The Ohio Democrat

For the Democrat.

MEDITATIONS UPON MODERN IMPROVEMENTS.

We read in history that in ancient times, people were frequently brought to worship their deceased Rulers. Our modern whigs seem to be aiming at improving this wisdom, and have them worship their living ones. Among true democrats formerly, those elected into office were considered the servants of the people. Our modern democratic whigs, by their wisdom and practice, would induce us to consider them, not only as masters, but as a superior race of beings. They follow them in the rear as a spaniel does his master, and where they stop, fondle around and laud their actions, no matter how absurd or ridiculous. It is to be apprehended that our Republic is drawing to a close, for so soon as a majority can be induced to join in with this self degenerating custom, an aristocracy is completed, and rank and subordination is the natural consequence.

I was brought to these reflections by meeting a procession of whigs, acting as a convoy to a Governor, whom they lauded as a very great man; and what made him so, was that he published an improved system of banking. I remarked that in my plain democratic way of thinking, no true greatness could be attached to a man for such a reason;—that banking at best could only be a necessary evil.

"You mistake, Sir," said one in the crowd, "do you see that large fat man on that splendid buggy in front." "I do." said I. "He owns mills and farms and tanneries, and I cannot say how much property," said he, "and is counted the greatest man about town; and he told me not longer than two days ago, that had it not been for banking he would be a poor man." I felt an interest in hearing the history of the large, fat man that made his fortune by banking, and by inquiring of others, found that as stock holder of the German Bank of Wooster, he speculated in public lands and became rich in real estate. And when the government demanded of the bank to redeem the notes, they withdrew the stock, shut up shop, and cheated Uncle Sam out of about thirty-seven thousand dollars; besides the uncounted thousands wrung from the sweat of the brow of the laboring classes. That man is not possessed with any thing like a natural talent—could not tell how his own children stood related to each other.

By this time the Governor was mounted on a stand erected for the occasion, and in the act of addressing the audience, and would have been respected, had he came in the character of a clown, as his cut, figure, phraseology and movements were well suited to such a character—being quite unlike a civilian or a civil magistrate. Disgusted with this mode of making great men by bank intrigue, I left the company, lamenting the effect such conduct must have on the morals and liberties of my country.

SPECTATOR.