3490. GOVERNMENT, Control of.—
Unless the mass retains sufficient control over those entrusted with the powers of their
government, these will be perverted to their
own oppression, and to the perpetuation of
wealth and power in the individuals and their
families selected for the trust. Whether our
Constitution has hit on the exact degree of
control necessary, is yet under experiment;
and it is a most encouraging reflection that
distance and other difficulties securing us
against the brigand governments of Europe,
in the safe enjoyment of our farms and firesides,
the experiment stands a better chance
of being satisfactorily made here than on
any occasion yet presented by history.—
To M. Van Der Kemp. Washington ed. vi, 45.
(M.
1812)
