The Rhode Island Republican

A FALSE IDEA.

There is one idea which has been for a long time propagated, and which many very sensible men in the United States most firmly believe viz.that Great Britain cannot much longer maintain the war, and, that, of course,she will soon be humbled, and be compelled by necessity to do us justice. This idea has made such an impression on the minds of many persons, that they think it is only necessary to wait, to have a little patience, and that, without a single effort on our part, every thing will turn out right. The misfortune of this opinion is, that it keeps us in a continual state of indecision, of inactivity, and makes us rely more upon our stars than upon our abilities. In a wise government, as little should be left to chance as possible: The doctrine of fatality may do in religion, but it will never answer in politicks. A system should be distinctly marked out and steadily pursued. All party clamour should be disregarded our legislators should act as if they were writing their last will and testament, reckless of whom it pleased, or whom it offended according to their sober, serious, and sincere convictions. How can the Republicans forget that they are the majority ? How can they forget that it is the business of a majority to act and of a minority to shuffle ? How can they forget that the game of the majority is concord, and that the game of the minority is discord.

[ibid.]