Jasper County Democrat, Volume 5, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 February 1903 — Words of Washington. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Words of Washington.

The battlefield should be the last resource, tlie dernier ressort of nations. There is a natural and necessary progression from the extreme of anarchy to the extreme of tyranny, and arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused (o licentiousness. The baxis of our political systems is tin? right of (lie people to make and to alter their constitutions of government. But the constitution which at any time exists, till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all. It Is among the evils, and perhaps not the smallest, of demoeratieal governments, (hat the people must feel before they can see. When this happens, they are aroused to action; hence It is that those kiuds of government are so slow. Observe good faith and justice toward all nations, and cultivate peace and harmony with all. Fully apprised of the Influence which sound learning has on religion and manners, on government, liberty, and law, I shall only lament my Want of abilities to make it still more extensive. I.cnity will operate with greater force, in some instances, than rigor; it Is, therefore, my first wish to have my whole conduct distinguished by It. I have already intimated to you the danger of parties iu the State; let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party, generally. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, It is essential that public opinion should be enlightened. Retaliation is certainly just, and sometimes necessary, even where attended with the severest penalties; but when the evils which may be and must result from it exceed those Intended to be redressed, prudence and policy require that it should be avoided. , Of all the dispositions and habits which lend to political prosperity, religion and morality are Indispensable supports. In vain would that man Olnim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert those pillars of human happiness, those firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.