N 
~         OUR REPUBLIC»

[Ts RISE AND PROGRESS-—ITS PERILSN AND REMEDY. ;
AN ORATION, 

ADDRESSEI.) T0 m; 

cg ITIZENS OF UTICA, N. Na,
A JULY 4, 1950,
V (SN THE
S]€.VI+3N’I.‘Y«FO'URTI-I ANNIVERSARY A  
OF‘ THE 
INDEPENDENCE OH‘ THEN UNITED S'1‘A'l‘I1Sy.N
BY N151). J. ’RICI-IARDS(f)N.
1:>I.rBI.1sHm:> BY‘ n»1Vaa«;;z%t;rJa:s:4<1#.NN
  A   UTICA:    
A ROBERTS «Sc SHERMANJ38 A740 GENESEE s'1‘Rm~:'1‘.
A A A 1850.‘ A

     

OUR REPUBLIC:

‘ITS RISE AND PROG-RE‘.SS-ITS PERILS AND REMEDY.

 

AN ORATION,

ADDIRESSED TO THE

CITIZENS OF UTICA, N. Y.,

JULY 4,1850,

ON THE

SEVEN'1‘*‘Y-I3‘OUR’I‘I~I ANNIVERSARY

OF THE

INDEPENDENCE OF‘ THE UNITED STATES.

BY E. J. RICIIIARDSON.

I’UBLISIIED BY REQUES1‘.

UTICA:
I?.OBER'I'S <35 SHERMAN, 38 85 40 GE'NESICE I5$'I‘REl1I'I'.
I850.

ORATION.

Great events make memorable days-mdays cotn--
memorated always by virtue of a principle which is
founded in human nature. That principle is the
power of association wisely implanted in the mind
of man, by which he binds together the past and the
present, and connects both with the future. It is a
noble power of the mind, suggestive, emotive, and
creative. By means of it, acting in harmony with
other mental energies, we recollect, cherish, revere
and study the great events of the past and the noble
deeds of men and nations——marshal them in their
causation of, and relations to the present state of
human affairs--—-and thereby, to some extent, spell out
the prospects of the future. Accordingly, commem-
orative days and institutions are peculiarly agreeable.
The recurrence of the day, on which occurred some
great event, from which came and still come blessings,
awakens in us pleasing and grateful emotions——-
emotions of that, or of a similar kind, which, with

glowing rapture, thrilled the hearts of the successful

actors in the event itself.
This Dag/——--the day we celebrate-m-by its many
interesting and patriotic associations, is worthily fit-

ted to awaken emotions of joy and sentiments of

4

gratitude in the heart of every good citizen of these
United States. Seventy-four years this day, we
were born into the family of nations——the greatest
question ever debated in America was decided. A
Congress of illustrious Pat7'i0Zs—-Repi'esentatives of
an United Pmpie-—app1'ovetl and adopted, signed and
published to the world, “ T/ze Declamflorz of I72depe72-
de7zce,”---to the reading of which we have listened
with an interest as if the first time—-——~which truly
and boldly asserted the inalienable Rights of Man---—--
the basis of Arnerican Freedom. VVithout a dissent-
ing voice, the colonies were declared “Free and I/ade-
_72e72cZe72Z St‘az‘e.s*,” having full power to do all acts and
things which such States may of a right do.

VVhen that original, bold, determined, and mem-
orable Doczmtem‘ was published to the world, and as
the great contest for Liberty approached, other
nations were hushed in silent suspense, as if in--
tensely eager to hear the first sigh, moan, or crash,
of the coming blast. “The arms of Russia were
stayed in their encroachments upon the Ottoman;
Spain, France, and Portugal were dumb with tran-
quil extiectzttioti. In the eastern seas, the waves
were calm; the tempest that had Wrecked Egypt
subsided, as if the voice of Heaven had lulled its
last sttrge.” t The nations of the whole civilized
world, moved by impulses of curiosity, wonder and
solicitude, stood on tiptoe to gaze upon the issue, to
see if the men, who came to America for room to
think aloud and say their prayers, would wage and
prosecute a War for a principle-e-z‘lzc Rep/*esen.z‘(zZz'«ve
P/'i2zc7j2Ze----«tire assertion and maintenance of whicli

h’

2;)

resulted in the struggle for, and attainment of civil
and1'eligious Freedom. The progress and result of
that glorious war are fatniliar to us all. We are in
the full tide of enjoyment of its many rich blessings.
May they never be less.

Thus happily circumstanced, can we forget to re-
rnernber and celebrate this tirne--lionored Ann-ioe7*sa7'~y
of our Ncztiouul Ivzdepevzclerzce? Never~———-so long as
t.he fountain of patriotic entliusinsni shall continue to
gush forth at the recrollection of “ the times that tried
nt1en’s souls” Ktttcnving and revering the Day that
gave to our IlE‘1tl()1‘] the precious boon of Lil)erty—-—--at
this time, when Calif'oruiz1, “in her robes of freedorn
gorgeously inlaid with gold,” is ztslting 21(;llTI'}lSSlOI1 into
the Union as 21 free and iridependent State, as she of
right may «'Elt']d .should do; arid while our Conscvegzt
.F§zt7zie2*s we unwisely tretrttzzelitig with other tneas-
ures, her just claim to Stete-~s.ieterl1ood in the garb,
ztttitude and ClilI'1t3t.I.'53lOt]S in which .‘;~'5lt(3 presents her-
self-—-—-and when New l\tl.e.xico is on “ her winding
Way” for :1 lilte tiohle purpose; and wltile these are
tnede occasion witzhzedly to agitzite rind debate the
p1‘iOlJZ1l1)ll'lI‘l(3S or poesiliilities of £1, dissolution of our
noble Union--——ztt such sat titrze, it verily becortres us to
show, by public derrionstration, our high appreciation
of the lr>leeeit1ge of pure and eheinless Lilierty, and
of the iIf]€Stll"I13.l')lG value of our glorious Union.

Geniueand Eloquence, animated by the ext-itirtxg
theme, hztve often dwelt upon the catises which led
to the S0pE‘tI'EltlO11 of the Colonies from Great Britain
——---littve freqttently tle_picted,it1 glowing stmitis, the

6

ardent struggle for Independence, its great perils,
many vicissitudes, and glorious termination----and,
have as repeatedly used their power to do grateful
homage to the rnaster-spimits who achieved our polit-~
ical redemption, and laid the foundation of our
political safety, progress and renown, as a free, unit-
ed, happy and prosperous People. Yet, the yearly
recurrence of this memorable Day and occasion,
presents the noble theme in all of its original
freshness, attractiveness and grandeur, awakening
memories, emotions and thoughts which perish never.

Nothing in the early annals of this country is
uninteresting. The interim, from the first stir of
Colonial discontent to the complete birth of our
Republic, comprises every thing sublime in human
character, and presents spectacles of moral grandeur
and civic worth, greater than any emblazoned in the
chronicles of olden times. The men of the Ameri-
can Revolution stand alone in their greatness-—--the
reflection of nothing past, the noble pattern for all the
future. They were not made illustrious by artificial
splendor. Their grievances were not of an earth»-
quake nature, instantaneous, violent, convulsive. No
sudden bloody massacre shoclted them into revolu-—
tion. They were not stimulated into action by a
mania for conquest, nor by the impulse of national
pride, nor by the tortures of barbarous tyranny.
They were notled to rebellion by the declamation
of demagogues, nor the fascination of a great name.
They came not from glens, nor from mountain tops,
ordifficult passes, or rocky recesses, responsive to

’7

the sound of some wild signal for council or action.
Their schemes ol‘ Liberty were not planned in ob-~
scure caverns; nor did they borrow their intent and
enthusiasm from the magnificence of Courts or
Temples, nor a fantastic solemnity to their convoca-
tions and deliberations from the pageants of Idolatry
or the mysteries of Superstition. They obeyed no
omens, consulted no oracles. Their glorious War
of Independence had none of these incidents to em—-
bellish it for the idle admirings of fancy. Great
principles and actions have never sprung from artifi-
cial trappings, which may ornament a page of
history and please the curious, but never move the
age, or promote the progress of the race.

The men of ].'7’"76 were plain and good men.
They entertained no extravagant notions. No vi-
sionary school of isnzs or 0Z0gic.s had diseased their
minds with strange doctrines and impracticable dog-
mas. They liad no morbid yearnings for change
and novelty as such, involving no useful principle or
practice. Luxury had not unmanned them. The
wild, reckless spirit of Speculation had not crazed
them, nor maddened their trades and commerce.
The grasping schemes of Avarice had not vitiated
their integrity; nor had the indolence and lust of
Wealtli seduced their morality. Their aim, hopes
and ambition, purified by the wild innocence of
nature, and controlled by the iron simplicity of the
people, sought no achievement incompatible with
the spirit of the times.

Lapse of time, and a prosperity moderately good,
made the persecutions, which drove their fathers

8

from “old ancestral; 11,alls,” to seek a new home in
America, morea matter of history ‘than of feelirig.
‘While enjoying the fruits of honest industry, tl1ey
cherished no other sentiment but love for the Parent
Land and confidence in her Government---they
yielded prompt obedience to her commands, contin-.
ued content, fora time, to hear her burdensw--l1appy,
in the discharge of what they deemed a filial duty,
and thrice happy that they were so able to discharge
that duty----a confiding, a contented People.

But, a few years, peculiarly tnarked by a series of
increasing burdens and wrongs imposed upon the
Colonists by the Home Government, Wrouglit a,
change over, the spirit of their affection and confi-
dence and contentment. . 1

Past events teach that. there is a point in the his-~
tory of governments, when subjects and citizens,
even the most uncomplaining, will have thoughts
and feeliiigs, and utter words, ominous of revolution.
More or less time may he required for the clouds to
gather, depending much on the climate and condition
of the country, and on the circumstances andliabits,
cliaratcter and constitution of the people--mbut the
storm will ultimately come,

' In 1764,‘ the first signs of discontent Went forth
from the Colonies. The bloody French and Indian
warwasijustended. Peace had again spread her
benign wings to cheer .and‘ l.>.lesst11e people, and
togive hopes and promises oflrest, and plenty to
the war-worn Colonists. Delnsive hopes--fruitles,s

promises 1: Hardly had, they last vwar-—Wl1oop of the

Indian, died away, and ,;tlte itvar-worn Colonists

9

reached their homes to ‘find sympathy, kindness, and
happiness in the bosom of their families and sweet
rest to their weary bodies; when a cruel and extor-
tious enactment griped them with the Lion’s power!
The British Minister sitting amid the comforts anti.
luxuries of the old world, conceived and enforced
an unjust system of taxation and restrictions upon
the Colonies---tlie result of the suggestions of a cold,
hard, selfish policy, traceable to no generous impulses,
and taking no account of the financial embarrass-~
ments, the physical and mental weariness, and the
pressing exigencies of the Colonists. That was a
bitter time for parental unltindness and oppression!

The New York merchants, who first felt the dash
of the wave, present.ed to the King a Memorial, loy-
al in its tone, neither iuvective nor reproachful,
scarcely rising to the tone of complaint, and only
giving a plain, candid statement of Colonial emhar-—
rassments. Others followed, breathing the same
spirit, but growing louder and more positive in their
demands. They had no other effect on the admin»-
istratiou, except to spur it to new exercises of wrongs
and tyranny. Burdens multiplied----“Ossa heaped
upon Pelion 3.” The weary and oppressed Colonists
were rudely thrust from the throne without a hearing.
Their first sensation was the surprise of disappointed
confidence. Impoverished by war, debilitated by
exertion, agriculture sttffering, commerce unsetttled,
currency deplorable-t----tltey were apoplexed with
astonishment at the rapid succession of cruelties
from the Parent Government. That surprise once
ever, came the sickening grief of wounded affection

B

.10

land. outraged confidence, which was soon followed

by the wintry gloom of despair---~an abandonment to

the pressure of the times. Darkness, doubt, and
sttffering, reigned gloomily for a time. But, endurance
‘ceased to be a virtue. The scene changed. The
ic.urtainrose---and revealed the coming of the Revo-
lutioin. There stood upon the floor of the House of
Delegates of Virginia, 21 Man trembling with deep,
mighty emotions--—-the breathings, and heavings of

new-horn Lzfberty.’ Sublime sight: 3 He stood amid

a grave body of men, conscious of the w1'ongs done
“to their country; yet, with habits of thought, feeling
and action adverse to a rupture witlitlze Parent
Empire, disgust for war, as well on account of its
attending calamities as of recent and exhausting con»-
flicts-A----all tending to indispose them for the struggle
of Freedom. But, there was One who dared to stand
forth and throw down the gauntlet to the mightiest
Empire of thelworlcl, and combat principles as old as

the globe----"who dared to leap upon the frowning

ramparts of Monarchy, pluck down its blood-red
flag, and grasp the British Lion by hisprnanel That
man was Patflcl; Hen9?y I He opened his lips---ltis
eyes gleamed fire--—-his heart, higwith the destiny of
his country, doubting no longer, heaved for utterance
—-the electric appeal shot forth, darted on, gleaming
brighter and fiercer, and glowing in overwhelming
majesty, until the last Words---“ Give me Liberty or

give me Deat/z”——filled ‘up its measure of terrible

might !

 .._No sooner did hiscolleagues and the people see or

hearlithe Well-poised and effectivei lance hurled at

11

the Throne, than their hearts, by a like impulse
and force, bounded into Freedom- The tocsin

was soundecl---its new life-giving appeal was heard

throughout the length and breadth of the Colonies.

“ It broke on the hush of morn-——--

It stzmlecl the dull midnight ;

Like the sti1‘1'i1'1g pool of e. battle-horn,
It sninrnonetl thorn forth to light:

It rose o’er the swelling hill,
By the rnen.tlow’s green it was lteard,

Cl:-tiling‘ out for the strettgtli of a. freernnn’s will
And the l*t'1lg‘l‘l'E of’ a free1nan”s sword!

Tlite. ri.ve1's lt'iea.:rti the noise---------
'.l‘he valleys sung it out ;

And every hea'rt ltzztpetl liigli at the voice
Oi" t.liat tl1t'i1ling' battle-slicittt I”

3

T‘he, issue was made, the Revolution commencecli,
cleelaretl intlte mine and by the authority of the
People, and C0t‘]i“ll'tlT“lt3(l by all the Colonies with zip»
Peale for action, nnitecl and detertnined action. 

How glotttiitttr with rapture and gratitude is the
ret1'<:>spevt: of" that um-tt“mralile transaction and move-
ment. Tine act of aliolisliing the Government, ab»-
jnring 21llt*§;'lt»1tlC7t3, tlethroning the Sovereign, so far as
the Colonies were eoneernt=.>d, and discartling their
Motlier C0l.1nil'_}’---plll‘lflt3Cl and elevated by the prin-
ciples proclaimetl and the motives w‘hi<'h stimulated
to action----stands recorded in the Annals of Tittle as
one of theltest and liriglttest achievements of human
virtue and effort. ‘ r A A

. Of the metnorable VVar,»I will only say, that in its

iprogress it was as deeply distressing has itwas emi--it

 

12

nentlyt glorious in itsttrermination. Its best and most
instructive lesson was and .is to teach the inestimable
value and blessings of Peace, of Liberty, and of
Union. C

When Peace came, encircled with Liberty, in the
spirit of Union, a new task and duty came also--
more trying and arduous than defending the country
and fighting the battles of the Revolution. A new
Government was to be instituted; the elements
whereof were contained in the “ Declaration of In»
dependence ;” but, their proper adjustment to the
wants and condition of the people was a work of
time, reflection and experience, of calm and wise
deliberation, and of high moral and intellectual effort.

At first, in devising measures to unite and cement
the States in a permanent league of friendship and
mutual defense, and for the exercise of the National
powers of Government for the general welfare, a
Confederation of the States was instituted, tried, but
failed. Although years of Congress’ time had been

consumed in the preparation, and as many in the

ratlification of the Articles of Confederation‘; yet,
when put to the test and tried, its ineflicieucy to
perform the functions of Government, or even to fulfill
the purposes of a Confederation, became apparent,
was felt,and was abandoned. It was not in the name
or by tlleeuthority of the People. It did not lodge
sovereignty and power in the People. The genius

of lmltimited State Sovereignty had ttsurpedthe rights

and powers which belonged to the People. The

r Q ta‘
' an

,S;ta.te Leislatures andtheir» Representatives, had, are»
rated to ‘themselves the whole constituent power,

 

133

while they were Representatives only of fragments
of the Nation. That was a vital error. Hence the
failure.

Eternal gratitude is due to the Arbiter of Nations,
whose good Providence watched over, protected and
guided our political infancy, and led our ancestors to
retrace their steps, correct their errors, and resort-«to
the whole People of the Union for a Constitution of
Government, emanating from, sanctioned by, and
governing for, the People themselves. 4 ~

After long and mature (leliheration, the Constitution
of these United States was adopted and ratified. It
emanated from the People. It placed soverehrnty
and power in the People. It proclaimed as its suh--
lime and beneficent objects, “to form a more perfect:
Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic tranquility,
provide for the common defense, prmnote the general
welfare, secure the blessings of Liberty,” &c. The
alpha of its ohjepcts, perfect Union----the ontega, the
blessings ol'Liherty! Let the people and their public
servants havea care that such 0I_»7'ecz'.s~ receive no det»-
riment, that they be maintained inviolate, efiectrive to

a foster our prosperity and spread our renown through-

outthe lerigtl.1 and breadth of the world.

Our excellent Constitution, with our beloved and
illustrious iWasliine,toniat its head, was the consum~

titration of the principles of the Declaration. of Inde-»

 deuce. It has giventhe sanction and test of sixty-
enweetyezarsy to those principles, their efficiency,value
and tetéxellence.» Its povver and efl"ects~.Were happy
and glorious. It renorvatged the .GOV,8l'I1ifIle‘Df, infused

 

14;

into the States and the People a spirit of Union, of
activ.it_y, and of progress.

“ Great were the hearts endstrong the minds,

Of those who 1°ra.n“1ed in high debate,

The irnmortal league of love that binds
Our fair broad empire, State with State.

=x= =24:  l V, are . an

VVide as our own free race increase-~
‘Nitle shall it stretcli the elastic chain,

And bind, in everlasting peace,
State after State, a rniglity tzroin.”

Glorious Constitution I extend thy protection, dis——
pense thy blessings far and wide, to bless all who
love Liberty and maintain its pure principles-—-rise a
Pyramid of power and g1*z1r)det11', till thy apex shall
look down on the loftiest political structures of other
nations and other ages----tl1e pride of the present, the
hope of the future. ,

VV'hat, under our Constitution and laws, is our
present condition as a people? Do the benefits ol
good government and ofgood society, manifested by
the enjoytnent of Liberty, the security of Property,
and the freetlmn of Thougltt. Speech, and Action,
pervade and bless every portion of the countryand
all the people? VVould it were true.

We have a lovely land, olorions Liberty, and be-Q
nign Institutions-~—---to enjoy, pl“ese1'Ve, and .transmit:.
Mostsacred «Trust! tNaturehas given us as soil

yieltlinghountiliullyto the hand of industry, the great  4

ocean fruitful in Commerce, and bright skies shedding

health and vigor. A good and free Gov.ernment;has.

.15

l given ussociety,wholesome laws, intelligence, morals,

religiousculture and principles, to cheer and bless.
And our prosperity as a people has been and is
unparalleled in the history of the human race.   The
legend of the seven sleepers of Ephesus would he
more illustrative of our progress than it was of the
course of events in Asia Minor. The legettd runs,
that the young Converts to Christianity at; Ephesus,
were suddenly thrown into a miraculous sleep, and
so remained for over two centuries-t--—~on awakening
frotn their trance, and etrtetgittg into life, they were
strangers in their native city ; but they were ggreeted
by the Cross Wllltfll had supplanted the tittsigtis of
I’aganism : and they were surrounded by the brethren
of that Faith, for which they had sttfl"et'et;l, and by the
power of which they had l)t:;‘(’.*l"t pt*e.servetl. rNo such
sleep is necessary to mark the grtrat C2l)ttIl,g€?SVVlllCl1
have tz;tken place in this t:ouutry. Iiere, during a
like period, a l{eli,«:;ion has not only heeti elJatt,getl,
hut a C‘t>ntinent has been settled, EtIlpit't‘?$t l'ounded
in t'egit>ns unknown to E[,)l)t‘St.1S, and ltttelligetice has
dispelled the clouds of l,:g;uc>t*;tntre and Superstition,
and radiated over the land the sun-beams of" Truth
and Justice, Reason and Liberty. Only two centuries
have passed away since a few adventurers landed on
the bleak shores of America---—who came here to
suffer in their day, but to become glorious in their
generation. Time moved on----vvitltt it the march of

’Mind and Empire-,'vvorking mighty changes. Where
i are now the immense, unbounded wilderness;and the
wild, ruritutoredl Indianswho occupied “and roamed

over’ “thee "forests his  The “’great>vv‘ave‘ of Civilization

16

and Progress has swept onward, bearing down the
forests and their tenants, until that feeble band of
settlers have become a great and mighty people----the
occupants and owners of this broad land from shore
to shore. Now, we behold an Empire spread over
this vast Continent---the reign and progress ofLiberty
and Humanity, of intelligence and Virtue----the wil-
derness overcome, made to blossom as the rose, and
the land filled with peopled cities, vocal with the
sounds of Industry,and happy with the joys of Plenty
----afevv persons increased to over twenty millions---—
and the child is born who will see that number svvell-
ed to» an hundred millions, all animated with the
spirit and energy of freemen, and pressing onward in
the great cause of Civilization. Our country’s pros-
perity has been and is borne along upon the onward
and swelling tide of social, political and religious
progress with the speed of the whirlwind.

Wltile we contemplate the bright side of the
picture, we should also reflect upon what has been
and is respecting other nations and tinles----and feel
a profound sense of the great responsibilities of this
Republic to all future ages. However true it is, that
brilliant prospects invite our entltusiasm, and vast
motives press upon us for holy efibrt; yet, solemn
warnings demand our vigilance and moderate our
confidence. For, Re}/zablics have their Perils.

. History reveals to us the beginningandthe end

of past struggles for Freedom and Humanity, the

.progress. and the decline of Civilizations, and the rise
and thefalll of Nations. l History also teaches that a

17

nation has a Ztfe which i. may be healthy and progress-
ive ; and yet, like the life of the individual, it is sub-
ject to disease, decay, and death. it t

In the early ages of the world, “in the childhood
of humanity,” the characteristic form of vital disease
in nations, as intindividuals, was a kind of personal
feebleness-———-a strong tendency to become absorbed in
ortcontrolled by surrounding objects. Every form or
expression of external power was deified. A. god
was perceived in every outward force. Such object-
iveness was the easy prey of craft, ferocity, tyranny,
or any of the prevailing elements or forces of the
times-—---running into gross, besotted superstitions, the
worships of idols. This may be said of dark Egypt
which looms up so gloomily above the clouds of
oblivion, a dismal image of physical moral and intel-
lectual disease and decay. Similar was the life and
civilisation of ancient India; whose mythology was
little else but a medley of brutalities, and whose phi-
losophy was only a dreamy pantheism, wasting the
vital springs of thought, feeling and action. India
declined and fell, by a law as certain in its effect as
gravitation, before the E ferocity and force of the
Mahometan conquerors; who fell as certainly before
the living energy of England; and England will fall
as certainly before the power of American life.

Asiatic Civilization was but a systematizcd
anarchy for plunder and of w1'etcheclness,-mdespotism
priestisrn, and slaveism. There prevailed cunning,
self-—exagge1'atit)n, ferocity, tyranny, defiance of re-
strairrtm-tlie vices of tyrants; also servility, mean-
ness, t falsehood, t sensuality,—m-the vices of slaves.

C

18

National life, composetlof such elements and fed by
such influences, must, as it did and ever will, sicken,
decay, and die. ,

Greece--~~--once the land of scholars and the nurse
of arms, whose sister Republics once chanted the
praises of Liberty--—-where is she, her arms, arts and
sciences, her temples, columns and palaces? They
are no more, save a few last sad relics, low in V the
dust, yet beautiful in ruins. She fell, not by the hand
of the mighty, but by the wasting force of her own
corruptions and dissensions. When we attempt to
evolvethe causes of her fall, we find her life and
civilization somewhat complex, a problem some-
what difficult. The Greek lVlind had artistic energy,
an open sense to the influences of nature, and a ready
adaptation to philosophy and arms---—-but, that Mind
slumbers, perhaps forever ; though there are some signs
of returning life. At first, the Greeks deified man
as an object of Religion»--afterwards, as an object of
Art. They became atheistic as they grew intelligent.
They had a taste for, but no belief in Divinities.
They ultimately acknowledged nothinghigher than
their own minds, or human reason and skill--—they
Waxed proud and conceited--—they worshipedthem-—-
selves and their powers—they began to decay----they
died !

The living energy at the heart of a nation must
either grow or decay. It can only grow healthfully
and usefully by assimulating into its elements, Truth
and Justice, Intelligence and Virtue, Piety and Relig-
ion. Wltllollt such assimilation, corrupti.ons find
lodgement and growth, creating corroding and waste-

19

ing dissensions and vices, which finally eat out the
substance of national life and progress. a l

Rome-—--the glance of whose eagles once met the
sun in his coining»-—whe1'e and what is she, her Lib-—
erty and her Power’! The seven-hilled city, once
the mistress of the world, yet remains proud and
noble even in her desolation. Nearly two thousand
years have mourned over the loss of that once glorious
Empire. Her national life and energy were wasting
away long before Caesar crossed the Rubicon. Brutus
could not restore her health by the deepest probings
of the Senate chamber. The Goths, the Vandals,
and the Huns completed only what had been begun
at home. Yet, in Roman Civilization we find a bet»
ter expression of national life than in former times.
The Roman Mind had many sublime qualities when
viewed in its conquering courage and intelligence;
but, it had pride, selfish, fierce, and remorseless. It
lived so long only as it had power to crush opposi-
tion. Avarice, selfishness, licentiousness, effetxiinacy,
are sure to fasten on the haughty Conqueror, to hum-
ble his proud will, and to turn his strength into
weakness. So it was with Rome. r r

‘Where are the Republics of modern times’! Gone
and going----the victims of their own sins and mala-
dies. .

It was in the dark ages which succeeded the down-
fall of Rome that Modern Civilization had its origin.
Two leading principles of order and disorder, of
health and disease-—-«then Feudal System, and the
Christian Church-----the contact, collision, and union
of which constitute much of modern liistory---—have

520

given form, substance and expression to the national
life, energy and progress of modern times.

Feudalism had a stern will, which was its law.
VVhatever it had a will and power to do, was done,
regardless of right, justice, or truth. It was cruel,
selfish, remorseless. Barons wielded a merciless
dominion over nations of serfs, who, like tenements,
were fixtures to the soil. That unnatural relation of
master and slave, making man a tyrant in his own
domain, was a most miserable and wicked polity,
corrupting, corroding, and consuming the inmost prin--
ciple and energy of national life. Accordingly the
Middle Ages teemed with horrid crimes, which re--
vealed, as by the lightning’s flash, the deplorable cou--
dition of that vaunted society, in which Capital owns,
rules and grinds Labor.

Time will not permit a View of that dark picture.

By the side of Feudalism was the Christian
Church——--—-“ Pandemonium and Heaven organized on
earth.” They acted and reacted upon each other---—--—--
their adverse and antagonistic elements and princi-
ples commingling and passing into each other’s life,
corrupting the Church, improving Feudalism. Yet,
a better and brighter prospect opened before the
world, giving promise of “ good times coming.” A
Power higher than man was recognized and believed
----a Divinity for the immortal soul to reverence and
obey---the salvation of modern society; as it contin-
ually poured into veins withered by moral evil some
rills of moral life. The working of the religious

element, mingling with the harsher qualities of hu-l

manity, has been and is a powerful and efficient agent

21

in every great social or political convulsion, revolu-
tion, or reform; and it has as well saved modern civ-
ilization from the fate of the ancient, as improved
it—---has given it a better life, more healthy and pro-
gressive.. Yet, most modern reforms and revolutions
have ‘ partalten of the ills and corruptions of the
times and places in which they originated and pro-
gressed. Moral force has not yet had full expression
or impression. Evil elements blend with the good.
The great movements of the European Mind have
been little else but fits of a splendid and improved
Fanaticism, exhibiting the social and political diseases
of the times. “ The Crusades, the Reformation, the
English Revolutions of 1640aand 1688, the French
Revolutions of 1789 and 1848 ; all show that a com-
munity cannot lift itself by a convulsive three above
the high»-water mark of its practical life.” But there
has been great progress for the better even in Euro-
pean society; though it has not yet that religious life
and energy, which are the best and surest conditions
of temperate, determined, ever onward movement-—---a
movement most favorable and effective in its pro-
gress, most useful in its result, and most happy in its
effects. ,

Our national life is somewhat peculiar»--a com-
posit formed by the fusion of different races and
elements, and open to the force and effect of various
influences from all nations and ages. Forit is a his-
toric fact, that when a civilization dies, it leaves
imperishable records of itself, which become living
agents in moulding, to a certain extent, the natures
and characters, sentiments and , principles, motives

22

and actions of those who come in contact with
them. Accordingly, the social elements as well of
India, Greece, Rome, and other celebrated ancient
nations, as of modern Germany, France, England,
and other countries, flow into and commingle with
our national life, which, by assimilation, affect to
some extent, our thoughts and feelings, opinions and
principles, conduct and society. From such influ-
ences and home causes our national life is somewhat
diseased---to what extent, time and the occasion will
not permit an extended inquiry.

For years past, have not the merciless spirit and
practice of grasping accumulation by unrighteous
means, and the reckless spirit and practice of lawless
insubordination to law and order, prevailed in our land,
more or less---and still prevail ’! It is too true——would
were it otherwise. The former is seen and sorely felt
in the many systematized and legalized schemes and
traffics of social plunder--—depriving many good and
worthy persons of the comforts, often of even the neo-
essaries of life. The latter is seen and felt in the
consciousness of an existing difficulty in the faithful
discharge of public duties by officers of public author-
ity. Notice the many plunders upon our National
and State Treasuries under the garb of claims, and
by means of other expedients surreptitiously to extract
and appropriate the public moneys to private pur-
poses! Witness the impotency of presiding officers
in our Halls of Legislation !.-----the confusion, tumult,
and gross personalities in debate !-----the preparation
for and rushing to ignoble combat in those Halls!
Marl; the criminal subjects‘ of public justice, violators

23

of law and order: some torn from jails to be pun-
ished for executed by the populace-——others secre-
ted or rescued from the hands of the police to
escape the due punishment of their crimes! And
recall other instances equally alarming, of which time
will not permit a mention. What are all these but
signs of evil import—---a diseased life---a want of
due respect for existing public authority, for the
maintenance of good order in society, and for the
guardianship of the laws, their supremacy and pro-
tection ? A sense of distrust and insecurity is felt
as to almost every right and thing.

A multitude of Isms prevail in the name and un-
der the garb of Reforms, some idle and senseless,
some agrarian and hurtful. This is truly an age of
Isms.

Of the wrongs, evils, and Isms of the age, I will
only say in addition to what has been said, that there
are, much to be regretted, oppressive adventures,
enterprises, and combinations of men, for mere
money or glory making at the expense of humanity,
out of which Mammon and Pride grind human
b.lood~—~—d1'op by drop coin it into gold, ill-—gotte.n,
corrupt, and corrupting! But, the worst feature of
the diseased elements of our nation, which is in my
opinion wrongfully recognized and protected by law,
dwells in the sunny south; where, in the full tideof
experiment, is a modified Feudal System. If rnocli-
fied by modern humanity, it is also mrodifiecl by
modern thrift. ‘‘ The Peculiar Institution ” has vital
errors and evils which will, unless corrected, sooner
or later ruin any country. It is bad in ‘every respect,

24

corrupting, corroding, and consuming the mental and
moral life and energies of both slave and master. If
left to work out its own destruction, it will ultimately
end, in fire and blood, or in mental and moral sterility
and death. A It is a rude, diseased and wicked system
of polity———.tl1e cast a off‘ scum, ferocity and brutality
of extinct civilizations-—-—a morbid system of stupid
blunders and horrid crimes. This may seem strong
language; but, is it more strong, that it is truly
expressive of the real character of slavery C’

The existence of the evils, which have passed under
brief review, mainly consists in the criminal abandon-
ment of the claims, obligations, and duties of true
Patriotism, Humanity, Intelligence, Virtue, and Re—-
ligion, and in the criminal disrespect and disobedi-
ence of existing laws, their due administration, and
to duly appointed public authority.

The remedy of and for these evils, the Perils of a
Republic, is the converse of the proposition-—---vvhich
I shall call, for want of a better name, like 7zeoessz’lyfi)9-
the whole people to learn, feel, cmd live the z'm‘ell27gent and
vyzoralprinczjale of social and political action. To ex-
plain and apply the principle-—----

“ Our arduous task will then be o’er.”
In the external, as well as in the intrinsic nature

of things there is a fitness to the wants and happi-
ness of man, Which, if rightly understood and applied,

will promote his highest social life, It is in his social ,

duties and relations--~—-in society—--that man can de-
velop, g_row,;and mature his nobler nature, that his

25

intellect, passions and sentiments can find fit objects
on which to be vvorthily exercised, improved, and to
benefit. Society can not exist Without a govern-
ment. Good society requires a good government.
To find out and practice the best social and political
arrangement for the free scope of all the nobler
powers of man, and to attain and enjoy all his
Rights, is an enlightened and moral Principle. Its
object, aim and end are to discover, adopt and carry
out that social and political organization best fitted
“to promote the greatest good of the greatest num-
ber”—---all free, prosperous, and happy, relatively
considered. Is it utopian to hope for such a gov»
ernment? We can perceive this possible, if We
only consider, that, as in nature there are apparent
restrictions in fact not really so, so in morals and in
politics there may be restraining laws which are not
repugnant to, but in aid of true Liberty and human
Rights. There must be a fitness of correct princi-
ples, happily adapted to men, their highest good,
hopes and destiny-—---all which must result -in the
great law of the moral Necessity of Social and PoZit-
ical Action, enlightened by true Knowledge and
purified by true Religion. Then its mighty range
will include every thing afliecting the dignity, freedom,
rights, andprogress of man. i a

Our Republic occupies the high position of being
happily influenced by this Principle of socialand
politicalActi07z. We stand upon an eminence, from
which wemay view and profit by all the social and
political developments and progress made in past
ages, and now being made throughout the World.

I)

26

This Principle may be seen in the stern, unbending
integrity of the Puritan settlers of this country, in
their religious zeal, determined devotion, and sacri--
fice of every thing dear to them, except their princi-
ples and consciences, to attain civil and religious
Freedom. Hence we behold the germ of that
“ Tree of Liberty,” which was Watered by the tears,
nourished and protected by the blood of the Revo-
lution-wunder whose wide, extended, and extending
branches a great nation of freemen find shelter and
repose. Then

“ Hail to this blossom of Liberty’s tree I
Hail to the day when our land was made free I
Millions of voices are chanting its praises, r
And millions of worshippers crowd at its shrine,
Whereve1* the sun of America blazes-—
Wherever the stars of our bright banner shine.”

Of the practice of this Pr7I72cipZe cy’ Social and P0»
Zzitical Action, next to the attainment of “Liberty,
Life, and the pursuit of happiness,” the more import»
ant and arduous task and duty, are to enjoy, preserve
and transmit them unimpaired and improved.

Governments, based on whatever principle, have
always been more easily formed than maintained.
Destruction from enemies without, and foes within,
constitute the subject of their history----often all their
history. Situated asweare as a nation, we have

A nothing to fear from Without. It is among and from
r ourselves that we are to look forevils and Perils.

 A To avoid the wreck of former Republics, constant

27

attention and care to the right education of the peo-
ple is very important. It was a truism, t

“ A long time ago,”

that intelligence and virtue are indispensable to the
support and stability of free institutions. To per---
form well the duties of society and citizenship, the
people should be imbued with moral, practical, work-
ing ‘intelligence----the mass should be educated; not
merely to furnish food for the mind, but to give moral
training as well as intellectual culture. The heart
must be improved as well as the head informed.
Thesubstantial virtues must be sown and nourished,
“to grow, blossom,and bear fruit on the great field
of human hopes”—-—-such Virtues and qualities as
Industry, Economy, Temperance, Justice, Charity,
Obedience to Law, and Love of Order, which will
lay broad and deep the foundations of the great
Edifice of our Liberty--—-essential to the strength,
security and permanence of our free institutions and
glorious Union. A

To diffuse such intelligence and inculcate such
virtues the Press is a mighty power, which accele-
rates the onward march of improvement and influ--
ences vitally the destinies of the world. Its potent
sway establishes the great tribunal of Public Opin~—-
ion, to which the haughtiest feels himself amenable,
beforewhich the most daring is made to tremble.
A virtuous, able, and independent Press has terror to
the despot while forging fetters for his subjects; to
the fawning demagogue, who, while caressing the

dear people, seeks to abuse their confidence to gratify

“28

his own base ambition or baser rapacity ; and to all
enemies of social order andthe supremacy of the
laws. With such a Press sustained, it is morally
impossible for a government to remain essentially

* despotic, or wholly corrupt-4--equally so, Without it

to maintain a truly republican one. Intelligence is

the life-blood of Freedom: the Press is its svvift—-

winged Mercury: the great allies of civil and relig-
ious Liberty, each dependent on the other for
healthful and secure existence. Hence, it is a first
duty to ourselves and our country, in obedience to
the enlightened and moral P7'z'zzcz'pZe of Social and
P0Zitz'caZ Action, to sustain the Press, elevate its
character, extend the sphere of its usefulness, make
it free and virtuous; so that its million tongues Will
be heard,

“ Speaking of hopes to nations in the prime
Of Freedom’s day, to hasten on the time,
When the Wide world of spirit shall be stirred
With higher aims than new---wlien man shall call
Each man his brother.”

Another important field for the right and effectilve
exercise of this Principle of Political Action is the
Elective Franchise, one of the most valuable privi-
leges enjoyed by the citizens of this Republic. To
exercise and preserve this right in its purity is highly
essential----an imperative duty, binding upon all. It
should be intelligently exercised and religiously
guarded by every freeman in its integrity; as it is
the only lawful mode to ascertain and declare the

popular will; and when once made in the manner
legally prescribed, all are bound to submit---—-there is

‘29

no appeal from it, no reversal of it, except back to
the ballot box-

“ The ballots of freernenl
Now nobly they speak!
Giving hopes to the fallen,

And strength to the Weak l’ ’
l‘ The intelligent and moral Principle of Social and
Political Action, teaches and enforces the spirit and
practice of Patriotism and Democracy.

I mean that true Patriotism which is the impulse
of a noble nature and the product of an excellent
culture, embracing the grandest moral principles and
the purest social aims. It is an enlightened princi-
ple, active to promote the greatness and happiness
of one’s country, home, and kindred. And it con-—
sists of that comprehensive wisdom of political life,
which includes, in its social range, Knowledge, Vir-
tue, Freedom, and Obedience to the laws of the land.

By Democracy I mean that principle which im-
ports that “all men are of right free and equal”---—
not equal, however, in worldly advantages, wealth,
beauty, moral worth, or intellectual power. It as-
serts no such self—refuted folly. It only asserts that
each man has an equal rightto be esteemed wise
and honorable according to his ability and conduct--------
to be respected not according to his station in life,
but his behavior in that station ; nor according to the
good fortune which has befallen him, but to that
which he has well deserved. It maintains, as a.
truth and a right, that each member of a community
should have a fair, free and equal voice in the rnak-
ing or changing of the laws to govern that commu-
nity, or to govern his conduct, or to limit his natual

30

rights. True Democracy has faith in human nature,
believes in its goodness, seeks to emancipate the
mass of men and minds from the degrading and dis-
heartening fetters of all false social distinctions and
disadvantages, and bids man to walk forth in free
creationin his own native power and majesty. It
Wars against all tyranny, violence and ‘ oppression.
It is the a

“Spirit of Truth, and Love, and Light!
The Fee of Wrong, and Hate, and Fraud !”

And it breathes and proclaims that Freedom which
comes from and is the language of “Nature and of
Nature’s God”----that Freedom, which speaks to us
with many tender and glorious voices in the air, land
and ocean, in the waves of trees, flow of streams, and
flight of birds, in the morning, day and evening, in
sunshine and shade, and in music, beauty, and joy---
thrilling the heart with high and holy emotions, in-—
spiring the patriot with sacred heroism, animating
the universe with social harmonies, and transforming
all things to its own likeness, the beautiful, the good,
the true.   , p
The most important and sublime teachings and
practice of this Prz'7zc2Tple of social and political Action
are to enjoy, preserve and transmit unimpaired and
improved our precious Liberty, benign In.slz'tulz'o72.s,
and Glorious Union. A
i   Our precious Liberty .’ It is Worth the best civil»
ization-—in and by which physical and mental, social,‘
political and ‘moral advantages and blessings are

greatest in general distribution, not monopolized by

,3L

the few, but shared by the man y—-«giving man confi-
dence that he shall own and enjoy What he can
produce, inspiring feelings of self-interest as well. as
self—restraint,teaching the experience that government
and society return good far greater than any thing
taken, and associating the identity of personal securi-
ty with social order. It is worth whatever country is
worth, giving man a na.tion, government, rights and
obligations----the life of a citizen patriot, the social,
political, moral and spiritual tie which bindsman to
his country. It is as precious as life, worth all its
worth----freedom of person, conscience and mind, of

ttliought, speech and action—--«security, law and order,

kindred, home and country.

Our benign Institutions !-----the growth of our pre—-
cious Liberty, nourished and sustained by Intelligence
and Virtue. What are their value and advantages ?
This assemblage, intelligent, enterprising and orderly,
give ready answer. Who can calculate them '!-—-so
extensively pervading and permeating are their good
influence and great power in every department of
life, business and society. Under their fostering care
all our great interests and enterprises grovv, expand,
and yield bountifullynto support, improve and adorn
the life, as well of the individual, as of the nation.
We need not go abroad to see this----we have only
to look at home in our own goodly city, and the
beautiful and rich country around. And what do

. we behold here, on this occasion, in this mass of

livingbodies, thinking’ minds, and loving hearts---—
assembledto rejoice together upon this our National
Jubilee? Some of the happy results of the glorious

Workings of our noble Institutions-—-every thing
to encourage, to stimulate to action, to persevere in
well-doing. The favorable representation and the
goodly appearance of the different trades, vocations
and professions, of the Fire and Military Companies,
and of the various civic, social and benevolent Asso-
ciations and Societies, are highly creditable to
themselves, the occasion, and the city of their choice.
May they ever receive, as they well deserve, a gen-
erous sympathy and patronage, and a liberal aid in
all their vvorthy enterprises.

Our Glorious Union---a Union, not only of free
and independent States, of law, constitution and
compact, as it is; but also, of brotherly regard and
fraternal feeling throughout and for the whole coun-
try, as it should be-—--~“ the united love of an united
Government,” filling all hearts with confidence, grat-
itude and joy---and when imbued with Intelligence
and Virtue, a sure remedy and balm for all our social
and political Perils and Sufferings, and the security
of every thing to us as a people, good and prosper-—
ous, great and glorious.

"With and under our glorious Constitution, encir~g
cled and maintained by the Principles which have
passed before us in rapid review, the people are, and
ever should be One----united in the great brotherhood

of American Liberty, social dwellers under the pro—_-

tectionof Republican Institutions, safe, happy,re—-
nowned---a platform firm and broad enough to

upholdevery interest of the Whole country, promote
its prosperity, maintain its honor,and preserve the

Union. ”

33

Let all---north, south, east, West, if our country
really has any such in any thing except in location
----ado‘pt, feel and live the beautiful, true and sublime
sentiments of one of our greatest Intel/eats, and with
him say in all sincerity and solemnity: *‘Wl1e1'1 my
eyes shall be turned to be_hold, for the last time, the
sun in Heaven, mayl not see him shining on the
broken and dishonored fragments of a once glorious
Union ; on States dissevered, discordant, belligerent ;
on a land rent with civil feuds, drenched, it may be,
in fraternal blood! Let their last lingering glance
rather behold the gorgeous ensign of the Republic,
now known and honored throughout the earth, still
full high advanced ; its armies and trophies streaming
in their original lustre, not a stripe erased or polluted,
not a single star obscured——-bearing for its motto, * *
* *, everywhere spread all over in characters of living
light, blazing in all its ample folds, as they float over
the sea and over the land, and in every wind under
the whole Heavens, the sentzment dear to every true
American l1eart--—LiZ2e7“zf_2/ cmd U22xim2., now avzdforerver,
one and in.s~epa7'a.Z>Ze.”