnotions which swept over the nation
with the fury of a whirlwind, it endowed our countrymen
with the energy of self reliance, contended with success
against despair, and like the giant of the fable acquired new
strength from every prostration.

It reanimated commerce which no longer droops like a
fading flower, but flourishes in the beauty of its primitive
strength. Hundreds of vessels crowd our ports: wherever

“ superrlor; that the priesthood was neither a distinct order in the church nor
“ conferred an indelible character ; but that every man qualified to teach
“‘ might be set apart for that office by the election of the brethren and by im-
“‘?‘ position of their hands ; in like manner, by their authority, he might be dis-
“ charged from that function and reduced to the rank of a private christian ;
“ that every person, when admitted a member of a church, ought to make a
“ public confession of his faith, and give evidence of his being in a state of
“ favor with God; and that all the afi‘a2Zr°s of a church were to be regulated by
"‘ the decision of the -majority of its members.” .Robertson’s flmerica, vol. 4th,
_p. 269, 70;

s From this sect a body under Robinson fled to Leyden and subsequently to
America. These were the Pilgrims who carried with them what the historian
calls a “ detnocratical form of government” which “ accorded perfectly with
the levielling genius of fanaticism!” The early memoirs of these men would
form a curious commencement to the history of New England.

7

enterprise can force its way there floats the proud flagiof
American Independence.

It invigorated credit. .* That life blood of commerce flows
with renewed energy through its thousand channels of
circulation, not with

 

“ the burning might
“Delirium gathers from the fever’s height,”

but with the uniform pulsation of permanent health. Now
bounding through its arteries in rich and copious‘ streams,
carrying substance to each member of the political body;
now returning to its source to acquire there regenerated
freshness for the performance of its duty. At times its reg-—
ularity seems deranged. To day it courses less swiftly on,
chilled by apprehension of imagined danger. Tomorrow
the flushed cheek and restless eye will show its power un-
diminished and attest its rapid career.

These are the natural vagaries of tumultuous health, the

T fancied indications of disease without the reality. If some

movements of the great fountain be irregular, no lasting
malady has fastened itself there. Ossification has not de-
stroyed its sensibility, nor weakness wholly deranged its
functions. The subjects of its action have force enough of
muscle and firmness enough of nerve to apply the constitu-
tional remedy and effect a cure.

It removed the incubus of enormous debt. The faith of
our merchants, which no misfortune can obscure, shone
brighter in that gloomiest hour which heralded the opening
dawn. The moneyed institution of the country gifted with
a giant’s form and a monster’s power, bore the author of its
being safely through the scene of desolation. The tie of in-
terest which binds us to our father land is strengthened by its
increased respect. If some distant thunder lately rumbled in
the east, no responsive echo came from its honored shores.
If some few floating clouds yet speck the northern horizon,
they cast no shadow beyond the broad ocean between us.

8

The national spirit requires not distress to concentrate its
rays. All departments of American enterprise feel its pow-
er. In agriculture what wonders it has wrought! It peoples
the vast West whose inexhaustible fertility tempts so many
to seek the treasures of her soil. It sustains the vigor of the
Middle States where science aids the farmer’s skill. The
sterile land of New England yields to its impulse. It ani-
mated our legislators, Whose wise agricultural policy may yet
teach the sons of Massachusetts, that fortune need not be
sought for beyond her own limits.

In manufactures how mighty its influence l The im-
mense capital they employ stimulates to the utmost that na--
tional industry which is the mainspring of our national
greatness.

Wherever‘ the busy hum of manufactures is heard, there
behold an active, moral, frugal community. Our villages
present not a mass of human machines, sunk. into intellect»
ual darkness and Worn out by constant toil for scanty remu-
neration; but the offspring of freemen, whose labor is quick-
ened by the certainty of liberal reward andiwhose minds are
enlightened by the benevolent effort-s of public instruction.

From this unfailing fountain flow fertilizing streams

through all sections of the country. In its immediate neigh-_

borhood behold a dense and perpetually augmenting popu-
lation. Behold in abundance the necessaries, the comforts,
and even the luxuries of life. Mark how dwelling rises after
dwelling, as if the genius of the lamp had lent his magic to
the work. Behold cities where yesterday the wind howled
through adesert and terror never drove the wild fox from
his lair.

View its distant operation. See agriculture every where
yield to its gentle but resistless power. The new demands
it creates for the riches of the soil, require an increased

supply, and the wilderne-ss parts with its domain to the em-‘

pire of cultivation. Each department of I human labor is

connected with every other. Each urges the rest, as each

9

waveof the sea or undulation of the air agitates its mass.
But in civilized industry the strongest impetus is derived
from manufactures.

a They till our soil; build up our marine; raise our cities;
develope the national ingenuity and send it soaring to the
skies or diving deep into the hidden recesses of nature’s
storehouse; sharpen the intellect, refine the virtue of the-
people and secure the respect of the World.

Does the spirit of Independence animate the American

mechanic? Go to the scene of his labor. Let his untiring
perseverance and successful industry answer the question.
Wliat has perfected our mechanical art? ‘What has caused
it in all departments to equal, in most to excel the vaunted
productions of foreign skill? Personal, natural, original In-
dependence, which neither the paralysing pressure of pri-
vate distress, nor the calamitous consummation of executive
experiment, has been able to discourage.
A The dock and the ship—yard; the private and the public
building, the ponderous machine and the delicate fabric,
whatever ministers to convenience or comfort attest the me»-
chanic’s preeminence. Old Faneuil, Hall never in its proud-
est days, shone with more radiant beauty, than when the
thousand products of his genius were gathered within its
walls. The glory of that occasion, yet fresh in the memory
of New England, is destined to fade before the iusereased
splendor of the kindred spectacle which awaits us.

Who is more ready to maintain the law by the influence
of his example, or if need be, to enforce obedience by the
strength of his arm? Wliose charity is more enlarged?
Whose benevolence more active? W-hose enterprise more
daring .? In youth should poverty oppose and temptation
assail him, should he have no friend but the stoutness of his
heart and no reliance but the Providence of his God ; difli-
culties vanish before the independence of his soul ; respect-
ed in manhood and revered in age, he stands a memorial of

ID

the power of the national spirit, in that noblest of its works
--——a self-made man. “

Trace the power of the national energy in works of pub-
lic improvement. Each State has its rail—-roads. Some just
produced by the creative faculty of local legislation. Others
in the full career of success. In all directions these miracles
of modern genius send forth their winged messengers of
union and peace. Let them multiply without limitation.
Let them continue to set torrents at defiance and to laugh
at the valleys’ depth; to pierce the firmness of the solid
rock, and to say to the mountain “ Be thou removed and
“cast into the sea.” Each bar of iron they fasten to the
earth, is another link in that national net»-work which
neither internal commotion nor foreign assault can ever
rend asunder. ‘

Behold the Empire State, Which, sixty years since, num-
bered fewer inhabitants within her whole territory than are
now gathered Within her commercial capital, incurring a
debt exceeding the late surplus revenue of the nation, and
glorying in nearly a thousand miles of canal and more
than a thousand miles of rail-road. See Pennsylvania and
Ohio intersected with the same noble Works: Indiana re-
ceived amongst us less than a generation since, expending
twenty-one millions of dollars in their construction ; and Illi-
nois, still a younger sister, scarcely behind the foremost.

Behold the South, just awaiting from her long lethar-

gy. See her struggling against the dead weight of domestic

slavery and striving to build up her maritime importance.
May her most sanguine expectations be more than realized.
The North finds no cause for jealous apprehension in this
convulsive effort. Let commerce divide her capital with
the great staples of her climate, if such be the dictate of wis-
dom. The North founds not its prosperity on the depression
of the South. Her best success can never cause one North-—
ernsail the less to flutter in the breeze, nor. stop the music
of a single spindle. Let her build her rail-roads and stretch

ll

their iron arms deep into the exhaustless reservoirs of the
"West. Its measureless riches roll not in -a single channel, but
spread like the mighty Nile, which spurns the narrow bounds
of its natural banks, and overflows whole regions with fer-»
tility and joy.

 The energy of the national spirit is not confined to such
gigantic works. The less imposing but more important in-
stitutions of learning, from the rich university to the mod-
est primary school, through every intermediate gradation,
proclaim its operation. The universal diffusion of education,
while it tends to consolidate government, excites the latent
talent of the country, which displays itself in numberless in-
ventions or seeks perpetuity in the products of the press.
To the insatiable thirst for knowledge which characterizes
our countrymen, the press owes its ascendancy and the in-
fluence it exerts. This year completes the second century
since the first printing machine was established on the north-
ern continent. Although its l'l1'Sl1 fruits were of small impor-
tance and although it was not until nearly sixty-five years
afterwards that the first newspaper was committed to the
world, and though for a hundred years more these had in-
creased to only half a dozen feeble prints throughout the
entire extent of the colonies, yet now more than twelve
Inmclrecl presses send forth their annual millions of living
sheets. Newspapers rank amongst the necessaries of life,
swaying mind, morals and manners. This prodigious fecun-
dity springs from the intelligence of the people fostered by
universal education, and is an eloquent proof of that nation-
al prosperity created by national Independence.

Time would fail were the effects of this spirit fully traced.
Perceive its power in the nurnberless charitable institutions
everywhere shining in the pure radiance of Christian be-
nevolence. In the flourishing villages of each State rising
like the spring flowers after the early rain. In the calm-

ness of the country, in the bustle of the city. In com-

merce winging her flight across the great deep or stretching

14)

/III!‘

far over land into the midst of our frontier neighbors on the
West. Hear it in the clank of our workshops 3 see it sparkle

in the products of their skill. It sings in the thousand spin-- a

dies of manufactures; is heard in the deep caverns of the
mine. View it in the restless migrat.ion of the people who
throng the car, the stage, and the steamboat. In these won-
derful engines, the giant steamboats, more numerous on the
bosom of the broad Mississippi alone, than in the Whole con—
tinent of Europe, behold another of its mighty efforts.

What prophetic eye shall pierce the future and foretell
the limits of its power? Already the Union, has realized
the patriarch’s prediction, “ Joseph is a fruitful bongh,
“even a fruitful bongh by a well, whose branches ran over
“the wall. a The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot
“i at him, and hated him: but his bow abode in strength,
“ and the arms of his hands were made strong by the
“hands of the mighty God of Jacob .- even by the God‘ of
“ thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty who
“ shall bless thee with blessings of Heaven above, blessings
“ of the deep that lieth under, blessings Qf the breasts and
“ of the womb: The blessings of thy father have prevailed
“above the blessings of his progenitors, unto the utmost
“bounds of the everlasting hills; they shall be on the head
“ of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was
“ separatefrom his brethren.”

No imagination can exaggerate the future glory of this
country, if faithful to itself. Within its borders are all pro-
ductions of the soil, in boundless profusion. Every variety
‘of climate has capacity for all species of agricultural wealth.
The earth hides within its bosom mineral riches, the extent
of which defies calculation. The mind is bewildered by

the rapidity of population, which yet lies only scattered over

the unlimited West. Before the resistless progress of civili-
zation, barbarisrn disappears like the wintersnow before the
advancing spring. N ew States rise into political life, im-

perishable monuments of the wisdom of our system. One 

13

government unites them into one nation, one interest binds
them together, the generous inspiration of a common spirit
animates the whole.

“ Aggredere, 6 magnos, aderit jam tempus, honores,
“ Cara defim soboles, magnum Jovis incrernentum !

“ Aspice, convexo nutantem pondere mundum,

“ Teri-asque, tractusque maris, coelumque profundum,
“ Aspice venturo laetentur at ornnia szeclo.”

American ingenuity what shall fetter? Endless combina-
tions of matter are yet undiscovered. The power of steam
is only in its childhood. Science already points to the sub-
tleties of nature. Shecalls upon us to write her story in
letters of living fire ; to gather in the ligl“1t1ii1ig and chain it
to our cars. New inventions daily challenge admiration.
If some savor of romantic enthusiasm and now seem more
like the"‘melancholy madness of poetry” than the sober
aspirations of philosophy, so appeared all startling discover-
ies before use had familiarized their wonders. Let no one
despise novelty because its principles are obscure, nor con-
demn the otTspi~iiig of ingeliuity because its aspect is strange.
The impossibility of yesterday becomes the well known
agent of to day, the rniglity machines of this generation will
yield to their mightier rivals of the next. 1’-Iumaii genius
is here uiiclogged by antiquated customs, urged ~onward by
the spirit of Independence and retarded by no superstitious
reverence for the follies of the past “the range of the moun-9
“ tains is its pasture, and it searcheth after every green
“ tliing” in the field of knowledge. I

Yes, within our own borders lie the elements of our
greatness physical or mental. Why should we care were an
ocean of fire to surround us, securing us in the safety of
solitary grandeur? Even then should this nation obey the
energy within it, like those bright worlds which roll self bal-
anced, self propelled in space.

Such are the results of the Spirit of Independence. For
3

My

these we venerate the men who gave the first impulse»
to its power. For these we revere the Statesmen who
published the charter of human liberty; who pledged “their
“ lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor” to maintain it.

To these We owe the unobstructed splendor of the na-
tional spirit. Colonial vassalage could only obscure, but
could not extinguish it. The eye of their faith pierced the
mists which mantled it. ,The liglitning glare of power
could not dazzle their gaze on its unfading brightness. Tlie
bolt of tyranny might lay them prostrate on the earth ; but
they knew that

 

“ Freeclom’s battle once begun,
‘‘ Bequeath’d by bleeding Sire to Sen,
“ Though baflled oft, is ever worn.”

_ Ignorniny and shame might be their portion. The min-
ions of royalty might point with scorn at their tombs, and
the tears of their children freshen the grass about their
graves, in bitter lamentation over their failure. They brav-
ed this misery. Their hopes of "fame, the natural longing
of their souls for an honorable page in their country’s
story, were all pledged on the altar they erected to the
Spirit of Independence. ‘

“ The very gale their names seems sighing :
“ The waters murmur of their name 5

“ The woods are peopled with their fame ; r
“ The silent pillar, lone and gray,

“ Claims kindred with their sacred clay ;.

“ Their spirits Wrap the dusky mountain,

“ Their memory sparkles o’er the fountain,
“ The rneanest rill, the mightiest river

“ Rolls mingling with their fame for ever.”

Wliile we remember the heroes of the revolution and thanlt
in grateful adoration, that heneficent Being who “ tauglrt their
“hands to war and their fingers to fight,” let not their radi-

15

ant glory hide those other stars, whose influence was not less
potent because it operated silently. Wives and mothers,
sisters and daughters, had their part to perform in the strug-
gle. They performed it nobly. Not in weary watching on
the field, nor in anxious hours of prolonged debate, were their
lofty souls, their unquailing courage and unblenching firm-
ness shown, but beside the bed of the wounded soldier, in
the hopeless hour of captivity, when his pride was crushed
by poverty, his spirit broken by misfortune, woman, like an
angel of mercy, ministered her consolations of kindness.
“ The tender and delicate woman, which would not adven-
“ ture to set the sole of her foot on the ground for delicate-
“ ness and tenderness,” heeded no fatigue, regarded no
danger. She visited the loathsome prison, there to lighten
the fetters which she might not break. Her hand bandaged
the broken limb, her sympathy sustained the sinking mind,
while with silent eloquence sparkled in her eye,

“ The tear most sacred, shed for others’ pain,
“ That starts at oiice—-1-briglit-—pure——-«from I’ity’s mine.
“ Already polish’d by the hand divine I” “

In the horrors of that gloomy year, when the soldiers?
bleeding feet crimsonecl their tracks upon the snow, when
famine fastened its fangs upon the body and despair weigh-
ed lead-likeon the heart, woman hesitated at no saciifice
to alleviate their hardships. When the withering convic-
tion of injustice pressed upon their minds, she reanimated
their decaying patriotism and sent them forth again to con-
quer or to die. In the most hopeless period of that bitter
strife, when the strongest mind began to bend and the stout-
est heart to quail, women was ever

“ The evening beam that smiles the clouds away,
“ And tints tomorrow with prophetic ray.”

‘Invaluable as the labors of our early Statesnaen are grate-

16

fully acknowledged to be, their sacrifices would avail us
nothing, the tears and sighs of the widow and orphan would
reach us only as the mournful dirge of withered hopes, if
another revolution, equal in glory to that of "76, had not
followed in its train. It would be a problem yet undeter-
mined, and still perhaps to be solved in characters of blood,
whether America. had done well in_ shaking oil" its yoke,
whether she had increased the ag'g1°egate of human l"1:1ppi—
ness by her demonstration of human rights, if the ll‘ederal
Constitution had not started into being, out of the chaos
succeeding the war of Revolution. .

There behold the concentrated rays of the Spirit of Inde-
pendence. The great centre around which revolve these
western planets: which preserves to each its appropriate
orbit: which dissipates the darkest clouds that can hover
about them. VVhich,illuminates all with the splendor of its
light and animates them with the energy of its power.

-—--“ that with surpassing glory crovvn’d
“ Looks from its sole dominion like the God
“ Of this new world.”

Let no star shoot madly from its sphere and “run law-
“less through the sky” and this great assemblage, which
fifty years since first assumed its majesty of form, shall for-
ever move on, in the sublime harmony of its nature.

Although every American feels the influence of the con-
stitution, we are apt on this anniversary, to ascribe the en-
tire glory of our present condition, to the patriots of ’76.
We overlook the stern combat .fought by the statesmen of ’87,
not against foreign assault, but intestine discord. N ot with
weapons of steel, amidst the exciting scenes of mortal strife,
but with the armament of reason, against the insidious at-
tacks of selfish ambition. '

It would be useless at this time to analyse that great in»
strument. To illustrate its value ; to set forth the deep WlS--
dom which pervades it. To show its wonderful adaptation to

17

the necessities of the country and the character of the peo--
ple. To prove that its efficacy can never be impaired, how»-
ever numerous the subjects of its action. It is nevertheless
proper on this occasion, having just entered upon the sec-
ond half century of national existence, While, We exult
over the prosperity it has caused, to recognize the merits of
its framers and the power of that national spirit which sus-
tained thein in the formation of an empire.

. Wlieri the project for this i second revolution was first se-~
riously entcrtained, there were few hopes of success.

Great Britain, tli"1oug'l1 bound by the treaty of 1783 to re-
linquish the western posts, still retained them, while the arts
of her ageints, sanctioned by her cabinet, excited the Indians
to murderous incursions on the frontiers. Spain occupied
New Orleans; ernba1'rasscd or prevented the navigation of
the Mississippi, and was daily encroaching on our territory
on its banks, aiming to obtain by fraud what she dared not
seize hy force. She too iiistigzrtertl the Indians to attack the
frontier settlers in the South, and thus the whole country,
from the Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, was kept in constant
alarm. ,

The pride of Englancl had not recovered from the morti-
fication of her recent defeat. ‘Though she received our en-
voy vvith politic condescension, yet she would , scarce notice
our complaints of her continued violation of the treaty, pe-
rernptorily declined comrnercial arrangements and contemp-
tuously omitted to send us a representative; Her people dis-
satisfied with their government for the loss of the colonies,
clamored loudly against the ministry, and were daily in large

numbers migrating to America. To quiet the nation, to

reconcile it to its loss, and to prevent emigration, a profligate
press, paid and controlled by the cabinet, poisoned the pub-
lic mind with gross libels on the United States. It asserted
that tumults and anarchy, bankruptcies and distress, discon-
tent and civil war prevailed throughout the Union; that the
nation was heartily wearied of its Independence, and that

l8

the universal sentiment of intelligent minds,ias well as of the
mass of population, favored an immediate return to the vas-
salage of her King.

Our own honored City, was the object of peculiar malig-
nity. Its part in the revolution ranlszlcd in the Eifiglislr mind,
and the shafts of hatred were sped aga.inst it with unmeas-
ured violence. N o assertion was too absurd. “ These Bes-
tonians,” said one nevvspaper,”“ “ are the most insolcnt, most
“ sanctified and most treacherous set of beirigs that ever
“degraded humanity. Their treachery is proverbial in
“every part of America. As to their sanctity, it is so g1ar---
‘‘ ingly besmeared with hypocrisy, that it is eriioiuglir to malre
‘-‘ a man sick of all pretensions to religion 1” Even such
rank nonsense was favorably received;1‘

‘*St. James Chronicle, 1785.

*\‘Boston seems to have been an early object of premeditated persecution, as
the following anecdotes tend to prove.

“ When the duties to be paid in America on paper, paint, and glass, were
“ repealed, it was pretended that the Tea duty (which had been imposed by
“the same Act of Parliament) was left standing to serve the Company. But
“ this Was not the fact. The tax was left unrepealed to preserve the riglzt,
“as it was called, to tax the colonies. That was the true motive. The ser--
‘‘'vice of the East India Company made no part of the consideration. The
“ tea sent to Boston was that sort called Bolted, which was conferring no fa-
“ vor on the Company, but the reverse ; for that sort of tea was no burden to
“ the Company. It was the sort called Sirzglo, which lay heavy on their
“ hands, and of which all their Warehouses were fall. But the resolution was
“ was agreed to in a private committee, when only three persons were pres-
"‘ ent : Mr. Bolton was chairman. A matter of such importance ought to
“have been agitated in a full Committee, which consists of eleven. The
“ truth is, the Bohea was more saleable than the ‘Single ; it was therefore
“ the resolution of the Cabinet to send the most saleable: presuming that the
,“,temptation to purchase being greater by the offer of good tea, than by the
‘‘ offer of an inferior sort, some of the Americans might be thereby induced to
“barter liberty for luxury, and, perhaps, a schism might be created among
“ them.” “ When the Directors” (of the E. I. Company) “ were informed
“ of the conduct of the Committee, they explained this distinction of the tea to
“‘ the Ministry and wished to have the Single substituted. But the Ministry
“ would not consent. It was again objected to, at the Minister’s house. To the
-‘~‘ .1-ast application, Lord .N'orth, being perhaps wearied with representations on

19

The general enthusiasm which, on the peace, had greet-

ed this country from the Continent, was at first cooled, and

then converted to contempt. The unceasing repetition and
unscrupulous audacity of these slanderous tales terminated
investigation and quieted doubt. All Europe was deceived‘.
It regarded as incontrovertible truths, assertions with no bet-
ter foundation than the virulent animosity of mortified min»-
isters. Educated individuals, whose connection With the
country should. have rendered them incredulous, were equally
deceived. Wlien Dr. Franklin left France, apprehensions
for his safety were expressed by his friends. They feared
the populace would stone him on his arrival in America, be-

“the subject, said--~“ ‘It was to no purpose melting oZ)ject7ions,fo1' the----*‘
“ would have it so. These were his Lordship’s words ; and he added “ That
“ the *‘ rnecmt to try the question with .r1mer73ca..”

“ The tea was consigned to the Governor’s son at Boston. When the ves-
“ sels with the tea arrived there, the people assembled on the wharves in
“ great multitudes, in order to prevent the tea being landed. Several mer-
“ chants, and other persons of the first consequence in Boston, solemnly assured
“ Captains of the vessels, that the inhabitants of the town were unanimously
“ resolved not to suffer the tea to he landed. The Captains finding this oppo-
“ sition, solicited the Governor’s permission to return to England ; for the
“ I{ing’s,ships were stationed in such a position at the mouth of the" harbor
“ that no vessel could escape their vigilance. The Governor answered, that
“ he could not permit them to depart, until they had obtained’ proper clearan-
“ ces. The otiicers of the Customs refused to grant clearances until their
“cargoes were landed. This legal precision was not observed at the other
“ ports in America, when the Captains finding they could not land their car-
“ goes of tea, were permitted to return to Europe, without breaking bulk.
“ But Boston seems to have been the place fixed upon to try the question. If
“the Governor had assisted the Captains, the tea might have been landed
“ without much difliculty : it might have been put into the barges of the men

 

“ of war then ‘lying there, and being escorted by the marines, it might have T

“ been safely landed in the King’s warehouses. But the design was other-
“-wise. The Captains were obliged to connive at the destruction of the tea,
“ in order to obtain their clearances, to return to England. The town was
“ afterwards punished for this act of necessity, which might have been avoid’-
“ ed. Thus the civil war was createrZ---‘to try the question.’ ” Jinecdotes
of Chcttharn, col. 2, pp. 240.

*King'.

20

cause they believed the people were enraged to madness, by
his success in promoting and carrying through the revolu-
tionary war.

The credit of the nation Was at the lowest stage of depre-
ciation. The utmost skill of our financiers could scarce ne—-
gotiate a loan to suppress the interest of our foreign debt.

The continued neglect of Congress, arising from its entire
inability, to pay the amount due our creditors in France, cre-
ated ill feeling throughout that country. This displayed it-
self in the debates of the Assembly Whose language was
little calculated to gratify our national self-esteem. The
comparatively small sum due the French officers, who, for
some years, had not received even the interest of their claims,
excited loud murmurs, which were soothed only by the mas-—
terly management of our minister resident, aided by the ex-
ertions of La Fayette. These sources of discontent seemed
at one time, to threaten the stability of our connection with
those early friends, and to impeach the integrity of our mag-
istrates and the justice of the nation.

At home the prospect was worse than abroad. The pres-
sure of war being removed, the country plunged at once into
a vortex of extravagance. The elastic spirit of the people,
no longer depressed by care, was hurrying them to ruin. It
Was deemed by an eminent statesman of the day, that not-
withstanding the severity of domestic distress, the anxiety
and labor of the conflict, and all the privations of the people,
they enjoyed more peace of mind and real satisfaction, that
they slept sounder and Woke happier, While the contest raged
around them, than while they were thus Wasting their sub-
stance in riotous living and rushing headlong into the gulf
of hopeless insolvency. ‘

Commerce disappeared. Even the carrying trade be-
tween the several States was usurped by British vessels. The
avowed purpose of England was our commercial annihila-
tion. N 0 means existed to repair by industry the fortunes
dissipated by folly. . Treaties were either partially observed

21

or openly disregardecl. Congress had lost its influence and
its former shadow of power. The continual neglect of its
recommendations had almost discouraged it from assemblino‘.
Individuals began to feel the slavery of debt and to set good
faith at defiance *; While the insurrections in Massachusetts
and New Hampshire proved that if anarchy was not already
arrived, its approach might be daily expected.

This glance at the condition of the country renders it not
surprising that opinions were unanimous as to the necessity
of an immediate revolution. It shows how complete and
radical a change Was required, and some of the difficulties
encountered by those undertaking to effect it.

A sliglit inspection of the old fabric of confederation de-
monstrated that any time spent in repairing so badly con-
trived and ill jointed a structure, would be utterly wasted.
It shovved the necessity of pulling it down, of erecting a new
lL)1.1ll(’;il.ll‘),£M‘:," with a broader foundation and enlarged capacity,
possessing; improvcrnents more suited to convenience and
cornfort, and of discarding even the materials of the other,
except vvhere they were uninjured by decay or where the
skill of the architects might remodel them to advantage.

Tliis resolution taken, the struggle commenced; equally
irnportant with the struggle of the War, but infinitely more
complex in its nature.

Beyond the conviction that a revolution was required to
save the country, the sages who formed the Constitution had
scarce a sentiment in common. Patriotism was indeed
their ruling passion. Honor their breath of life. They
ranged themselves under the leader who had so often carried
their armies to triumph, and who now was to aid them in
the preservation of that Independence, his virtue and genius
had achieved.

But local attachments, sectional feeling, utter dissimilarity
in modes of life and habits of thinking, promised no pros-
perous termination of their labors. , ,

Lapse of time, it is true, had much effaced the distinctive

4 

22

traits of character their various origin had engendered.
But there still lingered amongst them, the pride of the Cav-
alier, the vivacity of the Huguenot, the formality of the
Quaker, the bigotry of the Roman Catholic, the sternness
of the Puritan and the frigid apathy of the German.

Some were inclined to a monarchy ; others thought that
“the only king of America should be he who rules and
“and reigns in Heaven.” Some deemed such an expedient
the last to be tried. Others were deeply dyed in the demo-
cracy of the day, which, fortunately, had not acquired the
offensive rankness of its degenerate substitute.

That national feeling which bends sectional interest to the
welfare of the country, which elevates the name of Ameri--
can far above any local appellation, which makes the Union
the pride of each individual, had yet to be created. It could
be thoroughly established only after a long and successful
administration of the general government aboutto be erect-
ed, had “rendered its authority venerable, and fortified it
by habits of obedience.”

No means of generating this comprehensive patriotism
had hitherto existed. Before the old French war colonial
intercommunication was comparatively small. Each Prov-
ince had its own government, and in that remoter period,
when the strength of all was in the gristle, while they were
alternately fighting with the savages, squabbling with their
magistrates, and learning the first lessons of independence,
each was too much absorbed by its own affairs, to meddle
with its neighbors. '

Some attempts at confederations had indeed been made.
The union of the New England colonies commencing in
1643, and lasting forty years, opened the eyes of all to the

‘advantage of connection. It was easy for these to join, be.»

cause there was much similarity in their laws, manners and
religion, and a greater community of interest than could be
found elsewhere.

Twenty two years before the Declaration of Indepen~—

23

dence and thirty four years before the adoption of the Con-
stitution, a convention of Delegates had assembled at Albany,
by direction of the British Government. They proposed a
general confederacy, and on the 4th July, 1754, promulgated
the political axiom, that colonial existence depended on col-
onial union. But that 4th of July was scarcely the harbin-
ger of our present anniversary. The spirit of Independence
had not then fully inspired the American soul. Local at-
tachment and sectional jealousy exerted paramount influ-
ence, and the plan proposed by the convention was rejected
by every provincial Congress. So strong was the operation
of colonial rivalry, that seven years afterwards, Dr. Frank-
lin considered any union perfectly hopeless.

The ten years controversy with Great Britain, preceding
the Congress of 1776, had partially generated a national
feeling. The close contact into which the war had forced
the discordant materials of the Colonies, fostered and in-
creased it. But the innate tendency to repulsion, when this
external force was finally removed, forbad the particles to
cohere, was fast separating the mass and cooling the warmth
its compression had excited. The national character, which
can have no earlier date than the treaty closing the old
French war, was far too feeble to soften prejudices imbibed
at birth. State institutions, State manners and modes of
thinking, local attachments, preferences and interests, influ-
enced the minds of the Convention injuriously to the great
object which assembled them. Several times they were
about to dissolve in despair, but the good fortune of the
country kept them together.

Even now, cherished and honored as the name of Ameri-
can citizen is to every American heart, glorying as the
whole nation does in the splendor of the Union, sectional
antipathies are displayed with dangerous distinctness. They
show themselves in the press, speak out in personal collision,
and clamor with threatening violence in national debates.

These were not the only obstacles to be surmounted. A

22%

government was not to be altered merely, but a new one to
he created. A league of thirteen independent nations was to
be formed and no parallel case was found as a guide.

Local prepossessions were therefore not only to be over-
come, but individual hopes to be sacrificed. Love of pow-
er was to be mortified. Self esteem, “the spring of.mo-
“tion,” was to be regulated by “reason’s comparing bal-
ance.” Ambition would oftener be gratified, when each State
could act for itself, than when all should be partially consoli-
dated into one. The State Constitution more nearly affect-
ed the personal happiness of its ‘citizens, than the new one
would ever be able to affect them. It operated more imme»
diately on the concerns of private life, brought itself more
directly into view, was more felt, more revered, more loved

T and better understood, than any general Constitution ever

could be. But now the State Constitution was to be altered,
curbed, controlled by the new power about to arise. State
Sovereignty was to be somewhat “shorn of its beams 3”’ the
personal distinction of great men to be impaired, nunierous
paths to ofice and honor to be closed, and a single road
opened in the wilderness to the scattered occupants of a
thousand avenues.

In the war of Independence but a single object presented
itself. It united all hearts. The eye of the nation was
never withdrawn from it. N 0 way was open for retreat.
Independence must be gained. The British flag must cease
to wave over their battlements. The British lion must
cease to roam in their forests and prey on the people. The
whole national energy was directed to accomplish this result.
If sometimes, when clouds of misery wrapped them in dark-
ness, their hearts faltered with alarm, the blaze of some
burning village darted a new light across their path 5 the
blood of some murdered family dropped its acid on their
soul and stung them into madness.

The devotion of the soldiers to their great commander,
popular confidence in his integrity and talents, experience in

25

the Wisdom of his plans, maintained the army in the ex-
tremes of peril and disaster. The excitement of a campaign
has a conservative influence on a military body, which acts
amidst all their distresses. Loss of property, health and life,
is never heeded, for

“ There is something of pride in the perilous hour,

“ What e’e’r be the shape in which death may lower ;
“ For Fame is there to say who bleeds,

“ And I~Ionor’s eye on daring deeds.

But when the patriots of 1787 commenced their labors
they assembled in secret. The regard of an approving
world_ was not upon them. No voice but that of duty, no
commendation but that of conscience, cheered them onward.
There were no medals to perpetuate the memory of the
part which each one took in the victory their united prow-
ess gained. No multitude to shout forth their names in
grateful exultation. Nothing to reward their labors or stim-
ulate their exertions, but the benignant smiles of that Om»-
nipotent Being, whose inspiration directed their thoughts.

The Spirit of Independence triumphed again! It over-
came all obstacles. The variety of evils menacing the
country were averted. Difference of personal opinion yield-
ed to the importance of national quiet. Individual aspira-
tions were immolated on the altar of Union. The narrow
jealousy of sectional interest, fled from the nobler sentiment
of _American patriotism. National identity arose out of
local discord. In the Constitution was reconciled that mul-

T tiplicity of contending interests apparen'tly so inconsistent,

that philosophers and statesmen through the world, pre-
dicted a signal failure in any attempt to unite them. Well
rniglit each of those patriots have exclaimed,

“ Jarnque opus exegi, quod nec Jovis ira, nec ignes,
‘ “ Nee poterit fen-urn, nec edax abolere vetustas.

>l€ vi‘ 91° 7i‘ 9i‘ 9i‘ vi‘ #6 7l‘- >1‘ 3* >14 :14 714 71’-

“ Ore legar populi, perque ornnia saacula farna

zsa=rs=:r~s-iaacs-==r=roi=ViVam_v>

26

The prosperity of the country, evinces the wisdom of the
system. But who shall do justice to the self denial of its
framers ; Who shall 1°igl.l'1tly estimate that victory over them-
selves, which was the price of each concession? Mankind
for the first time witnessed a civil revolution with no appeal
to arms. They saw States obey the precepts of revelation,
and practice the virtues of christianity. They saw a whole
people range themselves under the banner of law, and move
from anarchy to order with no guide but virtue, and the
unerring, invincible Spirit of Independence.

N ot solely to those’ who sanctioned the Federal Constitu-
tion by their names, should its glory be ascribed. They,
who, poising themselves on their personal character, dared
dissent from some of its principles, are entitled to more
gratitude than posterity has bestowed.

Had the advocates of a stronger government succeeded
in theConvention, had the President been invested with the
useless tinsel of a regal title and the fatal brilliancy of royal
authority, this anniversary would not now be hailed as the
jubilee of freedom.

If the Executive, rising above the darkness of faction,
make the national interest his cynosure, experience has
proved that liberty is not endangered by the energy of gov--
ernment.

But if descending from the elevation intended by the
framers of the Constitution, he mingles in the turmoil of
political contest, placing himself first, his party next, and
his country the last in his thoughts, experience has equally
proved that tyranny may be concealed in republican robes.

The opponents of the Constitution distrusted human vir-
tue. They foresaw that the “ golden sceptre” of Executive
authority, might become “an iron rod to bruise and break”
the disobedient. They exerted their influence to diminish
its power. Wl"1ether such apprehensions were founded in
wisdom, modern experiment will be able to decide. The
problem is yet unsolved, whether American freedom has

27-

most to dread from the strength or weakness of the Federal
head. Executive power has already proved a formidable
foe to popular virtue, whether an invincible foe, coniirig
events will shortly declare. 4 T

However rnistalten the opponents of ' the Constitution may
have been in the extent of their objections, their opposition
lowered the high tones of those who desired more energy in
the government. It is well that the ultraisin of neither par-~
ty prevailed, but were the Executive stronger, republican-
ism in this age, would be in danger of dissolution.

The minority of the Convention had a large, if not a
principal share in the compromise it effected. The Spirit
of Independence animated their souls. It raised them
above personal considerations. It led them to sacrifice at
the shrine of their country, the reward of long and success-
ful toil for its welfare. If few in number, greater their
praise. The cause of opposition was to them the cause of
truth. They fearlessly maintained it;

“ And for the testimony of truth have borne

“ Universal reproach, far worse to bear

“ Than violence ; for this was all their care

“ To stand approv’d in sight of God, though worlds
“ J udg’d them perverse.”

The revolution which one hundred years before the era
of the American Constitution, placed William and Mary on
the throne of England, has been extolled as a wonder of
political history; but the splendor of the archetype fades be-—
fore the greater glory of the copy. _

James the Second assumed the sceptre strong in the af-
fection of his people. Though the melancholy fate of
Charles the First had exposed the absurdity of regal infalli-
bility, they saw in his son the moral phenomenon of a prince
who never broke his word. Their loyalty always exerting
instinctive strength, was fortified by respect. While they

28

honored the King they loved the individual, and confident-
ly anticipated, under his guidance, a prosperous career.
Even after he had proved himself no exception to his
race; after he had reclrlessly rent asunder those ties of re»-
spect and affection ; after he had abused the generous con-
fidence of his subjects; interfered, without pretext, in cor-
porate elections, and filled places of trust with tools of
superstition ; even after he had seized the revenue, threat-
ened the national religion, irnmured in the tower the dign.i-
taries of the church, even then the nation II1lgl“1t have sub»-
mitted to his usurpations, had the ruthlcssness of the despot
been supported by the courage of a man. His own pusillan-—
imity wrought his downfall, and he fled in disrnay frorn the

. spirit he had raised.

In the revolution of 1688, public sentiment; was directed
to a sirigle point. The policy of the nation preserved its
accustomed course. There was no new Constitution to
form. The old one possessed the affection of the people
and was revered as a well known, lon,<.g-—t1'icd friend. No
sacrifice was demanded. Inclination coiricidcd with policy.
Technical anarchy might indeed be said to have existed
while the Convention debated the grave qucstiorr1o;t'suc~
cession, but government moved on by its own momentum,
and before this was dissipated, a new power was applied to
preserve its progress. The charimels of business were never
varied, and the mass of the community bestowed scarce a
thought on the change when once it was made. An ener-»
getic prince had lifted his banner on the Eriglislt shore, and
maintained by his arms, the stand taken by the country.
The miserable cowardice and blind infatuation of the mon-
arch, alone prevented a greater efiixsion of blood.

The scene presented one hundred years afterwards, was
of a far difI'erent aspect. When the Federal Constitution was
adopted, real anarchy existed, yet no aspiring ambition aim-
ed atfa throne. No army was near to lend its iron argu-

mentsto such a claim. The entire policy of the country

29

was subverted. The new government unsupported by ex-
perience, depended solely on the intelligent firmness of pur««
pose, the unyielding independence of the people. No great-
er affection could be felt for it, than for a welcome stranger
who promised much, but whose capacity to perform had yet
to be tested. Even the great man, who by the resplendent
wisdom of his administration, did so much toward the sta--
bility of the government, who placed a civic wreath upon
his brow, more radiant in glory than the glittering diadem
of military success, was thought by some to lack confidence
in its permanence, and to believe that it would finally de-
generate into a constitutional monarcliy. .

Wliat care shall be deemed excessive, what caution pro»
nounced superfluous, in guarding the integrity of this mag-
nificent structure? Founded on the sacrifices of our early
patriots, it was reared by the inspired wisdom of their suc-
cessors. In its sacred proportions behold the holy temple
of this chosen people, which honor and patriotism bind them
to keep from desecration. It stands upon the lofty emi-
nence of National Union and overlooks the whole country in
its simple grandeur. Liberty and Law are its columns of
durability and strength. There let the affection of this new
Israel be forever concentred. By all their present prosperi-
ty, by gratitude for the past and expectation for the future,
let them save it from pollution. To that let the steps of
faith he turned, to offer its morning and evening‘ sacrifice of
politicalrdevotion. Should false gods seduce the allegiance
of the people, there, upon its consecrated altar, on the day
of their great national festival, let them lay their offering of
expiation.

Notwithstanding the advantages realized under the Con-
stitution, complaints are rife as to the inefliciency of the
government.

They who suffer from. fluctuating policy and constant
change of laws, who find their most careful calculations
foiled, their liiopes frustrated and their future prospects

£3

30

wrecked, rail at the system as unsuited to the ends for which
it was devised.

They too whose peace is disturbed, Whose reputation is
injured by the licentious attacks of some profligate partisan,
who find even home insecure from his lawless visitations,
that family and friends and all most prized, are involved in
common and urispa.r'ir1g vituperation, bewail the nature of
institutions which tolerate and require an inquisition so
severe.

Nowhere does party spirit 1*age with more uncurbed vio-— ’
, lence than in this land of freedom. Nowhere does politi-

cal hostility so nearly approach to personal enmity. Now
Where is it felt with such sad bitterness, in private and so-
cial relations; nowhere has it so often poisoned the foun-
tain of domestic enjoyment.

Hence some doubt the benefit of a system of which such
are the results. They are led to believe that our fathers
overrated the probable virtue of posterity; that goodness
declines as intelligence increases, and is most deficient
when circumstances call most loudly for its presence.

Defects in the operation of the system of which its framers
never dreamed, have indeed been developed by experience.
They result from no inherent, irremediable imperfection,
but from an unfortunate perversion of its powers.

The fertility of our institutions is too conspicuously
shown on the statute book. Legislation is guided by no
fixed rule: like the restless ocean, it contains within itself
the principles of perpetual motion. The enactment of this
year is almost sure to repeal that of the last, and laws ap-
pear to be made only to be changed. Yet this should not
weaken our affection for the system, nor diminish our reli-
ance on its value-

In this happy country, where all avenues to oflice and
honor are freely opened, where geiiius and industry en-
counter no artificial barriers of birth, rank or wealth, to
stay their progress to the l1igl‘iest stations, the serious busi-

31

ness of legislation is sometimes committed to those whose
ambition outstrips their skill. As every man may be called
upon to minister at the altar of public concerns, he is mor-»

ally, as well as politically, bound to qualify himself for the .

duty. We deride that feature of the English Constitution
which recognizes the existence of hereditary lawgivers, as if
statesmanship came by nature, and rank supplied the place
of mind ; yet in republican America, Where every man has
an inherent right to share in the councils of the country,
the necessity of preparationis sometimes overlooked.

Growing and perpetually varying interests, require cor-
responding legislation. A Better that innovation should some-
times be rash, that the giant strides of reform should occa--
sionally crush the flowers of the field, as Well as the weeds
of the wilderness, than that both should flourish in the rank
luxuriance of uncultivated nature.

Violence of party spirit naturally arises from that exuber-
ant freedom which characterizes America as the freest spot
on earth. Politics enter more largely into the pursuits and
thoughts of men, under our form of government, than under
any other, except perhaps, of old, under the petty democra-
cies of ancient Greece. No one, however far inclination
may remove him from the great concerns of the country,
can fail to be affected by its policy. The General Govern»-
ment would be of little value to the nation and perhaps
could not exist, if the interests committed to its care, were
embarrassed by matters, which, though of less apparent
magnitude, are equally important to the welfare of the peo-
ple. Upon the State Governments the General Govern-
ment rests, as the Whole have for their common basis the
mass of population. _

Hence the necessity of every man’s mingling more or less
in politics. Hence the interest he must feel in local or gen-
eral a*fl'airs., Hence too, the moral obligation under which
he lies, to use his constitutional power at every election,
whatever the relative importance of the occasion which de-

35‘?
mands it. He is no good citizen who habitually withholds
his vote, and he is still a worse one, who adds to his ex-
ample the authority of his precept.

But in aflairs of government, as in all human concerns,
virtuous inclinations are lamentably liable to be biased by
impulse. .l’ride of opinion largely mingles in all matters
where great interest is excited, and in none more than in
political discussion. Contention increases obstinacy. In-
terest blinds judgment. Disputes concerning the Wisdom
of measures, soon become argurnents against the uprightness
of motives, and the battle is waged for the pleasure of tri-
umph.

‘So long as

“ lust and rapine wildly reign,
“ To darken o’er the fair domain”

 

of the human heart, so long as man shall not have learned
to regulate the impetuosity of his nature, by the rules of re-
ligion, so long will party strife be excessive, wherever he is
free to tliink, and unrestrained in the expression of his
thoughts.

Prevalence of party strife is no argument against the val-—
ue of the system. Party rancor must be deprecated, and
good men should seek by their influence, to mitigate its
rage. But unfortunate for this country will it be, when the
political atmosphere shall cease from commotion and as—»
sume the deadly calm of apathy. Even as nature

-—---—--“ subsists by elemental strife
“ And passions are the elements of life,”

so party discussions, arising from party opposition, are the
elements of political life, which once stagnated by unnatu-
ral rest, it may be difficiult to reanirnate. r

Too much steadiness in government is more fatal to free»,

dom, than licentiousness of faction. Too much uniformity

33

more injures the energy of the people, than any fluctuation
of policy, can palsy their enterprise. Extremes are to be
avoided if the full measure of prosperity is desired, but bet-
ter any condition than that of perfect repose.

Whatever defects may be discovered in the sacred edi-
fice of the Constitution, it is the sole hope of national exist-
ence. 1ilx1)crie11ce will suggest, as it hitherto has suggested,
salutary improvements. We may enlarge its capacity, alter
its shape and vary the duties of its officers, but once sub-
verted, no human power can rebuild it. If Israel separate
from Judah, if the letter of the law be disregarded, its
spirit despised, and its holy places defiled, this chosen peo-
ple, now the envy of the world, will be carried into a hope-
less captivity of discord and disorder. No friendly aid will
rear again their magnificent temple: no pious hand raise
its sacred altar; no incense in their holy city, rise from a
grateful, reunited people.

Sectional interests have assumed a magnitude, and are
maintained with a pertinacious bitterness, which, were the
Constitution overturned, would baffle all attempts to recon-
cile theln.

Would the mighty West, with its unlimited resources
and boundless prospect of future grandeur, which already
secs approach a preponderating influence in the national
councils, would the West yield up the public domain,
which even now she seems ready almost lavvlessly to grasp?
Would her elder sisters, by whose toil and treasure it was
won, consent to relinquish their birthright?

Would the North, which once wisely yielding to a policy
it could not control, build up under the shadow of the pro-
tecting system, the numberless manufacturing towns which
deck its surface, agree to diminish the power of Congress
over commerce? Would the South join the Union unless
that power were restrained?

Would the large States, whose number and relative im-
portance have, within fifty years, so wonderfully increased,

3%

which constantly augment in resources and start into life,
would they again sacrifice a portion of their influence, from
disinterested regard to their feebler sisters? Would these
place their existence at the mere mercy of their powerful
neighbors ?

Under the Constitution, even during the short time it has
preserved the nation in liappy and prosperous Union, how
many questions have arisen of which each agitated the
States to their centre! Many more, yet unimagined, will

arise hereafter, and all the force of individual interest, local

dogmas and sectional prejudice, will be used in the process
of solution. The limits of direct taxation; the power over
commerce; the authority of Congress over the militia; the
innumerable questions as to its implied powers, which as
the country increases in size, and its aflairs acquire still
greater complexity, must also augment in number; the
questions more directly aflecting State sovereignty ; the ex-
tent of the prohibition on ex post facto laws, and laws rim-
ipairing the obligation of contracts; the right to control or
interfere with the general laws, and many more which rea-—
dily present themselves ; all of which, so far as they have
arisen, by a happy adjustment, have strengthened the
Union, and While on the one hand, they have consolidated
the nation, on the other have more clearly defined the lim—-
its of State authority, should a new Constitution be attempt-
ed, would be elements of discord no human wisdom could
bring together.

If the South become independent of the North ; if the
West, uncontrolled by the Union, be free to follow its un-
regulated impulse ; if that national spirit, which conviction
of common welfare has reared into vigorous existence, be
crushed by a ruthless destruction of the Constitution which
preservesit, then in vain would experience bring repent-
ance for the deed. In vain would years of internal war-
fare, and decaying industry, and foreign interference, and
foreign domination, teach thevalue of our former condition.

35

Any one of these questions would forbid a reunion. How-—
ever the necessity of a common government might then be
felt, it would require greater sacrifices than humanity could

make. .
With this result as the cost of separation, who shall ven-‘

ture to calculate the value of the Union?

Philanthropy urges us, freedom adjures us to discourage
the sacrilegious attempt. They beseech us to repress the
exuberance of sectional feeling; to subject all natural at»
tachment for local institutions, to an expanded affection for
the country; to preserve in immortal purity the Spirit of
Independence. P

Massachusetts stands, as she always has stood, preemi-
nent among the States of the Union.

From the moment our new-born Commonwealth, the
child of its Pilgrim fathers, in the nakedness and feebleness

of infancy, was cradled on Plymouth rock, till this day of

her time honored glory, the Spirit of Independence has
cheered her on her course.

In arts andarms, in enterprise and morals, in the, con-
stant struggles of colonial weakness, in the trying conflicts
of revolutionary war, against the daring assaults of ambition
and the treacherous stratagems of faction, the inspiration of
the national spirit, has given her the lead.

The first free school and the first newspaper in America,
were established in her Capital, our own venerated city;
the first printing press was erected in the old Bay State:
the first University was founded by her Legislature: the
first militia corps was organized by her sons ; the first canal
and the first rail-road in the United States, found place within
her honored territory; but more than all and above all, on
this day tolbe remembered, the FIRST BLOOD on THE RE-
vonurron flowed from the bosoms of her children.

What son of Massachusetts does not exult in her reputa-
tion? In whose breast beats so recreant a heart, that he
will not scorn to degrade it? Who can read with calm. in-

36

difference the tale of her early privations, her generous de-
votion to the cause of freedom? W110 can view the ex-
tended influence of her institutions and habits, her manners
and morals, her unwavering firmness and unblemished in-
tegrity, and not tllank God that he is a descendant of the
Pilgrims P

Upon Massachusetts, thus distinguished, rests an im-
mense responsibility. She has sustained it well. She gives
no indication of slirinking from the burden. She has ever
taken the lead in that national spirit which unites us, she
never can, she never will abandon her noble situation.

Upon the Constitution then, let her affections be concen--
trated. She first laid its foundation, let her be the first
to defend the superstructure. She was amongst the fore-
most in its dedication, let her perish rather than desert it.
Let her glorious character invigorate her efforts to preserve
the purity of the law. Let her children learn its value, and
in all future vicissitudes of fortune, let the first words of
political faith, which her young men shall be taught to ut-
ter, and the last caution of political Wisdom, which shall
falter on the lips of age, be

REVERENCE TI-IE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNION.