6565. PEOPLE, Control by.—
Unless the mass retains sufficient control over those intrusted
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 Mr. Vander Kemp. Washington ed. vi, 45.
(M.
1812)
