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LEGISLATION.

I believe the text in the Scripture is thus"There is a time for all things!" 'tis one of the proverbs of Solomon. I refer to this for the purpose of justifying the following remarks, in order to add my humble mite towards the conviction of mankind, that the true art of legislation is in watching the turns of the times, and putting into execution such measures and establishing such doctrines, as best accord with the most prevailing opinions of all the wisest and best men of the age. Even good institutions cannot be carried into useful effect, nor be considered as firmly established but by the exercise of sound judgment, and in accordance with what is passing in neighbouring districts, and different quarters of the globe: consequently a great deal must depend on what is generally termed chance; (though some philosophers maintain that there is no chance-work existing! Perhaps not): the word is used as meaning only that happy combination of circumstances which lead to the most important events, and, on the other hand where the want of such combination may as often retard them; and thus frus→ trate the best endeavours of the best intentioned men. Where so much depends on what is here denominated chance; and from the want of proper and accurate information it is always very difficult to give any thing like sound opinions on public matters, or political characters! No man in private life, can go beyond conjecture, as to what is right, or wrong, in all national vol. ii.

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affairs. Perhaps the most trifling incidents- the change of the wind or weather, may be the means of separating or bringing together certain persons on whom the welfare of nations are at that particular moment depending. But hold! this is a path without end, if we chose to pursue it; we will only advert in a general way, to the chances that brought about the great changes in America, France, and the rest of the world during the two last wars.

First, as to America! It is pretty generally admitted, that (setting aside all the leading causes that brought on the American war) the commencement of it was in a great measure under the influence of three persons, who differed greatly as to the extent of their wishes, as well as to the best way of carrying those wishes into practice. I think it was at the beginning of the grand struggle in France, that Thomas Paine addressed himself to General Fayette thus-“ We at that time used to think alike but differed in our notions of carrying our measures into execution. I was for doing it at once, for fear our enemies should perceive what we aimed at, and destroy our plans before we could securely establish them!" Thus while Paine advocated hasty measures; Fayette was for some little delay and then determination and dispatch. General Washington was for a still more cautious method of proceeding, and, but for the judicious union of the three men, and their three systems they perhaps would not have succeeded in their object. It appeared pretty evident afterwards (during the French Revolution) that Washington's mind did not keep up, with the changes that were taking place; and however serviceable he had

been in the early stages of revolutionary liberty, he had in him too much of the old leven; which would have very soon restored old abuses, if more active spirits had not been at hand, to secure what was victoriously achieved. Since that period there certainly has been at times relaxations of spirit; something approaching he want of ardour, or public wish, in various parts of America-a deficiency in the display of love, or anxiety for the cause of true liberty, which might have been expected, and which indeed ought to have shown itself more decidedly.

But as respects America at the present time, perhaps the change, if any, may be accounted for by the first patriots and friends to the system, dropping off by degrees in the course of nature, and their places filled by men less improved or less ardent; and hence the progress of knowledge has, for a time at least, been impeded nay, it may be said to have in some degree retrogaded; for the course of freedom and civilization seldom stands still; it is generally on the move, either backward or forward; but eventually it is most certain of moving forward. But the chief occupations of the Americans, the part of the globe they inhabit, and their commercial transactions, all tend to give their minds a turn very different from those of their kindred in this part of the world.

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At the first starting, such a character as Washington possibly was as necessary as the other two; but he

did not sufficiently alter his views with the new state

of things; and he appeared to have become indifferent

to the cause of general and the world at large;

liberty as it regarded Europe nay, he was somewhat more

than luke-warm in the causes of both his former col

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leagues, Paine and Fayette. The one 'tis thought was rather slighted on account of his free religious opinions: But the Marquis is still living, and the honors that have been lately shown him by his grateful countrymen, must have afforded the highest satisfaction to his benevolent and truly patriotic heart.

All that precedes this page was written several months since, and the honors done to General Fayette, alluded to the great encomiums that were lavished on him in Paris, at the banquet to which he was invited more than a year ago: since then the French people have honored themselves by freely calling him forward as their legitimate, and most illustrious sovereign! and it is to be hoped that the whole of Europe, will soon feel the benefits likely to ensue, from the enlightened proceedings of the citizens of Paris, during the late period, the summer of 1830.

Since the time of Paine, many attempts have been made to realize his fears; but hitherto in vain; a violent and most unprincipled attempt of that kind, has lately occurred in Paris, but good sense was roused into action, and virtue triumphed. The imperious and ignorant minister, Polignac-for in the present times 'tis downright ignorance to suppose that common men have not common sense; and let such wise men as he fancies himself-let them be told that hundreds of honest people in private stations know their duties as well as he does, and perform them a great deal better.

Let it be observed that when the government of any country is founded on the principles of wisdom,

virtue, and honor, it is of little consequence, whether the individual who governs, be called King, Prince, Emperor, or President: perhaps the shortest is the best, as there is less trouble in writing or printing it. But is it not strange that more than forty years of warfare have been necessary to convince mankind of this one simple truth?

My old friend Mr. Shatford, who was a remarkably bulky man during the latter part of his life, was, when I first knew him in Northamptonshire, very slender and had been known much thinner than at the time I became acquainted with him; indeed he was quite of stripling appearance when he first joined Mr. Watson's company at Cheltenham. Mr. Watson was himself a clever man, but he was not a match for Shatford in ready wit, and a happy method of felicitous expression, so as to please all who heard him. One night the play was "Hamlet;" which part was acted by Watson the manager: Shatford played "Horatio:" and by wrapping himself in what is usually called a camblet fly, he doubled the character of the player King: Hamlet it will be recollected, gives instructions to the player, as to the manner how some speeches ought to be spoken; Watson felt a little piqued by Shatford soon convincing the audience that he could speak a good deal better than what the Prince, could, who was then instructing him. This made the manager

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