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Editorial
November 28, 1846
The Columbia Democrat
Bloomsburg, Columbia County, Pennsylvania
What is this article about?
Editorial titled 'SOUND DOCTRINE' quotes the 1776 Pennsylvania Constitution on recurring to fundamental principles like justice and temperance to preserve liberty, and President Jackson's message on the U.S. system's unique recurrence to first principles. It contrasts these with modern politicians' expediency doctrines, arguing for testing measures by fundamental truth to avoid error.
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SOUND DOCTRINE
In the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776; prepared by a convention of which Benjamin Franklin was President: we find it declared.-
That a frequent recurrence to fundamental principles. and a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, industry and frugality, are absolutely necessary to preserve the blessings of liberty, and keep a Government free.'
Similar in sentiment to the foregoing, is a passage in President Jackson's second annual Message. He says--
'Our system fortunately contemplates a recurrence to first principles, differing in this respect from all that have preceded it, and securing it, I trust, equally against the decay and the commotions which have marked the progress of other governments.'
How opposed are these sentiments of Sage & Patriot, to the expediency doctrines of modern politicians! We can stand safely and surely upon no ground, except that of principle: all other foundations are treacherous and unsafe. We all admit this. when directly stated, but are we not accustomed to have but a dim perception of its soundness as a guiding sentiment in active life? How often are we found supporting or opposing a measure, without first testing its merits by the standard of fundamental truth. How often, again, do we consider a measure only with reference to a single effect of partisan desire, without tracing its other consequences, naturally and inevitably mischievous though they be!-Such a mode of political action is entirely vicious and indefensible; it leads us continually into labyrinths of error, and if we make any true advancement, it is accidental,
In the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776; prepared by a convention of which Benjamin Franklin was President: we find it declared.-
That a frequent recurrence to fundamental principles. and a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, industry and frugality, are absolutely necessary to preserve the blessings of liberty, and keep a Government free.'
Similar in sentiment to the foregoing, is a passage in President Jackson's second annual Message. He says--
'Our system fortunately contemplates a recurrence to first principles, differing in this respect from all that have preceded it, and securing it, I trust, equally against the decay and the commotions which have marked the progress of other governments.'
How opposed are these sentiments of Sage & Patriot, to the expediency doctrines of modern politicians! We can stand safely and surely upon no ground, except that of principle: all other foundations are treacherous and unsafe. We all admit this. when directly stated, but are we not accustomed to have but a dim perception of its soundness as a guiding sentiment in active life? How often are we found supporting or opposing a measure, without first testing its merits by the standard of fundamental truth. How often, again, do we consider a measure only with reference to a single effect of partisan desire, without tracing its other consequences, naturally and inevitably mischievous though they be!-Such a mode of political action is entirely vicious and indefensible; it leads us continually into labyrinths of error, and if we make any true advancement, it is accidental,
What sub-type of article is it?
Constitutional
Moral Or Religious
What keywords are associated?
Fundamental Principles
Constitutional Doctrine
Political Expediency
Liberty Preservation
Government Stability
Justice Moderation
What entities or persons were involved?
Benjamin Franklin
President Jackson
Pennsylvania Convention
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Adherence To Fundamental Principles In Politics
Stance / Tone
Advocacy For Principled Governance Over Expediency
Key Figures
Benjamin Franklin
President Jackson
Pennsylvania Convention
Key Arguments
Frequent Recurrence To Fundamental Principles And Adherence To Justice, Moderation, Temperance, Industry, And Frugality Are Necessary To Preserve Liberty And Keep Government Free.
U.S. System Contemplates Recurrence To First Principles, Securing Against Decay And Commotions Unlike Prior Governments.
Sentiments Of Sages And Patriots Oppose Expediency Doctrines Of Modern Politicians.
Stand Safely Only On Principle; Other Foundations Are Treacherous.
Test Measures By Standard Of Fundamental Truth, Not Just Partisan Desire Or Single Effects.
Expedient Political Action Is Vicious, Leading To Error; True Advancement Is Accidental.