Gazette Of The United States

It has been observed that America in the infancy of its existence as a nation, appears to commence its course with all those masculine movements which distinguish States that have attained to maturity, in points which constitute the essentials of Empire.—Europe marks our progress with an attentive eye; and many of her kingdoms evidently copy our example, and form their regulations upon our experience. Others again, exercise the severest criticism in examining our political conduct; and in scrutinizing our works of genius, they exert the whole force of their inquisitory powers; every defect is noticed with the most acute severity—plainly indicating that they consider America as a rival, in empire, politics, and science. These reflections afford us ideas that are truly original.—The world hath never before exhibited a parallel to the circumstances in which this young nation finds itself placed—How important then that we should feel the true dignity of the station assigned us by Providence, and support our rank in the scale of nations by all those public acts of honor and fidelity, which are the only basis of the prosperity of states.

We already feel the salutary influences of the new government, in a thousand different directions; and the people anticipate from the present session of our national legislature, the completion of those plans, which shall establish the public credit upon a broad, and durable foundation.

The oldest government upon earth does not appear to be more firmly established than that of the United States. Indeed there is not one that can be named which has so fair pretensions to expect a permanent duration, for the Constitution of these States proceeds from the only legitimate source of power, the consent of the people. Hence we find, that the people justly consider the acts and doings of the national Legislature, as an amplification of their own power, and support the laws with patriotism and promptitude. What greater encouragement can our political fathers require, to proceed with spirit and confidence in the administration of that Constitution, which they have solemnly pledged themselves to support?