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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/10805-0.txt b/10805-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d93cccd --- /dev/null +++ b/10805-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1132 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10805 *** + +COUNT THE COST. + +AN +ADDRESS +TO THE +PEOPLE of CONNECTICUT, +ON +SUNDRY POLITICAL SUBJECTS, + +AND + +PARTICULARLY ON THE PROPOSITION FOR A NEW CONSTITUTION. + +BY JONATHAN STEADFAST + + +1804 + + + +"However combinations or associations of the above description may now +and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and +things to become potent engines, by which cunning ambitions and +unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people, and +to usurp to themselves, the reins of government, destroying afterwards +the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion." + + WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL ADDRESS. + + + + + +AN ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE OF CONNECTICUT. + +"FOR which of you intending to build a tower sitteth not down first and +counteth the cost?" + + +An interesting question is here asked by the direction of infinite +wisdom. This question contains the following useful and important +instruction: That no man or body of men should attempt the +accomplishment of any great object without duly estimating the evils and +benefits probably resulting from it. Such a rule of life and adopted and +adhered to would have prevented many schemes and projects which have +cost much, and which have been productive of nothing but the disgrace to +their authors and misery to the human race--it would induce men to obey +the dictates of experience rather than the dreams of enthusiasm, and +would drive from the world a species of wisdom which is indeed folly. + +An attempt is now making in this State to change the vital principles of +our government, to remove from office all our present rulers, and to +introduce a new order of things. To these innovations the people are +invited, allured and exhorted.--To effect these objects no pains are +spared--no exertions are omitted. + +An important question here arises, viz. Would the accomplishment of the +object be worth the cost?--An individual who neither holds an office +nor seeks one--who can have nothing in view but the maintenance of that +order of things which shall most effectually promote public and private +happiness, and who has the same interest in the welfare of society as +the great body of his fellow citizens, requests the dispassionate +attention of the reader, while he considers this important subject. He +will use no weapon but truth and truth will be regarded by all except +those who love darkness rather than light. + +To exhibit a correct view of the subject, it will be proper, first, to +enquire into the present condition of Connecticut, and secondly, to +examine the various plans or projects proposed for our adoption, and +estimate the probably cost attending them. We can then in the third +place form a just opinion of the propriety of the proposed changes. + +The condition of Connecticut first claims our attention. + +That our climate, soil and situation are such as to insure as much +health, riches and prosperity as any people can rationally wish, seems +not to be doubted. Our natural advantages do not indeed promise such an +accumulation of wealth as might satisfy that avarice which like the +horse leach is constantly crying give--give--they are such however as +will in ordinary cases, ensure to industry an ample reward and this +should satisfy a virtuous mind. + +The diffusion of knowledge is greater than in any other part of the +globe of equal dimensions. Such are the excellent provisions of our +laws, and the virtuous habits of our citizens, that schools of +instruction in all useful knowledge are to be found in every place where +they are needed. There is no village in this State which will not attest +to this fact. In various places also flourishing academies are +supported, in which the higher branches of science are taught, and our +College is at once our ornament and our pride. Religious instruction is +also brought almost to every man's door, so that none can justly +complain that they are denied the means of growing wiser and better. By +the liberality of the benevolent private libraries are every where found +which, with the other sources of information, evince the superiority of +our condition to that of any other people, in the means of gaining +valuable knowledge. To those, who with the writer, believe that +ignorance is the parent of vice, and that the civilized is preferable to +the savage state, our situation, in the above particulars, demands the +gratitude of every heart. + +Our constitution and government are perfectly free, and our laws are +mild, equitable and just. To the truth of this position there is the +most ample and unequivocal proof. + +1. Those who seek to revolutionize the State declare this to be the +nature of our government with few exceptions.--Such testimony cannot be +doubted--it is the testimony of a man against himself. Ask your +neighbour to point you to the evils under which he labours--ask him to +name the man who is oppressed except by his vices or his follies, and if +he be honest, he will tell you that there is no such man--if he be +dishonest, his silence will be proof in point. + +2. Strangers who reside here a sufficient time to learn our laws, +universally concur in their declarations on this subject. They will ask, +with surprize, why the people of Connecticut should complain? They see +every man indulged in worshiping God as he pleases, and they see many +indulged in neglecting his worship entirely--They see men every where +enjoying the liberty of doing what is right--and such liberty they +rightly decide is the perfection of freedom. + +3. The experience of a century and a half, affords irresistible proof on +this subject. During this long period convulsions have shaken many parts +of the earth, and there has been a mighty waste of human happiness. +Empires and Kingdoms have been prostrated, and the sword hath been +devouring without cessation. This state too hath been threatened-- +clouds have gathered and portended a dreadful desolation, but we have +been defended, protected and saved. No essential changes in our +government have ever taken place--formed by men who knew the important +difference between liberty and licentiousness, it has been our shield-- +our strong tower--our secure fortress.--To the calls of our country we +have ever been obedient--No state hath more cheerfully met danger--no +state hath more readily or effectually resisted foreign aggression. +Washington while living was a witness to this fact, and tho' dead he yet +speaketh. While plots, insurrections and rebellions have distressed many +states and nations, Connecticut hath enjoyed an internal peace and +tranquility, which forcibly demonstrates the wisdom and equity of her +Government.--Such a Government, administered by men of virtue and +talents, has produced the most benign effects, and our prosperity is +calculated to excite the warmest expressions of gratitude rather than +the murmurs of disaffection. + +4. Our Treasury exhibits the truth of these remarks. It is clear from the +statement in the Appendix, to which every reader will advert with +pleasure, that the people of Connecticut annually receive thirty seven +thousand four hundred and fifty-five dollars and seventy six cents more +from the Treasury than they pay into it by taxes and duties.--At the +close of the late war such had been our exertions, we were encumbered +with a debt of nearly two millions of dollars. Now that debt is paid and +we have nearly that sum in advance. Where is the state which can justly +boast of greater prosperity? + +Notwithstanding this enviable situation a clamour is excited, the +people are agitated, and discord, with its train of evils, is +prevailing. Some of our citizens, in the height of political prosperity, +are seeking to destroy an order of things which has prevailed an hundred +and fifty years, and throw themselves into the arms of projectors and +reformers. Is there nothing unaccountable in such conduct? Is there +nothing calculated to excite indignation? My fellow citizens, shall any +considerable portion of the people of Connecticut subject themselves to +the reproach which rested on an ancient people? "The ox knoweth his +owner and the ass his master's crib, but my people do not know, Israel +doth not consider." + +Secondly. Let us examine some of the plans and projects proposed for our +adoption and estimate the probably cost attending them.– Here we must +speak with less certainty--What the present condition of Connecticut is +we know--respecting its future destiny we can only judge by arguing +from cause to effect. Why a man who regards the happiness of his fellow +men, should attempt a change here, is too wonderful for an ordinary +capacity. No prudent farmer ever pulled up a hill of corn, which was +flourishing, to see if there was not a worm at the root. + +One of these projects is the repeal of all laws for the support of +religious institutions. The language of those who favor the measure is, +that religion will take care of itself--that no external aid is +necessary--that all legislative interference is impious. Many, and it +is believed by far the greater part, of those who make these +declarations, intend to throw down all the barriers which christianity +has erected against vice. They are obstinately determined to banish from +the public mind all affection and veneration for the Clergy, and respect +for the institutions of religion, and to reduce Connecticut to that +condition which knows no distinction between "him who serveth God and +him who serveth him not." They wish to see a Republic without religion; +and should they be gratified, the consequence would speedily be, a +miserable race of men without virtue, walling in vice and ripening for a +dreadful destruction. If infinite truth is to be credited, "God will +pour out his indignation on the heathen who know him not." + +These reformers, under the specious pretext of exercising unbounded +liberality in matters of religion, become intolerant to all who differ +from them, charging the professors of christianity with breathing out a +spirit of persecution, they become the most furious persecutors, and +while they affect to possess great moderation and candor towards all +denominations of Christians, they clearly evince that they would grant +indulgence or protection to none. On the other hand a great majority of +the people and the Legislature, insist that every man in the community +who is able, should contribute, in some way, towards the support of the +institutions of religion. No wish is entertained to legislate in matters +of faith, or to establish one sect in preference to another. Our laws +permit every man to worship God when, where, and in the manner most +agreeable to his principles or to his inclination, and not the least +restraint is imposed; all ideas of dictating to the conscience are +discarded, and every man "sits under his own vine and fig tree." Our +laws only enforce the great principle abovementioned that the members of +the community should contribute towards the support of these +institutions, as means to promote the prosperity of the people in the +same manner as they provide for the public accommodation, peace and +happiness, by the maintenance of the roads and bridges, the organization +of the militia, and the support of schools of instruction. Should +objections be urged by any individuals that they cannot conscientiously +contribute to the promotion of these objects, their objections would be +disregarded. There is a class of men, very respectable for the sobriety +of their habits, and their peaceful deportment, who always refuse to be +taxed for military defence. No one doubts that in their opposition, they +are conscientious, and yet few doubt the propriety of enforcing such +taxes. + +The principle now advocated is interwoven with all our laws and habits +--it has existed from the first settlement of the State--it has produced +much good--it ought not therefore to be abandoned without the utmost +deliberation. The clamor against this principle, is the clamor of those +who wish to see the State revolutionized--it is the clamor of those +turbulent spirits which delight in confusion and which pull down and +destroy with a dexterity which they never shew in building up. Let the +sober citizens of Connecticut look at the authors of this clamor--Let +them view such men as Abraham Bishop, and eye the path which they have +trodden from their youth, and then ask their own hearts, if they are not +under some apprehension, lest if they should enlist under such leaders +and fight their cause, they may be found contending against the best +interests of society, and "fighting against God." + +Another project zealously supported is that of Districting the State for +the choice of Assistants, and Representatives in Congress. The only +argument which is urged for the adoption of this measure with any +plausibility, is that in the District elections the candidate would be +better known. To this argument it may be replied, the State of +Connecticut is so limited in its extent, information of all kinds is so +generally diffused, and there is such a flood of newspapers that the +characters of all the candidates for office may be thoroughly known by +all who will bestow any attention to the subject. This State is scarcely +more extensive than a single county in many other States, and the +intercourse of the inhabitants of the various parts with each other is +such that no evil can exist in our present mode of elections--But there +are serious and weighty objections against District elections. + +1. Such elections open wide the door for intrigue.--As this door, +already too widely extended, the most alarming mischiefs enter-- +mischiefs which sap the foundations of an elective government by +corrupting the minds of the freemen and this converting an election +ground into a theatre on which is displayed the most vile and +demoralizing practices. Let the reader satisfy himself as to the truth +of this observation by examining the history of an election in the +Southern States, where this mode alone is adopted. Let him learn that +they candidates for office and his host of dependents and tools, are +employed for weeks before and on the days of election, in the most +infamous intrigues, and that falsehood and bribery are so much in +fashion, and are so universally resorted to, that success invariably +attends the most impudent and the most profligate, while the man of +modesty and virtue, though possessing the fairest claims to promotion, +is abashed, confounded and overwhelmed. + +2ndly. The candidate when elected becomes the creature of the district +and not the ruler of a State--He is and must be devoted to the interest +of that portion of the community which has elected him, and their views +and schemes must be patronized though they oppose the welfare of the +whole. + +3rdly. Such elections do not secure the best talents. If talents and +worth are of consideration, surely they should be at the command of the +public. It is of no moment where a man dwells, but it is of immense +importance that he be a wise man rather than a fool--a man of integrity +rather than a knave. + +4thly. Experience, the only save and unerring guide, is altogether in +favor of elections at large rather than by Districts. The representation +of this State in Congress has ever been of the most respectable +character--It is not too much to say that no State in the Union can +justly claim a superiority to Connecticut in this respect. The fame may +be affirmed, with truth, of the upper house of the Legislature of this +State. Has there not been a constant succession of able and wise men in +that branch of the administration of Connecticut? For more than a +century we have preserved an unexampled prosperity.--shall we hazard +our interests on the speculations of zealous partizans who are +constantly bewildering themselves and their followers in new schemes? + +Another project is that of universal suffrage. The streets resound with +the clamour that men are deprived of the invaluable privilege of +choosing their rulers, and the people are invited to extend this +privilege to all who pay taxes and do military duty. It is now +discovered that Connecticut, in this particular, is not free.--The +great argument urged in support of universal suffrage is that taxation +and representation should go hand in hand--it is said that this maxim +was deemed just during the revolutionary war, and that Americans adhered +to it as a fundamental principle.--This principle the writer readily +recognizes as a sound and indisputable position in every free +government. But what is the meaning of the maxim? Does it intend that +every person who is taxed, can of right claim the privilege of giving +his suffrage? If so persons convicted of offences, or who are infamous +for their vices may vote--for such persons are not outlawed.--On this +principle, women of full age and unmarried, are also to be admitted.-- +Minors also whose property is taxed, should be permitted to exercise +this franchise, at least by guardian or proxy. What then is the true +meaning of the maxim, that representation and taxation are inseparable? +Here all writers agree--it means that no community should be taxed by +the legislature unless that community is, or might have been represented +in such legislature.--Hence several towns in this State till lately, +were not represented in the General Assembly, and of course not taxed.-- +Barkhempsted, Colebrook, and Winchester, it is believed, were of this +description. + +This State and the other States understood this maxim precisely as now +explained, in their opposition to Great-Britain.--We complained that +the colonies should not be taxed because they were not represented in +parliament. In this view of the subject the maxim is wise and just. + +Again, is not every town in Connecticut now represented in the +legislature, and of course each individual equally with every other? In +the representative of Hartford, for example, a representative of the +freemen of Hartford, or of the town of Hartford? The truth is, every +man, woman and child are represented. + +But it is said that many persons are excluded from giving their +suffrages who have life, liberty and reputation to protect. On a close +attention to this fact it will be found that the number of those worthy +members of society who do not possess the legal qualification, is small, +and if men are to have an influence in elections according to the amount +of their taxes, why should not the man who pays fifty dollars, be +entitled to more than one vote? No one pleads for such a privilege, but +there are many who insist that the man without a cent of property shall +have the same direction in the choice of those who are charged with the +interests of the community, as he who is worth thousands of dollars. A +friend to the rights of man seems to feel no alarm at the idea that one +who exhausts his earnings in the grog-shop, should have an influence in +elections in proportion to strength of his lungs, or his activity in +intrigue, but he is greatly agitated from an apprehension that men who +have property to protect, will not promote the well being of society. A +juror who is to decide on the controversies of his neighbours--an +appraiser of land--a distributor of a deceased persons estate, must be +freeholders by a standing law which is the subject of no ensure, and yet +it is said that in the important transaction of choosing men to enact +laws, and to appoint those who are to decide on, and execute those laws, +no qualifications are necessary. + +Again, it is insisted by those who oppose universal suffrage, and the +reader is desired to notice the remark with attention, that no community +can be safe unless the power of elections resides principally with the +great body of the landholders. Such an influence had this principle on +those wise men who formed our laws, that a mere trifle in real property +gives the right of suffrage, while a man may be excluded who is the +proprietor of personal property to a large amount. + +Landholders have an enduring interest in the welfare of the community. +They are lords of their own soil, and of course, to a certain degree, +independent--they therefore will resist tyranny--they will equally +oppose anarchy because they are aware that in any storm which may arise +they must abide its fury. The merchant, with his thousands, can seek a +shelter--to the mere bird of passage, who has no "abiding country and +who seeks none to come," it is of little moment whether stability or +confusion predominate, but to the former who is enchained to the State, +peace and order is of inestimable value. + +What, my fellow citizens, is the attempt now making? What is the +language of those who advocate universal suffrage? It is nothing less +than an effort to rest from the farmers of Connecticut that controul +over the elections which is their only fortress of safety. Let men who +wish to protect their invaluable rights ponder on these things, and let +them at the same time, remember that no nation in which universal +suffrage hath been allowed, hath remained free and happy. + +Another project urged, with great vehemence, is, to displace all our +present rulers--by those, is meant our legislators in the general and +state Government--our judges and magistrates of every grade. That such +is a darling object with those who seek to revolutionize Connecticut, +there is no doubt. Is such a measure wise? Who are these rulers? A +candid observer must reply, they are men in whose hands power has been +wisely placed by the people, and who have never abused that power, men +of unquestionable talents and of spotless fame. Among them are your +Trumbulls, your Ellsworths, your Hillhouses, your Griswolds, your +Goodriches and your Cavenports, men tried and approved. Among them there +is one who was side by side with your beloved Washington during the +revolutionary war, who has repeatedly been elected your first +magistrate, and, against whom, the tongue of slander never moved but in +the hard service of a harder master. There is another, who, for more +than twenty years has been employed in the first offices in the gift of +his country, and whose probity and talents are second to those of none +of his contemporaries. Among these are many who must enjoy the affection +and veneration of their countrymen while superior worth is regarded. +Against these men the cry is raised--not the cry of the oppressed, for +God knows no man in Connecticut is oppressed, but the cry of those who +pant for office, and who can rise only on the ruins of others. + +Your judges also to whom is committed the administration of justice, are +marked out as the victims of party spirit. Is not a wise and faithful +execution of the laws the chief object of every good Government? Without +this who is safe for a moment? Without this, liberty can exist only in +name--The name indeed may be blasphemously uttered, but the substance +is gone with the liberty of all who have relied on professions. Let the +people of Connecticut look at their tribunals of justice. Are they not +filled with men of incorruptible integrity? Where has innocence received +a more ample protection? Is not the transgressor punished, and are not +the wrongs of the injured redressed? Are not our mild laws executed in +mercy, and is not justice awarded with impartiality to individuals? Can +you look at the seat of justice and say "iniquity is there?" Dare any +man say that the judges of our high Courts are not upright, intelligent +and learned? Who then can justly complain? Yet the stripling of +yesterday--the bold projector--the unprincipled ad ambitious, with a +host of deceived followers, with matchless effrontery, arraign the +conduct of these magistrates and loudly demand that they be driven from +their offices, and from public confidence. + +Another favorite scheme is to elevate to all the offices of importance +men who have never enjoyed the public confidence. The language of these +revolutionists is, respecting the men in power in Connecticut, "We will +not have these men to rule over us"--We will fill their places with men +of our choice--the creatures of our hands, and who will be subservient +to our views. But, my countrymen, before you join in this project, pause +and enquire, who are these men who thus assert their claim to rule over +you? Who are these men who place themselves in the corners of the +streets and cry "Oh, that we were made judges in the land?" It is no +part of the writer's design to hunt vice from its guilty retreat, to +expose before an insulted people, the horrid features which distinguish +certain individuals who challenge popular applause, or to attach private +character, but justice demands that men who boldly claim to be the +rulers of the free and happy state of Connecticut, should be known. The +men who are to stand in the places of our Trumbulls and our Ellsworths +should not shrink from public investigation. To those who respect the +authority of God it is a matter of no small moment that those who rule +over men should be just, ruling in the fear of God nor will men, +accustomed to revere this solemn declaration, lend their aid to elevate +men of vicious and corrupt lives, without some dismay. + +It is not enough to tell us that men will be selected of more virtue and +talents than those now in power--such a pretence is vain--no man in +his senses will regard it--no man makes such a pretence but for wicked +purpose. If we are directed to turn our eyes to those who for years past +have been held up in the unsuccessful nominations, and are told that +these are to be substituted for the men who now guide our Councils, what +are we to expect? An appeal may be made to every man not bewildered in +this new and destructive madness--he may be asked who among these men +stand-forth with fair claims to public confidence? Where among them, can +be found the polished scholar--the able civilian, the enlightened +judge? Do we see in a single individual an assemblage of talents united +with virtue sufficient to qualify him for the seat of justice? If there +are such men they have hitherto hid their talents I the earth. It will +not here be forgotten that the attempt is, to reject men long known and +respected, and to fill their places with those who are without a witness +in their favor. + +A still more mischievous and alarming project is, that of making a new +Constitution for Connecticut. This project originates entirely in a +spirit of Jacobinism--it is a new theme on which to descant to effect a +revolution in Connecticut. The object is, by false assertions, to induce +a belief that no Constitution exists and that tyranny prevails. This +party always address the passions and never the understanding.--Review +their measures for a few years, and you will distinctly perceive their +motives and aims. + +To create disaffection and hatred towards those who formerly +administered the general Government, it was boldly asserted that the +treasury had been plundered. Even the illustrious Saviour of his Country +was accused of embezzling public money, and his followers could not +expect a less happy fate. Men of the most unsuspected integrity, were +openly attacked by anonymous publications, or dispoiled of their good +name by secret insinuations. These calumnies were kept in circulation by +their authors till impudence itself was abashed, and the object in view +obtained--not a tittle of proof was ever adduced, and investigation +always shewed that the charges were not only false, but entirely +groundless. + +For the same unworthy purpose it was asserted in every circle of +opposition that salaries were too high, and the incomes of office +enormous. Every tavern resounded with this grievance. At length the +principal authors of this clamor got into place, and the clamor was +hushed. Yes, men who urged the people of Connecticut almost to rebellion +on this account, stept into the places and, without a blush, took more +from the people than their predecessors. Look at Mr. Babcock's paper in +1799 and 1800, and see its columns filled with railing against high +salaries--Look at it since Abraham Bishop takes 3000 dollars a year, +and Alexander Wolcott more than four, and find, if you can, a complaint +on this subject. Such meanness, such baseness, such hypocrisy in office +seekers, exhibit in strong colors the depravity of human nature and +teach us what dependence may justly be placed on pretensions and +professions. + +To inflame the passions and to create animosity, various subjects have +been successively seized upon, and pressed into the service of the +revolutionists--Every quarrel however trivial is noticed--every seed +of discord however small is nourished to disseminate murmurs and to +further the great object.-Various classes of the community are told, +with apparent anxiety for their welfare, that they are oppressed, and +that a new order of things must arise, or that they will be enslaved. +New subjects are started as old ones cease to operate, and thus all that +ingenuity and art, industry and perseverance, can devise or effect is +accomplished. Thus, that numerous and respectably body of Christians +called Episcopalians have been told, and repeatedly told, that the more +numerous denomination were seeking to deprive them of their just and +equal rights, and to subject them to the tyranny of an overbearing +majority--These tales were reiterated till their authors found them +useless from their folly and falsehood. At another time the Baptists are +addressed by a set of men who denied the reality of any religion and the +most earnest yearnings for their welfare. They tyranny of the +Legislature was painted in horrid colors, and they were exhorted to lend +their aid to vindicate the cause of the oppressed. Those who +conscientiously believe that no taxes ought to be paid for the support +of religion, and those who wish that religion might no more infest the +residence of men, were addressed with considerations adapted to their +respective cases. At one time men destitute of property are seduced by +the alluring doctrine of universal suffrage--then the farmer is told +that taxes are too high on land, and, with the same breath, the mechanic +is sagely informed, that the poll tax should be repealed, and the burden +fall back on the land holder. + +Festivals under the pretence of honoring the election of Mr. Jefferson +and Mr. Burr, and of extolling the wisdom of the purchase of Louisiana, +but with a real design to blazen the fame of those who assume the +character of friends of the people that they may the more readily +destroy the most free and equitable Government in the world, are +continually holden, and the discontented, the factious, the ambitious +and the corrupt, are collected and flattered with declamations in the +various shapes of prayers, sermons and orations. Thus a people enjoying +the height of political prosperity are cajoled into a belief that men +without virtue, without the restraints of the gospel, without a particle +of real regard for their fellow men, are their best friends, and are +anxiously laboring to promote their good. Let such remember, that when +the Ethiopian shall change his skin, when the Leopard shall change his +spots, and when bitter fountains shall send forth sweet water, then will +those who flatter the people with their tongues, and deceive them with +their lips seek their happiness. Such are some of the measures resorted +to by those who have sworn in their wrath that Connecticut shall be +revolutionized. Finding all these ineffectual, and that the good sence +and virtue of Connecticut has hitherto opposed an inseparable barrier to +all their plans, they now exclaim Connecticut has no Constitution. Such +a gross absurdity could never have been promulgated till the mind was in +some degree prepared, by being accustomed to misrepresentation. This was +well known to Mr. Bishop, who has for years been in the habit of +disregarding moral obligation. In the year 1789 this Orator pronounced +several inflammatory invectives against the Constitution of the United +States, to which he was a bitter enemy till he obtained an office under +it worth three thousand dollars a year. At that time his language was, +The Constitution of Connecticut is the best in the world--it has grown +up with the people, and is fitted to their condition.--Now this +consistent man who is endeavoring to gull the people that he may +successfully tyrannize over them, avows that they are without a +Constitution. + +My fellow citizens, examine this head of clamor with candor, read the +solemn declaration of Washington in the title page, attend to the +following remarks, and then tell me if you do not perceive in this +project, with the manner in which it is supported and attempted to be +accomplished, enough of the revolutionary spirit of France, to excite +the indignation of every real friend to the peace and happiness of +Connecticut. + +1. If there be no Constitution in Connecticut then your Huntingtons, +your Trumbulls, your Shermans, your Wolcotts and your Davenports, with +many other worthies, who were your defence in war, and your ornament in +peace, and who are now sleeping with their fathers, were wicked usurpers +--they ruled their fellow citizens without authority--they were +TYRANTS. Let Judd and Bishop approach the sepulchures of these venerable +men--let them lift the covering from these venerable ashes and in the +face of heaven pronounce them TYRANTS!! Could you see them approach +their dust with such language on their tongues, you would see them +retreat with horrible confusion from these relicks of departed worth. + +2. The present rulers are acting also without authority, and their laws +are void--then you are already in the midst of anarchy and wild misrule +--then has no man a title to an inch of land, and you are ready for an +equal of division of property--all protection of life and liberty is at +an end, and the will of a mob is now to prevail. + +3. If indeed there is no Constitution, then the oath which has been +administered in your freemen's meetings for twenty years, by which each +man has sworn "to be true and faithful to the Constitution" of the +state, is worse than impious profanation of the name of God--then your +judges, magistrates and jurors have stripped men of their property, +condemned some to Newgate and others to the Post, the Pillory and the +Gallows without a warrant, and are therefore murderers.--O thou God of +order in this our condition!!! But, + +4. We have a Constitution--a free and happy Constitution. It was to our +fathers like the shadow of a great rock in a weary land--it has enabled +them to transmit to us a fair and glorious inheritance--if we suffer +revolutionists to rob us of this birth right "then we are bastards and +not sons." + +It is a fact as well authenticated as the settlement of the state, that +a Constitution was formed by the people of the then colony of +Connecticut, before the Charter of King Charles. This Charter was a +guarantee of that Constitution. Trumbull's history of Connecticut gives +us this Constitution and its origin. On our separation from Great- +Britain, the people, thro' their representatives, made the following +declaration on this subject: + +"An Act containing an Abstract and Declaration of the Rights and +Privileges of the People of this State, and securing the same. THE +People of this State, being by the Providence of God, free and +independent, have the sole and exclusive Right of governing themselves +as a free, sovereign, and independent State; and having from their +Ancestors derived a free and excellent Constitution of Government +whereby the Legislature depends on the free and annual Election of the +People, they have the best Security for the Preservation of their civil +and religious Rights and Liberties. And forasmuch as the free Fruition +of such Liberties and Privileges as Humanity, Civility and Christianity +call for, as is due to every Man in his Place and Proportion, without +Impeachment and Infringement, hath ever been, and wilt be the +Tranquility and Stability of Churches and Commonwealths; and the Denial +thereof, the Disturbance, if not the Ruin of both. + +PAR. I. BE it enacted and declared by the Governor, and Council and +House of Representatives, in General Court assembled: That the ancient +Form of Civil Government, contained in the Charter from Charles the +Second, King of England, and adopted by the People of this State, shall +be and remain the Civil Constitution of this State under the sole +authority of the People thereof, independent of any King or Prince +whatever. And that this Republic is, and shall forever be and remain, a +free, sovereign and independent Sate, by the Name of the STATE of +CONNECTICUT. + +2. And be it further enacted and declared, That no Man's Land shall be +taken away: No Man's Honor or good Name shall be stained: No Man's +Person shall be arrested, restrained, banished, dismembered, nor any +Ways punished: No Man shall be deprived of his Wife or Children; No +Man's Goods or Estate shall be taken away from him nor any Ways +indamaged under the Color of Law, or Countenance of Authority; unless +clearly warranted by the Laws of this State. + +3. That all the Free Inhabitants of this or any other of the United +States of America, and Foreigners in Amity with this State, shall enjoy +the same justice and Law within this State, which is general for the +State in all Cases proper for the Cognizance of the Civil Authority and +Court of Judicature within the same, and that without Partiality or +Delay. + +4. And that no Man's Person shall be restrained, or imprisoned, by any +Authority whatsoever, before the Law hat sentenced him thereunto, if he +can and will give sufficient Security, Bail, or Mainprize for his +Appearance and good Behaviour in the mean Time, unless it be for Capital +Crimes, Contempt in open Court, or in such Cases wherein some express +Law doth allow of, or order the same." + +These proceedings have been regarded as the ark of our political safety +by the great and the good of all parties, who have gone before us. Never +till this year have we heard, or even suspected that our state was +governed by lawless mobs. Now, as a means to effect a revolution, for +the first time, have a few designing men endeavored to excite alarm-- +they have indeed excited alarm--sober men of their own party are +alarmed--honest men, who are not misguided, see the whole extent of this +project and they will frown it into contempt. + +5. Mr. Edwards, as chairman of a body of men whom he calls a State +Committee, on the 30th of July, without consulting even his brethren of +the Committee, ordered delegates to meet at New-Haven on the 5th +Wednesday of August. In those towns where enough could not be assembled +to elect a member, the person written to, was authorized to attend and +take a seat. In some towns the proposition was rejected even by +Republicans. The delegates thus chosen, with all who united with their +opinions, and chose to attend, met at the time and place appointed--shut +their doors against every eye and ear--sat one day, formed an address, +ordered ten thousand copies printed and dissolved. This address we have +seen. It deserves some notice: + +The first thing that attracts our attention is, that William Judd, Esq. +of Farmington, is appointed chairman. This was an admirable provision +--such a meeting should certainly have such a head. A man with the habit +of devoting his feeble talents to intrigue, and who is noticeable only +for an ostentatious parade, would preside in such an assembly with +peculiar grace. His acquaintance could not but approve of this +exhibition of the power of inflammable air and be pleased with its +effects [on] an exhausted receiver. The meeting thus organized proceeded +to stile this Convention as follows: "AT a meeting of Delegates from +ninety-seven towns of the state of Connecticut, convened at New-Haven on +the 29th of August, 1804." Delegates--Delegates do they stile themselves? +The people would be obliged to this Convention to disclose their +authority. Who commissioned these gentlemen for this important labor of +providing them with a Constitution? The truth is not a man in that +Convention was chosen by a majority of the people of [their] town--in +many instances with less than a quarter part, and in general with less +than a tenth----yet they call themselves Delegates. Thus [the] +Convention with Major Judd in the chair, precede their address [with] a +grosly deceptive declaration---a declaration notoriously false and +[impu]dent. They then declare it as their unanimous opinion, "that the +people of this state are at present without a Constitution of civil +Government." This was to have been expected. Mr. Edwards ordered them to +meet for that purpose, and shall they not obey their master? Bishop and +Wolcott have repeatedly directed them to make this declaration, and +Major Judd knows it to be true. Can any man doubt either the truth of +this remark or the sincerity with which it is uttered? Is it not clear +that this whole proceeding originates in a pure unmixed affection for +the people and a sacred regard to truth? My fellow citizens, look at the +whole course of the lives of Judd, (I place him first on the list +because he was chairman) of Bishop and of Wolcott, and say if they have +not ever been under the influence of the most disinterested virtue and +the most exalted patriotism? Look also at these Delegates from ninety- +seven towns, and say if they can have any other object in view but the +dignity, happiness and glory of their country? Individuals can only +vouch for individuals. The writer can vouch for about thirty with Major +Judd at their head. + +If any reader shall think that the subject is treated with too much +levity, he should reflect that we are now animadverting on this +Convention in their appointment of chairman, their stiling themselves +Delegates from ninety-seven towns, and their declaration that we have no +Constitution. On these subjects it is scarcely possible to be serious. + +The address proceeds to declare how many of the confederated states have +made for themselves Constitutions. We ask, which of them is more +prosperous than Connecticut? In which of them are the great interests of +Society better secured? In New-York a Convention was called about three +years since to amend their Constitution. In Pennsylvania they have had +two Constitutions and they are now on the eve of a civil war. Duane the +great moving spring of all Jacobin societies, a vile outcast from +Europe, reigns with uncontroled sway in every measure, and every man of +virtue is denounced. + +In Georgia they have had two Constitutions, and in Vermont two, and who +dare pronounce their political situation equal to that of Connecticut. +The people of France have had six Constitutions within fifteen years, +and where are those Constitutions? In the grave of anarchy and despotism +with millions of deluded inhabitants who have been sacrificed by the +Robespieres and the Bishops of that suffering nation. To that suffering +nation turn your eyes and reflect that the mighty mass of woe under +which they have groaned, was produced by an ambition, fierce, cruel and +destructive as hell, and that an ambition alike terrible reigns every +where. + +Read this address attentively, and you will be struck with the idea that +no grievance is mentioned----not a single evil is pointed out---indeed +the Convention declare that they must be "excused a detail of the +numerous wrongs which have arrived to us under this Government"----these +are their words---they are excused indeed---yes, they are excused from +not polluting their address with falsehoods in this particular---full +well they knew that no such wrongs existed----full well they anticipated +that a certain detection would follow any such attempt at imposition. +The leaders in this Convention knew full well that there is intelligence +enough in Connecticut to meet them on any complaint, and to shew that it +is groundless. They, therefore, prudently decline to be explicit, and +yielding to us that the Government is now well administered, they shew a +great anxiety for the safety of the "next generation." What an astonishing +display of philanthropy!! Bishop and Wolcott are not at ease in their +hearts while there is a prospect that even the generations which succeed +us, will experience a woe!! + +After many remarks directed to the passions, without proposing in +specific terms a single provision of their newly projected Constitution, +without laying their finger upon a single grievance, without urging a +single argument tending to shew that a Constitution does not exist, the +address unmakes itself---it unmasks the Convention---it unmasks these +patriotic Delegates, and discovers the true cause of this Jacobinic +meeting. Towards the close of it, speaking of the people, it says, "By +their votes will be known their decision. If a Constitution appears +desirable, they will vote for men who are in favor of it." Here the +Convention speak which all may understand---but lest they had not made +themselves sufficiently intelligible, they add, "We ask men of all +parties to attend punctually at proxies and to continue a contest of +votes till the great question whether this state shall have a +Constitution be settled finally and forever." Now, the plain English of +these sentences is this "We who are here assembled in Convention wish +the people of Connecticut to vote for such men, in future, for office, +as are in favor of a new Constitution---we have already declared that we +are in favor of such a Constitution---pray therefore vote for us and +continue" the context "till we succeed and then"---yes---my fellow- +citizens, and then, what will they do? Why laugh at your folly---take +all the offices and leave you to take care of yourselves. IF such would +not be their conduct then the sun will no more rise in the east. + +Gentlemen of the convention pray cease your pretensions to promotion +till the people discover your merit. If you are honest, great and wise +you will certainly be noticed and promoted--if you are pygmy +politicians, the mushroom growth of an hour, dressed only with the +little brief authority of self created delegates to a self created +convention to aggrandise yourselves, then probably you will live with +little further notice, and it will only be said hereafter of you that +you belonged to an assembly convened at New-Haven on the 29th of August +1804, which sprang up in a day, chose major Judd chairman; and like +"Jonah's Gourd withered in a day." + +In this convention the question was much discussed whether the address +should be made to the people or to the constituted authority of our +State, the legislature. Some honest republicans insisted that it was +proper to apply to the Legislature, but this was opposed by the young +lawyers and the leaders of the party universally--full well they knew +that such a measure would not answer their purpose--Mobs never talk of +any authority except that of the sovereign people--To the sovereign +people they go, and to the sovereign people they appeal till a sovereign +people are cruelly insulted, cajoled and enslaved. Marat, Robespierre +and Bonaparte told the sovereign people that they were all in all till +they had robbed them of their dearest interests, and enchained them in +despotism, and they now mock them with such declarations as these,* "The +perfectability of human nature, the worst disease of man"-"the caprice +of elections must be destroyed"-"the people cannot govern themselves" + +Having examined some of the plans or projects proposed for our adoption, +we will now estimate the probably cost attending them. It is to be +recollected that the proposition is to change the vital principles of +our government--to displace our present rulers and to fill their places +with men who never enjoyed the public confidence. To determine whether +these objects are worth accomplishing, it is necessary to COUNT THE +COST. + +1. One part of this cost will be an increase of the violence of parties. +Men who regard their property, their liberty and their lives, will not +yield them a willing sacrifice to the demands of the ambitious and +unprincipled--men who faced danger and braved death during a seven years +war--men whose veins are warm with the blood of their venerable +ancestors who planted this happy state, and defended it amidst +innumerable hardships and calamities--men who deem their birthright +sacred--their own freedom valuable, and their children dear as their own +blood, will not calmly, nor cowardly suffer those who have no claims but +their impudence, to storm their fortress and to capture them. They will +defend it in all lawful ways.-Bishop and Wolcott, and a thousand other +mercenary hirelings may attempt to subdue or terrify them--a proud and +haughty leader who under the guise of patriotism, is attempting to +undermine the happiness of the best regulated and freest State in the +Union, with a thousand sycophants, conspiring to bring us under the yoke +of Virginia, may exhaust their ingenuity and malice, still Connecticut +will remain unshaken. She will never crouch like Isachar to chains and +fetters while any portion of the noble spirit of her ancestors who +transmitted this fair inheritance at a mighty expense, remains to impel +them to noble exertions.--It is ardently to be wished that the passions +of those who seek to overturn the venerable institutions of Connecticut, +my subside, and that a spirit of reconciliation and moderation may +succeed to that madness which threatens our peace.--If however the +controversy is to be continued and a mob insist on the right to rule, +freemen will protect their lives and their liberties.--And is not the +peace and tranquility of the State of importance? We have been told with +more truth than sincerity that "life itself is a dreary thing" without +"harmony in social intercourse." Happy would it have been if the author +of that just and pertinent remark had not contributed more than any +other man in the United States to embitter parties, and to render life +indeed a "dreary thing." + +2. Another item in the expense of accomplishing these projects, is a +corruption of morals. To revolutionize Connecticut it will be necessary +to circulate, without any intermission, many gross falsehoods respecting +the men in power, the judges, legislators and magistrates, and the acts +and proceedings of the General Assembly. We have seen the columns of the +Mercury and the Republican Farmer filled with vile libels.--WE have seen +Abraham Bishop followed by hundreds enter a temple devoted to the +service of God, and we have heard him there utter the most malignant +slanders on the Clergy, the Legislature and the Courts of law.--We have +seen him publicly denounce one class and another of his fellow citizens +as hypocrites, old tories and traitors.--We have seen him receiving for +this, the applause of a wretched collection of disappointed, ambitious +and corrupt men. This has been borne and the author despised, and +indignantly hissed from the society of the respectable and virtuous--but +the end is not gained--new themes of reviling--new subjects of abuse +must be sought, and the party who wish to effect a revolution, are +pledged to uphold and protect the agents however wicked. What then may +now be expected? That dreadful declaration "Truth is fallen in their +streets" will soon be but an inconsiderable part of our miserable +character. It need not be added that such a condition evinces great +corruption of morals. + +3. Another part of this expense will be the elevation of men to office +who are unworthy of public confidence. What can a nation or state expect +from such men? What could now be expected from these men but that they +become immediately the creatures of a party--the tools of a faction? Is +it worthy of no consideration that judges who are to be the arbiters of +controversies--who are to adjudicate on the lives of their fellow +citizens, and to whom is committed the dearest and highest interests of +society, should be men of virtue--of wisdom and of unsullied reputation? +Can a Court be a shield against the proud oppressor when a daring leader +can crush them with his nod? Be not deceived my fellow citizens--no +nation hath yet made such an experiment without feeling its bitter and +dreadful effects. See the revolutionary tribunals of France--See in them +a melancholy picture of corrupt courts and unprincipled judges--The +cruelty of that nation hath appeared no where more infernal than through +their forms of law and in their sanctuaries of justice--a corrupt +judgment seat is the greatest curse with which a people can be punished. +In the mean time all subordinate tribunals will partake of the same +character.--Thus instead of a government of laws, there will be the +tyranny of a desperate faction.--Let no one reply that there is no +danger of such evils in Connecticut. We now see a few leaders controul a +party of several thousands--We have seen six hundred meet and applaud +the purchase of Louisiana when not one in five of them could form any +opinion on the merits of the bargain--WE have seen a few leaders direct +the offering of incense to Burr while the great body of their followers +cursed him--We see a party suffering the pride of Virginia to controul +the government of the Union and to oppress New-England with a heavy +impost because she would not submit to internal taxes--We see a few +leaders direct a convention of about two hundred to issue an address to +the people of Connecticut, which address contains on the face of it many +palpable falsehoods.--And cannot these same leaders controul a Court? + +4. Another part of the cost of these projects, is the loss of all our +institutions of religion.--It is not here intended that these +institutions will be at once abolished--Such a measure would alarm some +honest men of the party--a gradual but sure destruction is the evil to +be feared. The constitution of the United States was first attacked by +an unconstitutional repeal of a law, and now the independence of the +Supreme Court is to be destroyed, by impeachments of the judges. So will +it fare with your institutions. The principle openly advocated is that +none shall be obliged to contribute for the support of religious +institutions. This once established destroys the vitals of the system, +and the residue of its existence will be misery and wretchedness. Shall +a party avowing this sentiment and seeking by every artifice to give it +effect, receive the support of a people who have derived such +substantial benefits from these institutions? Shall we look in vain +thro' the ranks of that party for one to lift up his voice against this +daring and dangerous innovation? Are there not many who either do not +believe this to be the object of their leaders, or if such shall be +their object, who are determined to resist them? Yes, there are many who +act with them, who still intend to progress to no such excesses. Let +such view the conduct of similar parties--Let such not be deceived--This +is indeed their object--They do not avow it to you, they know you would +reject it, but they have made a vow that the influence of the Clergy +shall be destroyed--this can be done in no other way. Nor can you resist +them--they regard you now because they wish your assistance to confer on +them power, but will they regard you when your exertions can neither aid +nor defeat their designs?--surely not--such has been the conduct of all +factions.--It will be theirs should they prevail--The world has not +furnished one solitary exception, nor can you expect one in this case. +They seek their own good, and not the good of others, if inspiration is +to be credited. + +In return for these losses what good is to acrue to the people? Will you +hazard these evils without a fair and reasonable expectation of some +solid benefits? Is it then unreasonable to enquire what good is to be +obtained? Do the characters of these men elevate your hopes? You know +many of them in private life--do they there abound in good works? Shall +they be heard and regarded when they demand of you to displace your +faithful and approved rulers, and commit to them your all? Modest men +will wait your notice and rise at your request. Shall the impudent, +banish them from your affections and usurp their places in your hearts? + +Let it again be asked what good will result to Connecticut by a new +Constitution, by the prevalence of revolutionary principles? France, +Switzerland, the Netherlands, Italy and Holland, have seen revolution +after revolution, one new Constitution after another, and liberty has a +thousand times been immovably established. Altars have been demolished +--Temples polluted, Kings, Queens, Nobles and Priests murdered in the +cause of liberty--millions have perished--religion banished, and the +worship of God prohibited--projectors have exhausted their ingenuity +--the treasures of wealth have been wasted and the peace of the world +sacrificed! What is the result? An accumulation of misery which baffles +all description. Not an individual is more happy or more virtuous. Not a +nation more prosperous--not a tittle added to human felicity. Ye +reformers, look at France--behold the crimes which have risen up to +demand the vengeance of God--see the woes which you have brought on the +race of man, and tremble lest your works should follow you? + +If this picture is too glaring, look at our sister states in which +revolutions have been effected, and shew us the benefit. A noisy or +seditious individual has obtained a lucrative office--an ambitious +leader is in the char of state satiating his pride, or like Abraham +Bishop gratifying his passion for ignoble pelf, upon his thousands.--He +drives his carriage by his industrious neighbor who has toiled for him +at an election, cracks his whip, and laughs at the folly of his dupe, +and will laugh till he may need his services again, and then he will +again cringe and bow and flatter and gull. But is the mechanic, the +farmer, the merchant profited? Is society enriched, or the public good +promoted? + +In this view of the subject we will briefly ask, in the third place, is +it proper to make the proposed changes--to adopt these projects? If no +benefits will result--if much evil will probably ensue--the course of +duty and interest is plain. Aware, however, that it may be said many of +the dangers are imaginary, and are founded upon the supposition that we +shall act with as little discretion and prudence as the people of other +countries, it is important to observe that revolutions are the same, in +nature in every nation. Those who speak of a new Constitution, and of +thorough reforms, should recollect that the promoters of these schemes +in France, constantly amused the people with the idea that a new order +of things--new rights--new principles, were to arise. Who does not +recollect to have read of the perfectability human nature--of the +enlightened age of regenerated France? She boldly proclaimed herself the +example of the world, and all nations were invited to see her glory, and +enjoy her blessed liberty and her glorious equality. But mark the issue +--Not twelve years have elapsed before she has returned to an inglorious +despotism--She has exchanged her Capets for a foreign usurper, with an +incalculable loss, and here her history ends. Such is the constant +termination of such revolutions, and shall we claim to be an exception? +How do we judge as to the propriety of any course of life except by +observation, experience or history? We see industry and integrity +rewarded with competence or wealth--we see intemperance and sloth +followed with disease, loss of reputation and poverty. These are sure +grounds on which to predict respecting our neighbors, and by which to +regulate our own conduct. On similar principles a wise people regard the +conduct of other nations, and are solemnly admonished by their example. +Let not then the projector persuade us to adopt his theories with proofs +of their danger thus glaring before our eyes. Look at the conduct of our +revolutionists for four years past, and see if you do not discover the +genuine principles of the Jacobins of France--Recollect also that they +had first a Convention--then an Executive Directory--then a Consul for +years--then a Consul for life, and then an usurper with an hereditary +descent in his family. At each successive revolution the people were +courted--were flattered--were promised transcendent felicity. The people +swore eternal hatred to Monarchy, and eternal fidelity to Constitutions, +till, heaven, weary of their perjuries, sent them a despot in his wrath. + +My fellow citizens human nature is the same here as in France--Then +before you give ear to the songs of enchantment Count the Cost--Before +you sell your birthright for a mess of pottage Count the Cost. Before +you consent to yield up the institutions of your wise and pious +ancestors, Count the Cost--Before you admit universal suffrage Count the +Cost--Before you submit to the mischievous doctrine of district +elections, Count the Cost.--Before you reject from office the men whom +your hearts approve, Count the Cost, the great cost of weak and wicked +rulers.--Before you consent to be governed by men whose impudence, and +vice constitute many of their claims to promotion, Count the Cost. This +evil you can prevent by attending with punctuality on our elections. The +freemen of Connecticut are mighty when they arise in their strength. No +freeman can justify absence except from necessity.--That people who will +not faithfully attend upon the Choice of their rulers, cannot expect to +retain their freedom.--Trust not to a majority--say not that things will +go well without me--Such language is unbecoming freemen--Despair not of +a majority--if you will not "go with the multitude to do evil," go +against them to do good. Before you neglect an election Count the Cost +--If the loss of your Vote should prove the loss of an election of a +single man, then will you not have Counted the Cost. + +My fellow citizens--WE have a government which has protected us a +Century and an half--we have enjoyed unexampled prosperity.--WE may +transmit a glorious inheritance to posterity.--The writer has children +dear to him as his own blood--these children are to him a sacred +deposit--He can, with confidence, commit their political interests to +such a government as Connecticut has enjoyed.--He is persuaded that if +they feel the iron hand of despotism, it will not be from such a +government, and such rulers as we now possess--Before he yields his own, +and their dear, and inestimable rights to the wild projects of the +reformers of this age, he is firmly resolved to sit down and Count the +Cost, and he entreats his fellow citizens to adopt similar resolutions. + + + +APPENDIX. + +A View of the Fiscal Concerns of Connecticut. + + +Capital Funds of the Civil List. + Dols. Cts. +Funded 6 per cent. Stock, (real capital) - 209,273 83 +Deferred --do. - do. - do. - - 148,632 83 +Funded 3 per cent. do. - - - 50,038 11 +Bank Stock - - - - - 44,725 + __________ + 425,669 77 + __________ + +School Funds. +Bonds collaterally secured - - 1,020,542 27 +New Lands received in payment of + School Bonds, price at which received, 194,000 +Funded 6 per cent. Stock, (real capital) 14,048 +Deferred --do. - do. -do. - - - 5,455 7 +Funded 3 per cent. do. - - - - 4,570 95 + ___________ + 1,238,617 29 + ___________ + +Annual Expense of Government. + Viz. +Salaries of Executive Officers, - - 8,630 +Debentures and Contingent expenses of + the Legislature for two Sessions, - 17,100 +Debenture of the Supreme Court of Errors, 550 +Judicial expenses, - - - - 6,100 +Expense of Newgate prison, - - - 4,000 +Charges of Paupers and Vagrants, - - 4,500 +Allowance of 2 dollars on the 1000 of the + list being a draw-back from the State Tax, 12,000 +Contingent Expenses, comprising all other +charges of Government, - - - 6,200 + ____________ + 59,080 + ____________ + +Means for defraying the annual expense of the Civil List. + Viz. +Annual Interest on the above-mentioned Stock + appertaining to the Civil List Funds, 26,553 54 +Duties on Civil Processes, - - 5,700 +Annual Tax of 7 Mills on the Dollar, + neat amount, - 35,700 + _____________ + 67,953 54 + _____________ + +N.B. One eighth part of all the State taxes and one tenth part +of all rateable polls are abated for the relief of the indigent. + +The yearly Interest of the whole School Funds + would be - 74,179 88 +Deduct the Interest on that part which lies +in lands, and also on those Bonds whereon +Interest has not yet commenced, amounts to 7, 324 12 + +N.B. Several Bonds draw Interest in present year, +which were not on Interest last year. + +And the whole present annual Interest will be 66,855 76 +Add to this the allowance of +2 dolls. On the 1000 of the List, - - 12,000 + +Total annual amount payable for schools, 78,855 76 + +Drawable from the State Treasury annually, + by the people in their capacity of + School Societies, - 78,855 76 + +Payable by the people into the State Treasury + annually in taxes (including duties on + civil processes) only the sum of - 41,400 + + +Balance drawn out beyond what is paid by + taxes and duties, - - - - 37,455 76 + + +From the foregoing view of their financial arrangements, it appears +that the people of Connecticut not only enjoy the blessings of Civil +Government free from expense, but even receive from the public Treasury +yearly, in sum of 37,455 dollars and 76 cents more than they contribute +to in taxes, &c. + +Who can behold this uparalleled situation of finances, taking into view +at the same time our embarrassed circumstances at the close of the late +war, when we were not only destitute of any funds except direct taxes, +but incumbered with a debt of two millions of Dollars, and not admire +and appreciate the faithfulness and ability of those who have so +sucessfully managed the public affairs of this State. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Count The Cost, by Jonathan Steadfast + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10805 *** diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5643818 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #10805 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10805) diff --git a/old/10805.txt b/old/10805.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..db1e2ea --- /dev/null +++ b/old/10805.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1553 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Count The Cost, by Jonathan Steadfast + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Count The Cost + An Address To The People Of Connecticut,On Sundry Political + Subjects, And Particularly On The Proposition For A New + Constitution. + +Author: Jonathan Steadfast + +Release Date: January 23, 2004 [EBook #10805] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK COUNT THE COST *** + + + + +Produced by John Orcutt + + + + +COUNT THE COST. + +AN +ADDRESS +TO THE +PEOPLE of CONNECTICUT, +ON +SUNDRY POLITICAL SUBJECTS, + +AND + +PARTICULARLY ON THE PROPOSITION FOR A NEW CONSTITUTION. + +BY JONATHAN STEADFAST + + +1804 + + + +"However combinations or associations of the above description may now +and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and +things to become potent engines, by which cunning ambitions and +unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people, and +to usurp to themselves, the reins of government, destroying afterwards +the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion." + + WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL ADDRESS. + + + + + +AN ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE OF CONNECTICUT. + +"FOR which of you intending to build a tower sitteth not down first and +counteth the cost?" + + +An interesting question is here asked by the direction of infinite +wisdom. This question contains the following useful and important +instruction: That no man or body of men should attempt the +accomplishment of any great object without duly estimating the evils and +benefits probably resulting from it. Such a rule of life and adopted and +adhered to would have prevented many schemes and projects which have +cost much, and which have been productive of nothing but the disgrace to +their authors and misery to the human race--it would induce men to obey +the dictates of experience rather than the dreams of enthusiasm, and +would drive from the world a species of wisdom which is indeed folly. + +An attempt is now making in this State to change the vital principles of +our government, to remove from office all our present rulers, and to +introduce a new order of things. To these innovations the people are +invited, allured and exhorted.--To effect these objects no pains are +spared--no exertions are omitted. + +An important question here arises, viz. Would the accomplishment of the +object be worth the cost?--An individual who neither holds an office +nor seeks one--who can have nothing in view but the maintenance of that +order of things which shall most effectually promote public and private +happiness, and who has the same interest in the welfare of society as +the great body of his fellow citizens, requests the dispassionate +attention of the reader, while he considers this important subject. He +will use no weapon but truth and truth will be regarded by all except +those who love darkness rather than light. + +To exhibit a correct view of the subject, it will be proper, first, to +enquire into the present condition of Connecticut, and secondly, to +examine the various plans or projects proposed for our adoption, and +estimate the probably cost attending them. We can then in the third +place form a just opinion of the propriety of the proposed changes. + +The condition of Connecticut first claims our attention. + +That our climate, soil and situation are such as to insure as much +health, riches and prosperity as any people can rationally wish, seems +not to be doubted. Our natural advantages do not indeed promise such an +accumulation of wealth as might satisfy that avarice which like the +horse leach is constantly crying give--give--they are such however as +will in ordinary cases, ensure to industry an ample reward and this +should satisfy a virtuous mind. + +The diffusion of knowledge is greater than in any other part of the +globe of equal dimensions. Such are the excellent provisions of our +laws, and the virtuous habits of our citizens, that schools of +instruction in all useful knowledge are to be found in every place where +they are needed. There is no village in this State which will not attest +to this fact. In various places also flourishing academies are +supported, in which the higher branches of science are taught, and our +College is at once our ornament and our pride. Religious instruction is +also brought almost to every man's door, so that none can justly +complain that they are denied the means of growing wiser and better. By +the liberality of the benevolent private libraries are every where found +which, with the other sources of information, evince the superiority of +our condition to that of any other people, in the means of gaining +valuable knowledge. To those, who with the writer, believe that +ignorance is the parent of vice, and that the civilized is preferable to +the savage state, our situation, in the above particulars, demands the +gratitude of every heart. + +Our constitution and government are perfectly free, and our laws are +mild, equitable and just. To the truth of this position there is the +most ample and unequivocal proof. + +1. Those who seek to revolutionize the State declare this to be the +nature of our government with few exceptions.--Such testimony cannot be +doubted--it is the testimony of a man against himself. Ask your +neighbour to point you to the evils under which he labours--ask him to +name the man who is oppressed except by his vices or his follies, and if +he be honest, he will tell you that there is no such man--if he be +dishonest, his silence will be proof in point. + +2. Strangers who reside here a sufficient time to learn our laws, +universally concur in their declarations on this subject. They will ask, +with surprize, why the people of Connecticut should complain? They see +every man indulged in worshiping God as he pleases, and they see many +indulged in neglecting his worship entirely--They see men every where +enjoying the liberty of doing what is right--and such liberty they +rightly decide is the perfection of freedom. + +3. The experience of a century and a half, affords irresistible proof on +this subject. During this long period convulsions have shaken many parts +of the earth, and there has been a mighty waste of human happiness. +Empires and Kingdoms have been prostrated, and the sword hath been +devouring without cessation. This state too hath been threatened-- +clouds have gathered and portended a dreadful desolation, but we have +been defended, protected and saved. No essential changes in our +government have ever taken place--formed by men who knew the important +difference between liberty and licentiousness, it has been our shield-- +our strong tower--our secure fortress.--To the calls of our country we +have ever been obedient--No state hath more cheerfully met danger--no +state hath more readily or effectually resisted foreign aggression. +Washington while living was a witness to this fact, and tho' dead he yet +speaketh. While plots, insurrections and rebellions have distressed many +states and nations, Connecticut hath enjoyed an internal peace and +tranquility, which forcibly demonstrates the wisdom and equity of her +Government.--Such a Government, administered by men of virtue and +talents, has produced the most benign effects, and our prosperity is +calculated to excite the warmest expressions of gratitude rather than +the murmurs of disaffection. + +4. Our Treasury exhibits the truth of these remarks. It is clear from the +statement in the Appendix, to which every reader will advert with +pleasure, that the people of Connecticut annually receive thirty seven +thousand four hundred and fifty-five dollars and seventy six cents more +from the Treasury than they pay into it by taxes and duties.--At the +close of the late war such had been our exertions, we were encumbered +with a debt of nearly two millions of dollars. Now that debt is paid and +we have nearly that sum in advance. Where is the state which can justly +boast of greater prosperity? + +Notwithstanding this enviable situation a clamour is excited, the +people are agitated, and discord, with its train of evils, is +prevailing. Some of our citizens, in the height of political prosperity, +are seeking to destroy an order of things which has prevailed an hundred +and fifty years, and throw themselves into the arms of projectors and +reformers. Is there nothing unaccountable in such conduct? Is there +nothing calculated to excite indignation? My fellow citizens, shall any +considerable portion of the people of Connecticut subject themselves to +the reproach which rested on an ancient people? "The ox knoweth his +owner and the ass his master's crib, but my people do not know, Israel +doth not consider." + +Secondly. Let us examine some of the plans and projects proposed for our +adoption and estimate the probably cost attending them.– Here we must +speak with less certainty--What the present condition of Connecticut is +we know--respecting its future destiny we can only judge by arguing +from cause to effect. Why a man who regards the happiness of his fellow +men, should attempt a change here, is too wonderful for an ordinary +capacity. No prudent farmer ever pulled up a hill of corn, which was +flourishing, to see if there was not a worm at the root. + +One of these projects is the repeal of all laws for the support of +religious institutions. The language of those who favor the measure is, +that religion will take care of itself--that no external aid is +necessary--that all legislative interference is impious. Many, and it +is believed by far the greater part, of those who make these +declarations, intend to throw down all the barriers which christianity +has erected against vice. They are obstinately determined to banish from +the public mind all affection and veneration for the Clergy, and respect +for the institutions of religion, and to reduce Connecticut to that +condition which knows no distinction between "him who serveth God and +him who serveth him not." They wish to see a Republic without religion; +and should they be gratified, the consequence would speedily be, a +miserable race of men without virtue, walling in vice and ripening for a +dreadful destruction. If infinite truth is to be credited, "God will +pour out his indignation on the heathen who know him not." + +These reformers, under the specious pretext of exercising unbounded +liberality in matters of religion, become intolerant to all who differ +from them, charging the professors of christianity with breathing out a +spirit of persecution, they become the most furious persecutors, and +while they affect to possess great moderation and candor towards all +denominations of Christians, they clearly evince that they would grant +indulgence or protection to none. On the other hand a great majority of +the people and the Legislature, insist that every man in the community +who is able, should contribute, in some way, towards the support of the +institutions of religion. No wish is entertained to legislate in matters +of faith, or to establish one sect in preference to another. Our laws +permit every man to worship God when, where, and in the manner most +agreeable to his principles or to his inclination, and not the least +restraint is imposed; all ideas of dictating to the conscience are +discarded, and every man "sits under his own vine and fig tree." Our +laws only enforce the great principle abovementioned that the members of +the community should contribute towards the support of these +institutions, as means to promote the prosperity of the people in the +same manner as they provide for the public accommodation, peace and +happiness, by the maintenance of the roads and bridges, the organization +of the militia, and the support of schools of instruction. Should +objections be urged by any individuals that they cannot conscientiously +contribute to the promotion of these objects, their objections would be +disregarded. There is a class of men, very respectable for the sobriety +of their habits, and their peaceful deportment, who always refuse to be +taxed for military defence. No one doubts that in their opposition, they +are conscientious, and yet few doubt the propriety of enforcing such +taxes. + +The principle now advocated is interwoven with all our laws and habits +--it has existed from the first settlement of the State--it has produced +much good--it ought not therefore to be abandoned without the utmost +deliberation. The clamor against this principle, is the clamor of those +who wish to see the State revolutionized--it is the clamor of those +turbulent spirits which delight in confusion and which pull down and +destroy with a dexterity which they never shew in building up. Let the +sober citizens of Connecticut look at the authors of this clamor--Let +them view such men as Abraham Bishop, and eye the path which they have +trodden from their youth, and then ask their own hearts, if they are not +under some apprehension, lest if they should enlist under such leaders +and fight their cause, they may be found contending against the best +interests of society, and "fighting against God." + +Another project zealously supported is that of Districting the State for +the choice of Assistants, and Representatives in Congress. The only +argument which is urged for the adoption of this measure with any +plausibility, is that in the District elections the candidate would be +better known. To this argument it may be replied, the State of +Connecticut is so limited in its extent, information of all kinds is so +generally diffused, and there is such a flood of newspapers that the +characters of all the candidates for office may be thoroughly known by +all who will bestow any attention to the subject. This State is scarcely +more extensive than a single county in many other States, and the +intercourse of the inhabitants of the various parts with each other is +such that no evil can exist in our present mode of elections--But there +are serious and weighty objections against District elections. + +1. Such elections open wide the door for intrigue.--As this door, +already too widely extended, the most alarming mischiefs enter-- +mischiefs which sap the foundations of an elective government by +corrupting the minds of the freemen and this converting an election +ground into a theatre on which is displayed the most vile and +demoralizing practices. Let the reader satisfy himself as to the truth +of this observation by examining the history of an election in the +Southern States, where this mode alone is adopted. Let him learn that +they candidates for office and his host of dependents and tools, are +employed for weeks before and on the days of election, in the most +infamous intrigues, and that falsehood and bribery are so much in +fashion, and are so universally resorted to, that success invariably +attends the most impudent and the most profligate, while the man of +modesty and virtue, though possessing the fairest claims to promotion, +is abashed, confounded and overwhelmed. + +2ndly. The candidate when elected becomes the creature of the district +and not the ruler of a State--He is and must be devoted to the interest +of that portion of the community which has elected him, and their views +and schemes must be patronized though they oppose the welfare of the +whole. + +3rdly. Such elections do not secure the best talents. If talents and +worth are of consideration, surely they should be at the command of the +public. It is of no moment where a man dwells, but it is of immense +importance that he be a wise man rather than a fool--a man of integrity +rather than a knave. + +4thly. Experience, the only save and unerring guide, is altogether in +favor of elections at large rather than by Districts. The representation +of this State in Congress has ever been of the most respectable +character--It is not too much to say that no State in the Union can +justly claim a superiority to Connecticut in this respect. The fame may +be affirmed, with truth, of the upper house of the Legislature of this +State. Has there not been a constant succession of able and wise men in +that branch of the administration of Connecticut? For more than a +century we have preserved an unexampled prosperity.--shall we hazard +our interests on the speculations of zealous partizans who are +constantly bewildering themselves and their followers in new schemes? + +Another project is that of universal suffrage. The streets resound with +the clamour that men are deprived of the invaluable privilege of +choosing their rulers, and the people are invited to extend this +privilege to all who pay taxes and do military duty. It is now +discovered that Connecticut, in this particular, is not free.--The +great argument urged in support of universal suffrage is that taxation +and representation should go hand in hand--it is said that this maxim +was deemed just during the revolutionary war, and that Americans adhered +to it as a fundamental principle.--This principle the writer readily +recognizes as a sound and indisputable position in every free +government. But what is the meaning of the maxim? Does it intend that +every person who is taxed, can of right claim the privilege of giving +his suffrage? If so persons convicted of offences, or who are infamous +for their vices may vote--for such persons are not outlawed.--On this +principle, women of full age and unmarried, are also to be admitted.-- +Minors also whose property is taxed, should be permitted to exercise +this franchise, at least by guardian or proxy. What then is the true +meaning of the maxim, that representation and taxation are inseparable? +Here all writers agree--it means that no community should be taxed by +the legislature unless that community is, or might have been represented +in such legislature.--Hence several towns in this State till lately, +were not represented in the General Assembly, and of course not taxed.-- +Barkhempsted, Colebrook, and Winchester, it is believed, were of this +description. + +This State and the other States understood this maxim precisely as now +explained, in their opposition to Great-Britain.--We complained that +the colonies should not be taxed because they were not represented in +parliament. In this view of the subject the maxim is wise and just. + +Again, is not every town in Connecticut now represented in the +legislature, and of course each individual equally with every other? In +the representative of Hartford, for example, a representative of the +freemen of Hartford, or of the town of Hartford? The truth is, every +man, woman and child are represented. + +But it is said that many persons are excluded from giving their +suffrages who have life, liberty and reputation to protect. On a close +attention to this fact it will be found that the number of those worthy +members of society who do not possess the legal qualification, is small, +and if men are to have an influence in elections according to the amount +of their taxes, why should not the man who pays fifty dollars, be +entitled to more than one vote? No one pleads for such a privilege, but +there are many who insist that the man without a cent of property shall +have the same direction in the choice of those who are charged with the +interests of the community, as he who is worth thousands of dollars. A +friend to the rights of man seems to feel no alarm at the idea that one +who exhausts his earnings in the grog-shop, should have an influence in +elections in proportion to strength of his lungs, or his activity in +intrigue, but he is greatly agitated from an apprehension that men who +have property to protect, will not promote the well being of society. A +juror who is to decide on the controversies of his neighbours--an +appraiser of land--a distributor of a deceased persons estate, must be +freeholders by a standing law which is the subject of no ensure, and yet +it is said that in the important transaction of choosing men to enact +laws, and to appoint those who are to decide on, and execute those laws, +no qualifications are necessary. + +Again, it is insisted by those who oppose universal suffrage, and the +reader is desired to notice the remark with attention, that no community +can be safe unless the power of elections resides principally with the +great body of the landholders. Such an influence had this principle on +those wise men who formed our laws, that a mere trifle in real property +gives the right of suffrage, while a man may be excluded who is the +proprietor of personal property to a large amount. + +Landholders have an enduring interest in the welfare of the community. +They are lords of their own soil, and of course, to a certain degree, +independent--they therefore will resist tyranny--they will equally +oppose anarchy because they are aware that in any storm which may arise +they must abide its fury. The merchant, with his thousands, can seek a +shelter--to the mere bird of passage, who has no "abiding country and +who seeks none to come," it is of little moment whether stability or +confusion predominate, but to the former who is enchained to the State, +peace and order is of inestimable value. + +What, my fellow citizens, is the attempt now making? What is the +language of those who advocate universal suffrage? It is nothing less +than an effort to rest from the farmers of Connecticut that controul +over the elections which is their only fortress of safety. Let men who +wish to protect their invaluable rights ponder on these things, and let +them at the same time, remember that no nation in which universal +suffrage hath been allowed, hath remained free and happy. + +Another project urged, with great vehemence, is, to displace all our +present rulers--by those, is meant our legislators in the general and +state Government--our judges and magistrates of every grade. That such +is a darling object with those who seek to revolutionize Connecticut, +there is no doubt. Is such a measure wise? Who are these rulers? A +candid observer must reply, they are men in whose hands power has been +wisely placed by the people, and who have never abused that power, men +of unquestionable talents and of spotless fame. Among them are your +Trumbulls, your Ellsworths, your Hillhouses, your Griswolds, your +Goodriches and your Cavenports, men tried and approved. Among them there +is one who was side by side with your beloved Washington during the +revolutionary war, who has repeatedly been elected your first +magistrate, and, against whom, the tongue of slander never moved but in +the hard service of a harder master. There is another, who, for more +than twenty years has been employed in the first offices in the gift of +his country, and whose probity and talents are second to those of none +of his contemporaries. Among these are many who must enjoy the affection +and veneration of their countrymen while superior worth is regarded. +Against these men the cry is raised--not the cry of the oppressed, for +God knows no man in Connecticut is oppressed, but the cry of those who +pant for office, and who can rise only on the ruins of others. + +Your judges also to whom is committed the administration of justice, are +marked out as the victims of party spirit. Is not a wise and faithful +execution of the laws the chief object of every good Government? Without +this who is safe for a moment? Without this, liberty can exist only in +name--The name indeed may be blasphemously uttered, but the substance +is gone with the liberty of all who have relied on professions. Let the +people of Connecticut look at their tribunals of justice. Are they not +filled with men of incorruptible integrity? Where has innocence received +a more ample protection? Is not the transgressor punished, and are not +the wrongs of the injured redressed? Are not our mild laws executed in +mercy, and is not justice awarded with impartiality to individuals? Can +you look at the seat of justice and say "iniquity is there?" Dare any +man say that the judges of our high Courts are not upright, intelligent +and learned? Who then can justly complain? Yet the stripling of +yesterday--the bold projector--the unprincipled ad ambitious, with a +host of deceived followers, with matchless effrontery, arraign the +conduct of these magistrates and loudly demand that they be driven from +their offices, and from public confidence. + +Another favorite scheme is to elevate to all the offices of importance +men who have never enjoyed the public confidence. The language of these +revolutionists is, respecting the men in power in Connecticut, "We will +not have these men to rule over us"--We will fill their places with men +of our choice--the creatures of our hands, and who will be subservient +to our views. But, my countrymen, before you join in this project, pause +and enquire, who are these men who thus assert their claim to rule over +you? Who are these men who place themselves in the corners of the +streets and cry "Oh, that we were made judges in the land?" It is no +part of the writer's design to hunt vice from its guilty retreat, to +expose before an insulted people, the horrid features which distinguish +certain individuals who challenge popular applause, or to attach private +character, but justice demands that men who boldly claim to be the +rulers of the free and happy state of Connecticut, should be known. The +men who are to stand in the places of our Trumbulls and our Ellsworths +should not shrink from public investigation. To those who respect the +authority of God it is a matter of no small moment that those who rule +over men should be just, ruling in the fear of God nor will men, +accustomed to revere this solemn declaration, lend their aid to elevate +men of vicious and corrupt lives, without some dismay. + +It is not enough to tell us that men will be selected of more virtue and +talents than those now in power--such a pretence is vain--no man in +his senses will regard it--no man makes such a pretence but for wicked +purpose. If we are directed to turn our eyes to those who for years past +have been held up in the unsuccessful nominations, and are told that +these are to be substituted for the men who now guide our Councils, what +are we to expect? An appeal may be made to every man not bewildered in +this new and destructive madness--he may be asked who among these men +stand-forth with fair claims to public confidence? Where among them, can +be found the polished scholar--the able civilian, the enlightened +judge? Do we see in a single individual an assemblage of talents united +with virtue sufficient to qualify him for the seat of justice? If there +are such men they have hitherto hid their talents I the earth. It will +not here be forgotten that the attempt is, to reject men long known and +respected, and to fill their places with those who are without a witness +in their favor. + +A still more mischievous and alarming project is, that of making a new +Constitution for Connecticut. This project originates entirely in a +spirit of Jacobinism--it is a new theme on which to descant to effect a +revolution in Connecticut. The object is, by false assertions, to induce +a belief that no Constitution exists and that tyranny prevails. This +party always address the passions and never the understanding.--Review +their measures for a few years, and you will distinctly perceive their +motives and aims. + +To create disaffection and hatred towards those who formerly +administered the general Government, it was boldly asserted that the +treasury had been plundered. Even the illustrious Saviour of his Country +was accused of embezzling public money, and his followers could not +expect a less happy fate. Men of the most unsuspected integrity, were +openly attacked by anonymous publications, or dispoiled of their good +name by secret insinuations. These calumnies were kept in circulation by +their authors till impudence itself was abashed, and the object in view +obtained--not a tittle of proof was ever adduced, and investigation +always shewed that the charges were not only false, but entirely +groundless. + +For the same unworthy purpose it was asserted in every circle of +opposition that salaries were too high, and the incomes of office +enormous. Every tavern resounded with this grievance. At length the +principal authors of this clamor got into place, and the clamor was +hushed. Yes, men who urged the people of Connecticut almost to rebellion +on this account, stept into the places and, without a blush, took more +from the people than their predecessors. Look at Mr. Babcock's paper in +1799 and 1800, and see its columns filled with railing against high +salaries--Look at it since Abraham Bishop takes 3000 dollars a year, +and Alexander Wolcott more than four, and find, if you can, a complaint +on this subject. Such meanness, such baseness, such hypocrisy in office +seekers, exhibit in strong colors the depravity of human nature and +teach us what dependence may justly be placed on pretensions and +professions. + +To inflame the passions and to create animosity, various subjects have +been successively seized upon, and pressed into the service of the +revolutionists--Every quarrel however trivial is noticed--every seed +of discord however small is nourished to disseminate murmurs and to +further the great object.-Various classes of the community are told, +with apparent anxiety for their welfare, that they are oppressed, and +that a new order of things must arise, or that they will be enslaved. +New subjects are started as old ones cease to operate, and thus all that +ingenuity and art, industry and perseverance, can devise or effect is +accomplished. Thus, that numerous and respectably body of Christians +called Episcopalians have been told, and repeatedly told, that the more +numerous denomination were seeking to deprive them of their just and +equal rights, and to subject them to the tyranny of an overbearing +majority--These tales were reiterated till their authors found them +useless from their folly and falsehood. At another time the Baptists are +addressed by a set of men who denied the reality of any religion and the +most earnest yearnings for their welfare. They tyranny of the +Legislature was painted in horrid colors, and they were exhorted to lend +their aid to vindicate the cause of the oppressed. Those who +conscientiously believe that no taxes ought to be paid for the support +of religion, and those who wish that religion might no more infest the +residence of men, were addressed with considerations adapted to their +respective cases. At one time men destitute of property are seduced by +the alluring doctrine of universal suffrage--then the farmer is told +that taxes are too high on land, and, with the same breath, the mechanic +is sagely informed, that the poll tax should be repealed, and the burden +fall back on the land holder. + +Festivals under the pretence of honoring the election of Mr. Jefferson +and Mr. Burr, and of extolling the wisdom of the purchase of Louisiana, +but with a real design to blazen the fame of those who assume the +character of friends of the people that they may the more readily +destroy the most free and equitable Government in the world, are +continually holden, and the discontented, the factious, the ambitious +and the corrupt, are collected and flattered with declamations in the +various shapes of prayers, sermons and orations. Thus a people enjoying +the height of political prosperity are cajoled into a belief that men +without virtue, without the restraints of the gospel, without a particle +of real regard for their fellow men, are their best friends, and are +anxiously laboring to promote their good. Let such remember, that when +the Ethiopian shall change his skin, when the Leopard shall change his +spots, and when bitter fountains shall send forth sweet water, then will +those who flatter the people with their tongues, and deceive them with +their lips seek their happiness. Such are some of the measures resorted +to by those who have sworn in their wrath that Connecticut shall be +revolutionized. Finding all these ineffectual, and that the good sence +and virtue of Connecticut has hitherto opposed an inseparable barrier to +all their plans, they now exclaim Connecticut has no Constitution. Such +a gross absurdity could never have been promulgated till the mind was in +some degree prepared, by being accustomed to misrepresentation. This was +well known to Mr. Bishop, who has for years been in the habit of +disregarding moral obligation. In the year 1789 this Orator pronounced +several inflammatory invectives against the Constitution of the United +States, to which he was a bitter enemy till he obtained an office under +it worth three thousand dollars a year. At that time his language was, +The Constitution of Connecticut is the best in the world--it has grown +up with the people, and is fitted to their condition.--Now this +consistent man who is endeavoring to gull the people that he may +successfully tyrannize over them, avows that they are without a +Constitution. + +My fellow citizens, examine this head of clamor with candor, read the +solemn declaration of Washington in the title page, attend to the +following remarks, and then tell me if you do not perceive in this +project, with the manner in which it is supported and attempted to be +accomplished, enough of the revolutionary spirit of France, to excite +the indignation of every real friend to the peace and happiness of +Connecticut. + +1. If there be no Constitution in Connecticut then your Huntingtons, +your Trumbulls, your Shermans, your Wolcotts and your Davenports, with +many other worthies, who were your defence in war, and your ornament in +peace, and who are now sleeping with their fathers, were wicked usurpers +--they ruled their fellow citizens without authority--they were +TYRANTS. Let Judd and Bishop approach the sepulchures of these venerable +men--let them lift the covering from these venerable ashes and in the +face of heaven pronounce them TYRANTS!! Could you see them approach +their dust with such language on their tongues, you would see them +retreat with horrible confusion from these relicks of departed worth. + +2. The present rulers are acting also without authority, and their laws +are void--then you are already in the midst of anarchy and wild misrule +--then has no man a title to an inch of land, and you are ready for an +equal of division of property--all protection of life and liberty is at +an end, and the will of a mob is now to prevail. + +3. If indeed there is no Constitution, then the oath which has been +administered in your freemen's meetings for twenty years, by which each +man has sworn "to be true and faithful to the Constitution" of the +state, is worse than impious profanation of the name of God--then your +judges, magistrates and jurors have stripped men of their property, +condemned some to Newgate and others to the Post, the Pillory and the +Gallows without a warrant, and are therefore murderers.--O thou God of +order in this our condition!!! But, + +4. We have a Constitution--a free and happy Constitution. It was to our +fathers like the shadow of a great rock in a weary land--it has enabled +them to transmit to us a fair and glorious inheritance--if we suffer +revolutionists to rob us of this birth right "then we are bastards and +not sons." + +It is a fact as well authenticated as the settlement of the state, that +a Constitution was formed by the people of the then colony of +Connecticut, before the Charter of King Charles. This Charter was a +guarantee of that Constitution. Trumbull's history of Connecticut gives +us this Constitution and its origin. On our separation from Great- +Britain, the people, thro' their representatives, made the following +declaration on this subject: + +"An Act containing an Abstract and Declaration of the Rights and +Privileges of the People of this State, and securing the same. THE +People of this State, being by the Providence of God, free and +independent, have the sole and exclusive Right of governing themselves +as a free, sovereign, and independent State; and having from their +Ancestors derived a free and excellent Constitution of Government +whereby the Legislature depends on the free and annual Election of the +People, they have the best Security for the Preservation of their civil +and religious Rights and Liberties. And forasmuch as the free Fruition +of such Liberties and Privileges as Humanity, Civility and Christianity +call for, as is due to every Man in his Place and Proportion, without +Impeachment and Infringement, hath ever been, and wilt be the +Tranquility and Stability of Churches and Commonwealths; and the Denial +thereof, the Disturbance, if not the Ruin of both. + +PAR. I. BE it enacted and declared by the Governor, and Council and +House of Representatives, in General Court assembled: That the ancient +Form of Civil Government, contained in the Charter from Charles the +Second, King of England, and adopted by the People of this State, shall +be and remain the Civil Constitution of this State under the sole +authority of the People thereof, independent of any King or Prince +whatever. And that this Republic is, and shall forever be and remain, a +free, sovereign and independent Sate, by the Name of the STATE of +CONNECTICUT. + +2. And be it further enacted and declared, That no Man's Land shall be +taken away: No Man's Honor or good Name shall be stained: No Man's +Person shall be arrested, restrained, banished, dismembered, nor any +Ways punished: No Man shall be deprived of his Wife or Children; No +Man's Goods or Estate shall be taken away from him nor any Ways +indamaged under the Color of Law, or Countenance of Authority; unless +clearly warranted by the Laws of this State. + +3. That all the Free Inhabitants of this or any other of the United +States of America, and Foreigners in Amity with this State, shall enjoy +the same justice and Law within this State, which is general for the +State in all Cases proper for the Cognizance of the Civil Authority and +Court of Judicature within the same, and that without Partiality or +Delay. + +4. And that no Man's Person shall be restrained, or imprisoned, by any +Authority whatsoever, before the Law hat sentenced him thereunto, if he +can and will give sufficient Security, Bail, or Mainprize for his +Appearance and good Behaviour in the mean Time, unless it be for Capital +Crimes, Contempt in open Court, or in such Cases wherein some express +Law doth allow of, or order the same." + +These proceedings have been regarded as the ark of our political safety +by the great and the good of all parties, who have gone before us. Never +till this year have we heard, or even suspected that our state was +governed by lawless mobs. Now, as a means to effect a revolution, for +the first time, have a few designing men endeavored to excite alarm-- +they have indeed excited alarm--sober men of their own party are +alarmed--honest men, who are not misguided, see the whole extent of this +project and they will frown it into contempt. + +5. Mr. Edwards, as chairman of a body of men whom he calls a State +Committee, on the 30th of July, without consulting even his brethren of +the Committee, ordered delegates to meet at New-Haven on the 5th +Wednesday of August. In those towns where enough could not be assembled +to elect a member, the person written to, was authorized to attend and +take a seat. In some towns the proposition was rejected even by +Republicans. The delegates thus chosen, with all who united with their +opinions, and chose to attend, met at the time and place appointed--shut +their doors against every eye and ear--sat one day, formed an address, +ordered ten thousand copies printed and dissolved. This address we have +seen. It deserves some notice: + +The first thing that attracts our attention is, that William Judd, Esq. +of Farmington, is appointed chairman. This was an admirable provision +--such a meeting should certainly have such a head. A man with the habit +of devoting his feeble talents to intrigue, and who is noticeable only +for an ostentatious parade, would preside in such an assembly with +peculiar grace. His acquaintance could not but approve of this +exhibition of the power of inflammable air and be pleased with its +effects [on] an exhausted receiver. The meeting thus organized proceeded +to stile this Convention as follows: "AT a meeting of Delegates from +ninety-seven towns of the state of Connecticut, convened at New-Haven on +the 29th of August, 1804." Delegates--Delegates do they stile themselves? +The people would be obliged to this Convention to disclose their +authority. Who commissioned these gentlemen for this important labor of +providing them with a Constitution? The truth is not a man in that +Convention was chosen by a majority of the people of [their] town--in +many instances with less than a quarter part, and in general with less +than a tenth----yet they call themselves Delegates. Thus [the] +Convention with Major Judd in the chair, precede their address [with] a +grosly deceptive declaration---a declaration notoriously false and +[impu]dent. They then declare it as their unanimous opinion, "that the +people of this state are at present without a Constitution of civil +Government." This was to have been expected. Mr. Edwards ordered them to +meet for that purpose, and shall they not obey their master? Bishop and +Wolcott have repeatedly directed them to make this declaration, and +Major Judd knows it to be true. Can any man doubt either the truth of +this remark or the sincerity with which it is uttered? Is it not clear +that this whole proceeding originates in a pure unmixed affection for +the people and a sacred regard to truth? My fellow citizens, look at the +whole course of the lives of Judd, (I place him first on the list +because he was chairman) of Bishop and of Wolcott, and say if they have +not ever been under the influence of the most disinterested virtue and +the most exalted patriotism? Look also at these Delegates from ninety- +seven towns, and say if they can have any other object in view but the +dignity, happiness and glory of their country? Individuals can only +vouch for individuals. The writer can vouch for about thirty with Major +Judd at their head. + +If any reader shall think that the subject is treated with too much +levity, he should reflect that we are now animadverting on this +Convention in their appointment of chairman, their stiling themselves +Delegates from ninety-seven towns, and their declaration that we have no +Constitution. On these subjects it is scarcely possible to be serious. + +The address proceeds to declare how many of the confederated states have +made for themselves Constitutions. We ask, which of them is more +prosperous than Connecticut? In which of them are the great interests of +Society better secured? In New-York a Convention was called about three +years since to amend their Constitution. In Pennsylvania they have had +two Constitutions and they are now on the eve of a civil war. Duane the +great moving spring of all Jacobin societies, a vile outcast from +Europe, reigns with uncontroled sway in every measure, and every man of +virtue is denounced. + +In Georgia they have had two Constitutions, and in Vermont two, and who +dare pronounce their political situation equal to that of Connecticut. +The people of France have had six Constitutions within fifteen years, +and where are those Constitutions? In the grave of anarchy and despotism +with millions of deluded inhabitants who have been sacrificed by the +Robespieres and the Bishops of that suffering nation. To that suffering +nation turn your eyes and reflect that the mighty mass of woe under +which they have groaned, was produced by an ambition, fierce, cruel and +destructive as hell, and that an ambition alike terrible reigns every +where. + +Read this address attentively, and you will be struck with the idea that +no grievance is mentioned----not a single evil is pointed out---indeed +the Convention declare that they must be "excused a detail of the +numerous wrongs which have arrived to us under this Government"----these +are their words---they are excused indeed---yes, they are excused from +not polluting their address with falsehoods in this particular---full +well they knew that no such wrongs existed----full well they anticipated +that a certain detection would follow any such attempt at imposition. +The leaders in this Convention knew full well that there is intelligence +enough in Connecticut to meet them on any complaint, and to shew that it +is groundless. They, therefore, prudently decline to be explicit, and +yielding to us that the Government is now well administered, they shew a +great anxiety for the safety of the "next generation." What an astonishing +display of philanthropy!! Bishop and Wolcott are not at ease in their +hearts while there is a prospect that even the generations which succeed +us, will experience a woe!! + +After many remarks directed to the passions, without proposing in +specific terms a single provision of their newly projected Constitution, +without laying their finger upon a single grievance, without urging a +single argument tending to shew that a Constitution does not exist, the +address unmakes itself---it unmasks the Convention---it unmasks these +patriotic Delegates, and discovers the true cause of this Jacobinic +meeting. Towards the close of it, speaking of the people, it says, "By +their votes will be known their decision. If a Constitution appears +desirable, they will vote for men who are in favor of it." Here the +Convention speak which all may understand---but lest they had not made +themselves sufficiently intelligible, they add, "We ask men of all +parties to attend punctually at proxies and to continue a contest of +votes till the great question whether this state shall have a +Constitution be settled finally and forever." Now, the plain English of +these sentences is this "We who are here assembled in Convention wish +the people of Connecticut to vote for such men, in future, for office, +as are in favor of a new Constitution---we have already declared that we +are in favor of such a Constitution---pray therefore vote for us and +continue" the context "till we succeed and then"---yes---my fellow- +citizens, and then, what will they do? Why laugh at your folly---take +all the offices and leave you to take care of yourselves. IF such would +not be their conduct then the sun will no more rise in the east. + +Gentlemen of the convention pray cease your pretensions to promotion +till the people discover your merit. If you are honest, great and wise +you will certainly be noticed and promoted--if you are pygmy +politicians, the mushroom growth of an hour, dressed only with the +little brief authority of self created delegates to a self created +convention to aggrandise yourselves, then probably you will live with +little further notice, and it will only be said hereafter of you that +you belonged to an assembly convened at New-Haven on the 29th of August +1804, which sprang up in a day, chose major Judd chairman; and like +"Jonah's Gourd withered in a day." + +In this convention the question was much discussed whether the address +should be made to the people or to the constituted authority of our +State, the legislature. Some honest republicans insisted that it was +proper to apply to the Legislature, but this was opposed by the young +lawyers and the leaders of the party universally--full well they knew +that such a measure would not answer their purpose--Mobs never talk of +any authority except that of the sovereign people--To the sovereign +people they go, and to the sovereign people they appeal till a sovereign +people are cruelly insulted, cajoled and enslaved. Marat, Robespierre +and Bonaparte told the sovereign people that they were all in all till +they had robbed them of their dearest interests, and enchained them in +despotism, and they now mock them with such declarations as these,* "The +perfectability of human nature, the worst disease of man"-"the caprice +of elections must be destroyed"-"the people cannot govern themselves" + +Having examined some of the plans or projects proposed for our adoption, +we will now estimate the probably cost attending them. It is to be +recollected that the proposition is to change the vital principles of +our government--to displace our present rulers and to fill their places +with men who never enjoyed the public confidence. To determine whether +these objects are worth accomplishing, it is necessary to COUNT THE +COST. + +1. One part of this cost will be an increase of the violence of parties. +Men who regard their property, their liberty and their lives, will not +yield them a willing sacrifice to the demands of the ambitious and +unprincipled--men who faced danger and braved death during a seven years +war--men whose veins are warm with the blood of their venerable +ancestors who planted this happy state, and defended it amidst +innumerable hardships and calamities--men who deem their birthright +sacred--their own freedom valuable, and their children dear as their own +blood, will not calmly, nor cowardly suffer those who have no claims but +their impudence, to storm their fortress and to capture them. They will +defend it in all lawful ways.-Bishop and Wolcott, and a thousand other +mercenary hirelings may attempt to subdue or terrify them--a proud and +haughty leader who under the guise of patriotism, is attempting to +undermine the happiness of the best regulated and freest State in the +Union, with a thousand sycophants, conspiring to bring us under the yoke +of Virginia, may exhaust their ingenuity and malice, still Connecticut +will remain unshaken. She will never crouch like Isachar to chains and +fetters while any portion of the noble spirit of her ancestors who +transmitted this fair inheritance at a mighty expense, remains to impel +them to noble exertions.--It is ardently to be wished that the passions +of those who seek to overturn the venerable institutions of Connecticut, +my subside, and that a spirit of reconciliation and moderation may +succeed to that madness which threatens our peace.--If however the +controversy is to be continued and a mob insist on the right to rule, +freemen will protect their lives and their liberties.--And is not the +peace and tranquility of the State of importance? We have been told with +more truth than sincerity that "life itself is a dreary thing" without +"harmony in social intercourse." Happy would it have been if the author +of that just and pertinent remark had not contributed more than any +other man in the United States to embitter parties, and to render life +indeed a "dreary thing." + +2. Another item in the expense of accomplishing these projects, is a +corruption of morals. To revolutionize Connecticut it will be necessary +to circulate, without any intermission, many gross falsehoods respecting +the men in power, the judges, legislators and magistrates, and the acts +and proceedings of the General Assembly. We have seen the columns of the +Mercury and the Republican Farmer filled with vile libels.--WE have seen +Abraham Bishop followed by hundreds enter a temple devoted to the +service of God, and we have heard him there utter the most malignant +slanders on the Clergy, the Legislature and the Courts of law.--We have +seen him publicly denounce one class and another of his fellow citizens +as hypocrites, old tories and traitors.--We have seen him receiving for +this, the applause of a wretched collection of disappointed, ambitious +and corrupt men. This has been borne and the author despised, and +indignantly hissed from the society of the respectable and virtuous--but +the end is not gained--new themes of reviling--new subjects of abuse +must be sought, and the party who wish to effect a revolution, are +pledged to uphold and protect the agents however wicked. What then may +now be expected? That dreadful declaration "Truth is fallen in their +streets" will soon be but an inconsiderable part of our miserable +character. It need not be added that such a condition evinces great +corruption of morals. + +3. Another part of this expense will be the elevation of men to office +who are unworthy of public confidence. What can a nation or state expect +from such men? What could now be expected from these men but that they +become immediately the creatures of a party--the tools of a faction? Is +it worthy of no consideration that judges who are to be the arbiters of +controversies--who are to adjudicate on the lives of their fellow +citizens, and to whom is committed the dearest and highest interests of +society, should be men of virtue--of wisdom and of unsullied reputation? +Can a Court be a shield against the proud oppressor when a daring leader +can crush them with his nod? Be not deceived my fellow citizens--no +nation hath yet made such an experiment without feeling its bitter and +dreadful effects. See the revolutionary tribunals of France--See in them +a melancholy picture of corrupt courts and unprincipled judges--The +cruelty of that nation hath appeared no where more infernal than through +their forms of law and in their sanctuaries of justice--a corrupt +judgment seat is the greatest curse with which a people can be punished. +In the mean time all subordinate tribunals will partake of the same +character.--Thus instead of a government of laws, there will be the +tyranny of a desperate faction.--Let no one reply that there is no +danger of such evils in Connecticut. We now see a few leaders controul a +party of several thousands--We have seen six hundred meet and applaud +the purchase of Louisiana when not one in five of them could form any +opinion on the merits of the bargain--WE have seen a few leaders direct +the offering of incense to Burr while the great body of their followers +cursed him--We see a party suffering the pride of Virginia to controul +the government of the Union and to oppress New-England with a heavy +impost because she would not submit to internal taxes--We see a few +leaders direct a convention of about two hundred to issue an address to +the people of Connecticut, which address contains on the face of it many +palpable falsehoods.--And cannot these same leaders controul a Court? + +4. Another part of the cost of these projects, is the loss of all our +institutions of religion.--It is not here intended that these +institutions will be at once abolished--Such a measure would alarm some +honest men of the party--a gradual but sure destruction is the evil to +be feared. The constitution of the United States was first attacked by +an unconstitutional repeal of a law, and now the independence of the +Supreme Court is to be destroyed, by impeachments of the judges. So will +it fare with your institutions. The principle openly advocated is that +none shall be obliged to contribute for the support of religious +institutions. This once established destroys the vitals of the system, +and the residue of its existence will be misery and wretchedness. Shall +a party avowing this sentiment and seeking by every artifice to give it +effect, receive the support of a people who have derived such +substantial benefits from these institutions? Shall we look in vain +thro' the ranks of that party for one to lift up his voice against this +daring and dangerous innovation? Are there not many who either do not +believe this to be the object of their leaders, or if such shall be +their object, who are determined to resist them? Yes, there are many who +act with them, who still intend to progress to no such excesses. Let +such view the conduct of similar parties--Let such not be deceived--This +is indeed their object--They do not avow it to you, they know you would +reject it, but they have made a vow that the influence of the Clergy +shall be destroyed--this can be done in no other way. Nor can you resist +them--they regard you now because they wish your assistance to confer on +them power, but will they regard you when your exertions can neither aid +nor defeat their designs?--surely not--such has been the conduct of all +factions.--It will be theirs should they prevail--The world has not +furnished one solitary exception, nor can you expect one in this case. +They seek their own good, and not the good of others, if inspiration is +to be credited. + +In return for these losses what good is to acrue to the people? Will you +hazard these evils without a fair and reasonable expectation of some +solid benefits? Is it then unreasonable to enquire what good is to be +obtained? Do the characters of these men elevate your hopes? You know +many of them in private life--do they there abound in good works? Shall +they be heard and regarded when they demand of you to displace your +faithful and approved rulers, and commit to them your all? Modest men +will wait your notice and rise at your request. Shall the impudent, +banish them from your affections and usurp their places in your hearts? + +Let it again be asked what good will result to Connecticut by a new +Constitution, by the prevalence of revolutionary principles? France, +Switzerland, the Netherlands, Italy and Holland, have seen revolution +after revolution, one new Constitution after another, and liberty has a +thousand times been immovably established. Altars have been demolished +--Temples polluted, Kings, Queens, Nobles and Priests murdered in the +cause of liberty--millions have perished--religion banished, and the +worship of God prohibited--projectors have exhausted their ingenuity +--the treasures of wealth have been wasted and the peace of the world +sacrificed! What is the result? An accumulation of misery which baffles +all description. Not an individual is more happy or more virtuous. Not a +nation more prosperous--not a tittle added to human felicity. Ye +reformers, look at France--behold the crimes which have risen up to +demand the vengeance of God--see the woes which you have brought on the +race of man, and tremble lest your works should follow you? + +If this picture is too glaring, look at our sister states in which +revolutions have been effected, and shew us the benefit. A noisy or +seditious individual has obtained a lucrative office--an ambitious +leader is in the char of state satiating his pride, or like Abraham +Bishop gratifying his passion for ignoble pelf, upon his thousands.--He +drives his carriage by his industrious neighbor who has toiled for him +at an election, cracks his whip, and laughs at the folly of his dupe, +and will laugh till he may need his services again, and then he will +again cringe and bow and flatter and gull. But is the mechanic, the +farmer, the merchant profited? Is society enriched, or the public good +promoted? + +In this view of the subject we will briefly ask, in the third place, is +it proper to make the proposed changes--to adopt these projects? If no +benefits will result--if much evil will probably ensue--the course of +duty and interest is plain. Aware, however, that it may be said many of +the dangers are imaginary, and are founded upon the supposition that we +shall act with as little discretion and prudence as the people of other +countries, it is important to observe that revolutions are the same, in +nature in every nation. Those who speak of a new Constitution, and of +thorough reforms, should recollect that the promoters of these schemes +in France, constantly amused the people with the idea that a new order +of things--new rights--new principles, were to arise. Who does not +recollect to have read of the perfectability human nature--of the +enlightened age of regenerated France? She boldly proclaimed herself the +example of the world, and all nations were invited to see her glory, and +enjoy her blessed liberty and her glorious equality. But mark the issue +--Not twelve years have elapsed before she has returned to an inglorious +despotism--She has exchanged her Capets for a foreign usurper, with an +incalculable loss, and here her history ends. Such is the constant +termination of such revolutions, and shall we claim to be an exception? +How do we judge as to the propriety of any course of life except by +observation, experience or history? We see industry and integrity +rewarded with competence or wealth--we see intemperance and sloth +followed with disease, loss of reputation and poverty. These are sure +grounds on which to predict respecting our neighbors, and by which to +regulate our own conduct. On similar principles a wise people regard the +conduct of other nations, and are solemnly admonished by their example. +Let not then the projector persuade us to adopt his theories with proofs +of their danger thus glaring before our eyes. Look at the conduct of our +revolutionists for four years past, and see if you do not discover the +genuine principles of the Jacobins of France--Recollect also that they +had first a Convention--then an Executive Directory--then a Consul for +years--then a Consul for life, and then an usurper with an hereditary +descent in his family. At each successive revolution the people were +courted--were flattered--were promised transcendent felicity. The people +swore eternal hatred to Monarchy, and eternal fidelity to Constitutions, +till, heaven, weary of their perjuries, sent them a despot in his wrath. + +My fellow citizens human nature is the same here as in France--Then +before you give ear to the songs of enchantment Count the Cost--Before +you sell your birthright for a mess of pottage Count the Cost. Before +you consent to yield up the institutions of your wise and pious +ancestors, Count the Cost--Before you admit universal suffrage Count the +Cost--Before you submit to the mischievous doctrine of district +elections, Count the Cost.--Before you reject from office the men whom +your hearts approve, Count the Cost, the great cost of weak and wicked +rulers.--Before you consent to be governed by men whose impudence, and +vice constitute many of their claims to promotion, Count the Cost. This +evil you can prevent by attending with punctuality on our elections. The +freemen of Connecticut are mighty when they arise in their strength. No +freeman can justify absence except from necessity.--That people who will +not faithfully attend upon the Choice of their rulers, cannot expect to +retain their freedom.--Trust not to a majority--say not that things will +go well without me--Such language is unbecoming freemen--Despair not of +a majority--if you will not "go with the multitude to do evil," go +against them to do good. Before you neglect an election Count the Cost +--If the loss of your Vote should prove the loss of an election of a +single man, then will you not have Counted the Cost. + +My fellow citizens--WE have a government which has protected us a +Century and an half--we have enjoyed unexampled prosperity.--WE may +transmit a glorious inheritance to posterity.--The writer has children +dear to him as his own blood--these children are to him a sacred +deposit--He can, with confidence, commit their political interests to +such a government as Connecticut has enjoyed.--He is persuaded that if +they feel the iron hand of despotism, it will not be from such a +government, and such rulers as we now possess--Before he yields his own, +and their dear, and inestimable rights to the wild projects of the +reformers of this age, he is firmly resolved to sit down and Count the +Cost, and he entreats his fellow citizens to adopt similar resolutions. + + + +APPENDIX. + +A View of the Fiscal Concerns of Connecticut. + + +Capital Funds of the Civil List. + Dols. Cts. +Funded 6 per cent. Stock, (real capital) - 209,273 83 +Deferred --do. - do. - do. - - 148,632 83 +Funded 3 per cent. do. - - - 50,038 11 +Bank Stock - - - - - 44,725 + __________ + 425,669 77 + __________ + +School Funds. +Bonds collaterally secured - - 1,020,542 27 +New Lands received in payment of + School Bonds, price at which received, 194,000 +Funded 6 per cent. Stock, (real capital) 14,048 +Deferred --do. - do. -do. - - - 5,455 7 +Funded 3 per cent. do. - - - - 4,570 95 + ___________ + 1,238,617 29 + ___________ + +Annual Expense of Government. + Viz. +Salaries of Executive Officers, - - 8,630 +Debentures and Contingent expenses of + the Legislature for two Sessions, - 17,100 +Debenture of the Supreme Court of Errors, 550 +Judicial expenses, - - - - 6,100 +Expense of Newgate prison, - - - 4,000 +Charges of Paupers and Vagrants, - - 4,500 +Allowance of 2 dollars on the 1000 of the + list being a draw-back from the State Tax, 12,000 +Contingent Expenses, comprising all other +charges of Government, - - - 6,200 + ____________ + 59,080 + ____________ + +Means for defraying the annual expense of the Civil List. + Viz. +Annual Interest on the above-mentioned Stock + appertaining to the Civil List Funds, 26,553 54 +Duties on Civil Processes, - - 5,700 +Annual Tax of 7 Mills on the Dollar, + neat amount, - 35,700 + _____________ + 67,953 54 + _____________ + +N.B. One eighth part of all the State taxes and one tenth part +of all rateable polls are abated for the relief of the indigent. + +The yearly Interest of the whole School Funds + would be - 74,179 88 +Deduct the Interest on that part which lies +in lands, and also on those Bonds whereon +Interest has not yet commenced, amounts to 7, 324 12 + +N.B. Several Bonds draw Interest in present year, +which were not on Interest last year. + +And the whole present annual Interest will be 66,855 76 +Add to this the allowance of +2 dolls. On the 1000 of the List, - - 12,000 + +Total annual amount payable for schools, 78,855 76 + +Drawable from the State Treasury annually, + by the people in their capacity of + School Societies, - 78,855 76 + +Payable by the people into the State Treasury + annually in taxes (including duties on + civil processes) only the sum of - 41,400 + + +Balance drawn out beyond what is paid by + taxes and duties, - - - - 37,455 76 + + +From the foregoing view of their financial arrangements, it appears +that the people of Connecticut not only enjoy the blessings of Civil +Government free from expense, but even receive from the public Treasury +yearly, in sum of 37,455 dollars and 76 cents more than they contribute +to in taxes, &c. + +Who can behold this uparalleled situation of finances, taking into view +at the same time our embarrassed circumstances at the close of the late +war, when we were not only destitute of any funds except direct taxes, +but incumbered with a debt of two millions of Dollars, and not admire +and appreciate the faithfulness and ability of those who have so +sucessfully managed the public affairs of this State. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Count The Cost, by Jonathan Steadfast + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK COUNT THE COST *** + +***** This file should be named 10805.txt or 10805.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/8/0/10805/ + +Produced by John Orcutt + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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