Gazette Of The United States

NEW-YORK, June 19.

Remarks on the "Defence of the American Constitutions," in a letter to a friend.

I have read the defence of the American Constitutions, and admire the intelligence, sagacity, and firmness, with which it is written.—

At first it appeared to me, that where there was no distinction of rank in the people, there was no necessity of a balance—but the author has proved his point most satisfactorily, and the impracticability of one general assembly—all that remains is to secure that balance everlastingly, which there is much reason to fear and dread being broke.—

In the English Constitution, so beautiful in theory, and which the author so much admires, it is totally lost.—

The representatives do not speak the voice of the people—the crown being hereditary, and the Lords and Bishops its creatures, and considered as the fountain from which all honors flow.—The army and navy at its disposal—and all taxes adding to its power from the increase of collectors.

A King so powerful, and from respect, interest, and fear, and the misapplication of texts of scripture to the name and office of a King, there is danger of his being esteemed and venerated as God's Vicegerent—which weakness gaining possession of the minds of the people is rarely got rid of.

Therefore my only fear is, that when one person is continued for any length of time, by design or collusion, or hereditary with distinguished honors, he will insensibly avail himself of his situation, and preponderate in the balance, and overturning the whole, commence Tyrant.

The circumstance of the Americans' being sprinkled over large tracts of land, may secure them from want, and prevent the contagion of vice and folly—as large cities are destructive of virtue—Yet I doubt much if liberty is not more secure by that means—as upon any sudden attack upon the liberties of the people, the alarm is quickly spread, and conveyed thro' numbers, and the resistance would be instantaneous—whereas in the other case, it requires time to be known, more to collect together to communicate sentiments, and unite in a body. Short duration and rotation of power seem the only certain securities—the people having the word—nine tenths on the side of the people weighs in the balance.—

I am pleased with the idea of the balance of affections and appetites under the monarchy of reason and conscience—the only monarchy which will never deviate from its true principles.—

It appears necessary that every possible means should be pointed out to secure the balance, and reinstate it, if broken in upon. The English system wants the application of such remedies—it will then, in the language of Thucydides, "be a possession forever."