instance proved somewhat similar to the so much dreaded union between
England and Scotland, where the Scots, instead of becoming a poor,
despicable, dependent people, have become much more secure, happy, and
respectable? If then, the constitution is a good one, why should we be
afraid of uniting, even if the Union was to be much more complete and
entire than is proposed?

A Countryman, II.

The New Haven Gazette, (Number 40)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1787.

TO THE PEOPLE OF CONNECTICUT.

It is fortunate that you have been but little distressed with that torrent
of impertinence and folly, with which the newspaper politicians have over
whelmed many parts of our country.

It is enough that you should have heard, that one party has seriously
urged, that we should adopt the _New Constitution_ because it has been
approved by _Washington_ and _Franklin_: and the other, with all the
solemnity of apostolic address to _Men_, _Brethren_, _Fathers_, _Friends
and Countryman_, have urged that we should reject, as dangerous, every
clause thereof, because that _Washington_ is more used to command as a
soldier, than to reason as a politician--_Franklin is old_, others are
_young_--and _Wilson_ is _haughty_.(52) You are too well informed to decide
by the opinion of others, and too independent to need a caution against
undue influence.

Of a very different nature, tho' only one degree better than the other
reasoning, is all that sublimity of _nonsense_ and _alarm_, that has been
thundered against it in every shape of _metaphoric terror_, on the subject
of a _bill of rights_, the _liberty of the press_, _rights of conscience_,
_rights of taxation and election_, _trials in the vicinity_, _freedom of
speech_, _trial by jury_, and a _standing army_. These last are
undoubtedly important points, much too important to depend on mere paper
protection. For, guard such privileges by the strongest expressions, still
if you leave the legislative and executive power in the hands of those who
are or may be disposed to deprive you of them--you are but slaves. Make an
absolute monarch--give him the supreme authority, and guard as much as you
will by bills of rights, your liberty of the press, and trial by jury;--he
will find means either to take them from you, or to render them useless.

The only real security that you can have for all your important rights
must be in the nature of your government. If you suffer any man to govern
you who