re beneficial the institutions of
the country. The new views of man's importance and of human rights,
which work out revolutions in Europe, only make our citizens cling
close and closer to the institutions of their own country. While blood
is poured out like water in Paris to change the rulers of the people,
the rulers of this country are changed with a quiet that would denote
almost indifference. Men talk of an exciting _contest_ for the
presidential chair; but analyze that contest, and it is found to be
only a newspaper discussion of the merits of certain existing or
proposed acts of Congress, having nothing to do with the organic laws
of the land, or with the form of government; the contest or discussion
was closed on the 7th day of November last, and men scarcely remember
the earnestness of the newspaper paragraphs, or the stump speeches.
Broad and expanded are the views of a true Republic; there can be no
narrowness in the institution--it is for all men, and for all times;
and never since the first gathering of people into a political body
was there such a foundation for national greatness and diffused
individual happiness, as is laid in this country. Wealth, true wealth,
the means of general comfort, abounds. A variety of climate ensures
the produce of almost every section of the world, and the right to
cultivate a portion, gives to all the means of enjoyment; there can
never be in this country (without a special visitation of
Providence,) real want among any considerable number.
We have over twenty millions of inhabitants, and raise more than a
thousand million bushels of grain, and one hundred million bushels of
potatoes. With these means to be multiplied indefinitely, and a free
mind, what has America to fear?
It is not our purpose to make a eulogy upon our country, or to
anticipate the great results from the full operation of our system of
government with the immense natural advantages which we possess. But
we may remark, that with the progress of civil freedom in this country
has been the diffusion of morals and piety; and with the enjoyment of
political advantage, have been the enlargement of social delights, and
the augmentation of domestic happiness. Woman has found her rank in
the scale of existence, and enjoys that eminence in refined estimation
which the delicacy of her feelings, the purity of her sentiment, and
the intensity of her affections demand. And every where her influence
is felt, in the
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