But my
confidence is, that there will, for a long time, be virtue and good
sense enough in our countrymen, to correct abuses. We can surely boast
of having set the world a beautiful example of a government reformed by
reason alone, without bloodshed. But the world is too far oppressed to
profit by the example. On this side of the Atlantic, the blood of the
people has become an inheritance, and those who fatten on it, will
not relinquish it easily. The struggle in this country is, as yet,
of doubtful issue. It is, in fact, between the monarchy and the
parliaments. The nation is no otherwise concerned, but as both parties
may be induced to let go some of its abuses, to court the public favor.
The danger is, that the people, deceived by a false cry of liberty, may
be led to take side with one party, and thus give the other a pretext
for crushing them still more. If they can avoid the appeal to arms, the
nation will be sure to gain much by this controversy. But if that appeal
is made, it will depend entirely on the disposition of the army, whether
it issue in liberty or despotism.
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