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Show 130 LIBERTY AND SLAVERY. Thus, for example, a Senator* of the United States declares that the democratic principle is "Equality of natural lights, guaranteed and secured to all by the iaws of a just, popu Jar gm·emment. For one, I desire to see that principle applied to every subject of legislation, no matter what that subject may be-to the great question involved in the resolution now before the Senate, and to every other question." Again, this principle is "the element and guarantee of liberty." Apply this principle, then, to every subject, to every question, and see what kind of government would be the result. All men have an equal right to freedom from restraint, and consequently all are made equally free. All have an equal right to the elective fmnchise, and to every political power and privilege. But suppose the government is designed for a State in which a large majority of the population is without the character, or disposition, or habits, or experience of freemen ? No matter: the equal rights of all are natural; and hence they should be applied in all cases, and to eve•·y possible "subject of legislation." The principle *Mr. Clm.se, of Ohio. AHGUMENTS OF ABOLITIONISTS. 131 of equality should reign everywhere, and mould every institution. Surely, after what has been said, no comment is nCC53SSary on a scheme so wild, on a dream so visionary. "As distant as heaven is from earth," says Montesquieu, "so is the true spirit of equality f.-om that of extreme equality." And just so distant is the Senatot in question, with all his adherents, from the true idea of civil and political freedom. The Senator thinks the conduct of Virginia "singular enough," because, in presenting a bill of rights to Congress, she omitted the provision of "her own bill of rights," "that all men are born* equally ft·ee and independent." We think she acted wisely. For, in truth and in deed, all men are born absolutely dependent, and utterly devoid of freedom. What right, wo ask, has the new-born infant? lias he the right to go where he pleases? lie has no power to go at all; and hence he has no more a right to go than he has to fly. lias he the right to think for himself? The power of thought is as yet wholly undeveloped. Has be the right to worship God according to his own conscience? lie bas no idea of God, nor of the • "By nature," in the Original Bill of Rights. |