6621. PEOPLE, Self-government.—
The
panic into which the people were artfully
thrown in 1798, the frenzy which was excited
in them by their enemies against their
apparent readiness to abandon all the principles
established for their own protection,
seemed for awhile to countenance the opinions
of those who say they cannot be trusted
with their own government. But I never
doubted their rallying; and they did rally
much sooner than I expected. On the whole,
that experiment on their credulity has confirmed
my confidence in their ultimate good
sense and virtue.—
To Judge Tyler. Washington ed. iv, 549.
(W.
1804)
