first shape, it is able to produce a monarchy in disguise; in
the second, its factions are perishing. Exercised by various
transitory bodies of men, it produces no fraudulent party
combinations, because such bodies escape both from vice
and rancour, as a cloud escapes from view; and the happy
divisions of our government, bestow an opportunity to disperse a tumour, constituting a species of accumulation of
power, of the most acrid nature, in relation to our principle of division, in all its applications. Accumulated, patronage becomes the real legislator of a nation, under whatever forms laws are constructed; and secrecy, both legislative and executive, draws over its operations a dark cloud,
through which a combination of intellect and opportunity
only can penetrate. Pretexts for this secrecy can never be
wanting, when philosophers have represented the principle
as a valuable attribute of monarchy, by inventing a theory
of its usefulness, without contemplating the real objects
exposed to view, whenever time has torn off the veil, under
which kings, priests and statesmen, modestly pretend to
conceal their virtues. Are these gentlemen less inclined to
boast without merit, or to disclose their virtues, than others,
because they can pay flatterers without disgrace, and repel
contempt by power? If so, there is some reason for bestowing upon their humility that confidence, which consigns the
fate of nations to the exclusive custody of governments, and
subverts the entire political structure erected upon the principle of self government, and the sovereignty of the people,
Secrecy is good for conquest, say its advocates. Let nations
who wish to be free, remember that freedom cannot exist,
except by controlling the conquests of their own governments
at home. Patronage and secrecy united, are daily carrying
some of their defences. Conquest abroad is rare, and no
compensation for conquest at home. Algernon Sydney (an
author, who stands as a witness, that talents and truth may
be outfaced by ignorance and errour) has proved that the
ardour of conviction, is preferable even in war, to the apathy of secrecy, If this ardour is too strong for discipline,
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THE LEGAL POLICY OF THE U. STATES.
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