of despotism, and they will not limit or diminish their own power. But here I must pause, and adopting the advice given by Horace* to a friend similarly employed, bring this sketch to a conclusion. "Principum amicitias, et arma * Odes, vol. 11. i. CHAPTER VII. APPLICATION OF THE FACTS CONTAINED IN THIS WORK. Value of the preceding history to Members of Parliament and the Republican party in Europe-The question considered whether a Republican Government, like that of America, can exist in England or France: Firstly. With reference to the history of the first attempt at colonization, and herein of the condition of America at the time-The people who made the experiment of settling at Massachusetts-Their peculiarities-No pre-existing monarchy, hierarchy, or nobility to contend with-Settlers not a military people-No mobs-Monarchy the oldest and most natural form of government in the world— Laws passed to regulate the price of labour Massachusetts was a federative body in miniature. Secondly. With reference to the period of the adoption of the federal constitution, and herein of general predisposition to rebellion-Immediate cause of revolution-The large republic possesses all the features of the first: 1st. The same vast territory; 2nd. People of one common origin and language; 3rd. No pre-existing monarchical institutions; 4th. No powerful neighbours; 5th. No poor; 6th. Important additions or changes; 7th. Universal toleration, in consequence of which there is danger of Romish ascendancy Growth of sectarianism and infinite dissent-American Episcopalian Church, its character, conduct, and growth- Republicanism favourable to spread of Popery-The error of the Jesuits in judging of it-State of Popery in purely Roman Catholic countries, and where Protestantism prevails - Permanent provision for President and Judges-High character of the Supreme Court of the United States-American mode of selecting judges recommended for colonies-Difference in power of English and American judges. Thirdly. Reasons why a republic cannot be successful in EnglandEffects of monarchy on society. Fourthly. Reasons why it cannot exist in France-Effect of first revolution in France-Restoration Return of nobles, clergy, and gentry-Actions of Bonaparte Final expulsion of the Bourbons-Louis Phillipe's conduct -Abdication—“ La petite Eglise"-—Puritanism and infidelity compared-They produce similar effectsRomanism in France and in the United States compared Extraordinary influence possessed by the Popish clergyPoverty of agricultural classes in France-Proper size of farms-Superiority of two Legislative Chambers over a single Assembly १ Downward tendency of democracy in France-Difference between Anglo-Saxon and Gallican races illustrated by California-Americans could not retain their institutions if France were evacuated for them, nor could the French, if possessed of America and its institutions, work the machinery or govern it successfully-Only sure basis of any government. THE foregoing chapters contain a mass of facts most useful for those who have a voice in the government of the colonies of Great Britain. They portray the history, condition, and fate of provinces planted by disaffected emigrants, in which the Church was unable, or neglected, to extend her beneficial influence, and where the State left republicanism to grow up to maturity, and bear the natural fruit of rebellion. At the same time, they show the condition and prospects of Canada, settled by Loyalists, distinguished alike for their intelligence and devoted attachment to the Crown, whose affections an unwise concession, hasty and inconsiderate legislation, and a fatal indulgence and patronage bestowed upon democracy, have alienated, without conciliating those whom they were intended to win. They exhibit also the spectacle of an abortive attempt at self-government, in which too much of the monarchical character of the constitution has been destroyed, and too little republicanism introduced into its place to satisfy either party; and consequently annexation, or independence, are canvassed or advocated with the same shameless insolence with which a less intelligent, but equally restless, faction in Dublin was permitted to disseminate treason, under the specious pretext of a repeal of the Union. To the democratic party in Great Britain and France, they furnish data by which they can test the accuracy of their theory, that that which has succeeded in the United States is equally applicable to them, and would be productive, on trial, of the same beneficial results. I do not propose to discuss at any length, the practicability of their adapting the American constitution to their condition. My object is to collect and arrange the facts, upon which it may be argued by those more immediately interested in it, who from living on the spot where they propose to try the experiment, and being conversant with what is passing before their eyes, are more competent for the task than I can be. An author of great and deserved celebrity says* no * De Tocqueville. |