Gazette Of The United States

STOCKBRIDGE, May 17, 1790.

THAT Liberty is essential to happiness, the wisdom of the wise must impel them to acknowledge.

Without it, LIFE LOSES ITS RELISH, AND BECOMES

So mistaken however have been the true principles of this most inestimable blessing, that in aiming to obtain it, many have plunged into a worse state of slavery than that from which a fortuitous concurrence of events (as they conceived) have released them.—Perhaps history furnishes not a single instance of a people, for any length of time, continuing to enjoy the blessings of freedom, under the administration of a government composed of but one branch. Experience has evinced, both in the old and new world, the benefits derived from a government composed of three branches, with proper checks upon each other.—In all governments, distinctions, in some degree, will exist, and the idea of PERFECT EQUALITY must, with every judicious and candid mind, be viewed as chimerical, except mankind revert back to a state of nature. Merit claims a distinction; nor would any law, which the utmost stretch of human ingenuity could fabricate, prevent popular respect from being paid to characters whose talents and exertions had promoted in an eminent degree the public weal. It has been customary in despotic governments, however, frequently to establish distinctions upon no other basis than regal favour, and these have been very improperly made hereditary. This has been the case in France, the National Assembly of which are about to abolish ALL distinctions, orders, and privileges, at one stroke, (if credit may be given to late foreign intelligence.) This will be deemed by many rather too precipitate a stroke at this period of their affairs, and indeed, unwise at any period; for, as we have before hinted, distinctions must always exist in every government. Were the National Assembly of France to abolish such distinctions among them as are hereditary, and by degrees go on to eradicate other evils engendered by despotism, the probability would be in favour of their establishing a government calculated to support and defend the just rights of human nature. But, as at this early stage of their progress, they have seized on the possessions and property of the clergy, (to the amount it is said of 400 millions livres) who are a numerous and powerful body—as they have in fact taken all power from the King, and transferred it to a single assembly—as they have about to abolish all orders, distinctions and privileges, it is very much to be doubted whether the sunshine of peace will long continue to illumine their hemisphere, notwithstanding European accounts mention that affairs at present wear a peaceable aspect. The King, it is evident, makes a virtue of necessity, and his party is not inconsiderable, though doubtless they find it most wise at present apparently to concur in sentiment with a majority of the National Assembly. When this Assembly shall rise, we are of opinion a new scene will open to the view of the world, very different from that which the body of the French nation expect. It is sincerely hoped, however, that this opinion is founded in error, and that a constitution of government will yet be formed to secure the freedom and happiness of France.