3590. GOVERNMENTS (American), Republican.—[continued].
From the moment that to
preserve our rights a change of government
became necessary, no doubt could be entertained
that a republican form was most consonant
with reason, with right, with the freedom
of man, and with the character and situation
of our fellow citizens. To the sincere
spirit of republicanism are naturally associated
the love of country, devotion to its liberty,
its rights and its honor. Our preference to
that form of government has been so far
justified by its success, and the prosperity
with which it has blessed us.—
R. to A. Virginia Legislature. Washington ed. viii, 148.
(1809)
