ence between
the formation of habits by an individual and by governments. He
contracts only after frequent repetition. A single instance fixes the
habit and determines the direction of governments. Against the
alarming doctrine of unlimited discretion in our military commanders
when applied even to prisoners of war, I must enter my protest. It
begins upon them; it will end on us. I hope our happy form of
government is to be perpetual. But, if it is to be preserved, it must
be by the practice of virtue, by justice, by moderation, by
magnanimity, by greatness of soul, by keeping a watchful and steady eye
on the Executive; and, above all, by holding to a strict accountability
the military branch of the public force.

We are fighting a great moral battle for the benefit not only of our
country, but of all mankind. The eyes of the whole world are in fixed
attention upon us. One, and the larger portion of it, is gazing with
contempt, with jealousy, and with envy; the other portion, with hope,
with confidence, and with affection. Everywhere the black cloud of
legitimacy is suspended over the world, save only one bright spot,
which breaks out from the political hemisphere of the West, to
enlighten and animate and gladden the human heart. Obscure that by the
downfall of liberty here, and all mankind are enshrouded in a pall of
universal darkness. To you, Mr. Chairman, belongs the high privilege
of transmitting, unimpaired, to posterity the fair character and
liberty of our country. Do you expect to execute this high trust by
trampling, or suffering to be trampled down, law, justice, the
Constitution, and the rights of the people? by exhibiting examples of
inhumanity and cruelty and ambition? When the minions of despotism
heard, in Europe, of the seizure of Pensacola, how did they chuckle,
and chide the admirers of our institutions, tauntingly pointing to the
demonstration of a spirit of injustice and aggrandizement made by our
country, in the midst of an amicable negotiation! Behold, said they,
the conduct of those who are constantly reproaching kings! You saw how
those admirers were astounded and hung their heads. You saw, too, when
that illustrious man, who presides over us, adopted his pacific,
moderate, and just course, how they once more lifted up their heads
with exultation and delight beaming in their countenances. And you saw
how those minions themselves were finally compelled to unite in the
general