Monarchies and Republics [pp. 146-156]

MONARCHIES AND REPUBLICS.
its real fitness and just title be. That contest has been going on
ever since men were awake to the necessity of establishing laws,
and submitting to them for the purpose of protection and improvement, and will only cease with the dismemberment of society. History shows, that monarchy, with all her odious
features, contains more of vitality than republic-its efficiency
being based upon practical human nature, i. e., such as it is, not
such as it ought to be and might be, it establishes in laws and
customs guardians of the public weal,- which in a republic are
found in the public voice. As soon, therefore, as public opinion
has become corrupted, the foundations of republican society are
undermined, and its laws are without support. While virtue and
integrity presides at the councils of a nation, republic and monarchy are alike safe, but the downfall of organization is retarded
in the latter by rigid laws, while in the former, it is opposed by
nothing but an empty name and a hollow boast.
I have said, that the Republic of the lUnited States is rapidly
approaching the fulfillment of the catastrophe-if any proof was
needed, the last war would amply furnish it. After an independent existence of but 80 years, its dissolution was attempted
upon that very principle, for which the connection with the
mother-country had been severed, and there was not honest conviction and republican spirit enough in the country to break down
the rebellion, right or wrong, by the strong arm of native patriots,
but the condottieri and landsknechte of Europe were allured by
money and the rights, the prosperity and the happiness of an
earnestly, if mistakenly resisting nationality forever crushed by
the brutal ferocity of the domestic slave. The time has not yet
come to open the eyes of Europe to those facts-false reports of
Northern strength and Northern magnanimity, as well as slanders
against a fallen foe, still are successfully keeping the nations of
the world in the dark-the result is seen, and the name of rebel
makes odious in the sight of loyal Europe a gifted and spirited
race. And still there is a growing tendency in favor of republican institutions in the monarchies of the old continent, and
will continue to grow, until, at no remote time a tremendous
crash will expose the hollowness of the political fabric.:
Prior experiments have, however, taught the nations 6f Europe
the necessity of caution and orderly proceeding. There is no
undue haste-still the under-current is strongo enough to call for
a modification of the monarchical institutions. Nations, like in dividuals have their phases, and great statesmen are the teachers
of mankind-they catch from the lips of the stammering child,
from the ardent enthusiasm of the impatient youth, and from the
ripe experience of the thoughtful lman, the leading ideas which
pervade their souls, and make history the receptacle of lessons of
truth; they form, improve and mould it into that shape, which
may suit the necessities of the time and become the staff of gen erations yet unborn.
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