Virginia Argus

From many speculations we might be led to believe that all liberty was but a name; that the difference among nations was ideal, and that nations in past ages had contended without advantage, and succeeded without reward. It would be better for the multitude of readers, if the enemies of the present administration would undertake to say—positively what they ask. What parts of the Constitution are to be abandoned? What form of government would be in the end best? What armies, what navies, and what pensions would give real strength to government? To blame, and not to fix some well defined object of pursuit, is to render the nation unhappy without a knowledge of their generous duty. If no other government than monarchy is at any time best for a people, say so. If war be better than peace, say so. If commerce has exclusive claims, say so. We may then know what we have to do for ourselves. But while invectives against, the administration of the government go against the first principles of freedom, who can make so desperate a choice as to justify them? Who could wish a change without a serious advantage? Are not our public evils as few now, as we can hope to render them upon any change of condition? When we have exchanged the inconveniences of Liberty for the rod of Tyranny, we shall then be taught to spurn a tyrant and rise against the laws. But if we can retain our liberties but for an hour, the struggle will reward us in the only rational happiness belonging to man. To make the obligations of our duty ridiculous, they are commonly represented in the extremes they can produce. The men who hold the highest ranks are calumniated. But in what are they inferior to the primitive planters? To the men who conducted our revolution, and fought our battles? Look at the men who still remain rich in the public gratitude, and see in what they could presume to boast of superiority to the present benefactors of our country.

Sal. Reg.