3530. GOVERNMENT, Objects of.—[further continued].
The equal rights of
man, and the happiness of every individual,
are now acknowledged to be the only legitimate
objects of government. Modern times
have the signal advantage, too, of having
discovered the only device by which these
rights can be secured, to wit: government by
the people, acting not in person, but by representatives
chosen by themselves, that is to
say, by every man of ripe years and sane
mind, who either contributes by his purse or
person to the support of his country.—
To M. Coray. Washington ed. vii, 319.
(M.
1823)
