National Gazette

For the NATIONAL GAZETTE.

Mr. FReneAU,

THE inducements which first led men to were in my opinion as various as the individuals who composed it were numerous. In society, after the establishment of order and laws, the timid found protection for their persons and property; the cunning an ample field for the exercise of their cursed schemes; and the daring and fortunate, favourable opportunities of raising themselves to distinction and eminence by enterprize, and the credulity and timidity of their fellow men. The same game we find constantly played, even at the present day, in all civilized countries upon earth, when a fit opportunity offers.

Unaffected merit, it has been remarked, rarely proves, in any age or country, a solid recommendation to man: whereas actions, the most infamous and disgraceful to humanity, have, not unfrequently, raised a vile ruffian to a throne. The coundrel, who butchered thousands of his fellow creatures, has often been honored with titles and privileges, and his progeny, although never so iniquitous and infamous, have been deemed sacred, and denominated emperors or kings, to the no small injury and discouragement of the communities to which they belonged.

It has been a question with the reflecting part of mankind, to what cause is to be ascribed the unqualified respect and veneration generally paid in every community, and in all ages, by the great mass of the people, to men in power, and sometimes even without the least shadow of merit. Some attribute it to a mixture of ambition and self love, which leads men to venerate that pre-eminence, at which they wish one day or other to arrive. Others again affirm, that man is constantly in one of two extremes, either a tyrant or a slave, one of which characters he uniformly exhibits as often as circumstances require, without any regard to mediocrity. This disposition of the human mind, whether a natural principle, or acquired habit, is dishonorable to man. It sinks him beneath his fellows, and prepares the way for despotism.

It is the peculiar blessing of republican governments, that no one need be a slave, unless he prefers it to liberty and independence. Here merit and virtue create the only distinctions. The laws make none. Their operation and protection is equally extended to all.

The mind unawed by artificial distinctions, would, we might suppose, turn away with abhorrence, particularly in this country, from the despotism of prejudice and the influence of barbarous customs. But do we find this to be the case? Alas! No. Men will be slaves!

In monarchical governments, where despots and tyrants sometimes find it necessary to issue proclamations, and other arbitrary edicts, the better to enforce their authority, and support their measures, we find their minions and slaves re-echo approbation throughout the extent of their dominions. This may be necessary to support corruption, but how disgraceful to the free states of America, to remark on a late occasion, this degrading custom introduced amongst us.

Admitting the expediency and constitutionality of the late proclamation, has the first magistrate done any more than his duty? Have we any occasion to import the ruinous customs of corrupt governments? Have republicans need of court intrigues, exotic manners, secrecy or sycophancy? Will not simplicity of conduct, rectitude, and integrity, best suit the character of a free people?