7294. REPUBLIC, Definition of.—[continued].
The first shade from this
pure element, which, like that of pure vital
air, cannot sustain life of itself, would be where
the powers of the government, being divided,
should be exercised each by representatives
chosen either pro hoc vice, or for such short
terms as should render secure the duty of expressing
the will of their constituents. This
I should consider as the nearest approach to
a pure republic, which is practicable on a large scale of country or population. And
we have examples of it in some of our State
constitutions, which, if not poisoned by priestcraft,
would prove its excellence over all mixtures
with other elements; and, with only
equal doses of poison, would still be the best.—
To John Taylor. Washington ed. vi, 605.
Ford ed., x, 29.
(M.
1816)
