The Rhode Island Republican

Merex displays, and specious names, are often employed to blind mankind against a just perception of the injuries done them by their tyrannical oppressions. Under the show of guarding the people's rights, is frequently wielded the sceptre of absolute authority. This was the case in imperial Rome. While the people were amused with the appearance of a senate, with permission to elect their praetors, tribunes, &c. the emperors were exercising despotick power, and wantonly sporting with the sacred immunities of their subjects. These seeming guards of liberty were but the veils of tyranny and vice. The kings of France were real despots, although the nation was illuded by the visibility of parliaments. But these parliaments never dared to dispute the inclinations of royalty. The monarchs of Spain, though attended by their cortes, swayed the rod of despotism; and the government of Portugal was completely tyrannical, notwithstanding the Junta dos tres estados, or council of the three estates.