easoning; it is the best, however, which I am prepared to
offer on this momentous business; and, since my own heart does not
reproach me, I shall not be very solicitous about its reception. If truth,
then, is permitted to speak, the mass of the people of America (any more
than the mass of other countries) cannot judge with any degree of
precision concerning the fitness of this New Constitution to the peculiar
situation of America; they have, however, done wisely in delegating the
power of framing a government to those every way worthy and
well-qualified; and, if this Government is snatched, untasted, from them,
it may not be amiss to inquire into the causes which will probably
occasion their disappointment. Out of several, which present to my mind, I
shall venture to select _one_, baneful enough, in my opinion, to work this
dreadful evil. There are always men in society of some talents, but more
ambition, in quest of _that_ which it would be impossible for them to
obtain in any other way than by working on the passions and prejudices of
the less discerning classes of citizens and yeomanry. It is the plan of
men of this stamp to frighten the people with ideal bugbears, in order to
mould them to their own purposes. The unceasing cry of these designing
croakers is, My friends, your liberty is invaded! Have you thrown off the
yoke of one tyrant to invest yourselves with that of another? Have you
fought, bled and conquered for _such a change_? If you have--go--retire into
silent obscurity, and kiss the rod that scourges you.

To be serious: These state empirics leave no species of deceit untried to
convince the unthinking people that they have power to do--what? Why truly
to do much mischief, and to occasion anarchy and wild uproar. And for what
reason do these political jugglers incite the peaceably disposed to such
extravagant commotions? Because until the people really discover that they
have _power_, by some outrageous act, they never can become of any
importance. The misguided people never reflect during this frenzy, that
the moment they become riotous, they renounce, from that moment, their
independence, and commence vassals to their ambitious leaders, who
instantly, and with a high hand, rob them of their consequence, and apply
it to their own present or future aggrandisement; nor will these tyrants
over the people stick at sacrificing _their_ good, if an advantageous
compromise can be effected for _themselves_.

Befo