7307. REPUBLIC (American), Stability of.—
We can no longer say there is nothing
new under the sun. For this whole chapter
in the history of man is new. The great extent
of our Republic is new. Its sparse habi
tation is new. The mighty wave of public
opinion which has rolled over it is new. But
the most pleasing novelty is, its so quietly subsiding
over such an extent of surface to its
true level again. The order and good sense
displayed in this recovery from delusion, and
in the momentous crisis which lately arose
[election of President], really bespeak a
strength of character in our nation which
augurs well for the duration of our Republic;
and I am much better satisfied now of its
stability than I was before it was tried.—
To Dr. Joseph Priestley. Washington ed. iv, 374.
Ford ed., viii, 22.
(W.
March. 1801)
