3544. GOVERNMENT, Purity.—
A government
regulating itself by what is wise and
just for the many, uninfluenced by the local
and selfish views of the few who direct their
affairs, has not been seen, perhaps, on earth.
Or if it existed, for a moment, at the birth of
ours, it would not be easy to fix the term of
its continuance. Still, I believe it does exist
here in a greater degree than anywhere else;
and for its growth and continuance, * * *
I offer sincere prayers.—
To William Crawford. Washington ed. vii, 8.
Ford ed., x, 36.
(M.
1816)
