Page:Inquiry into the Principles and Policy of the Government of the United States.djvu/537

Rh "A rotation of offices in the legislative and executive departments has many advocates, and, if practicable, might have many good effects. A law may be made that no man shall be governour, lieutenant governour, secretary, treasurer, counsellor, or representative, more than three years at a time, nor be again eligible until after an interval of three years."

"A constitution like this, of which the foregoing is a very imperfect plan, naturally introduces general knowledge into the community, and inspires the people with a conscious dignity becoming freemen. A general desire of reputation and importance among their neighbours, which cannot be obtained without some government of their passions, some good humour, good manners and good morals, takes place in the minds of men, and naturally causes general virtue and civility. That pride which is introduced by such a government among the people, makes them brave and enterprizing. That ambition which is introduced into every rank, makes them sober, industrious and frugal. You will find among them some elegance, but more solidity, a little politeness, but a great deal of civility, some pleasure, but much business."

"Let commissions run thus, ’Colony of North Carolina, to A. B. greeting, &c.' and be tested by the governour."

"Let writs run ’The Colony of &c. to the sheriff &c."

"Let indictments conclude ’against the peace of the Colony of North Carolina, and the dignity of the same’ or if you please ’against the peace of the thirteen united colonies."

"We have heard much of a continental constitution. I see no occasion for any but a Congress. Let that be made an equal and fair representative of the colonies, and let its authority be confined to three cases, war, trade and controversies between colony and colony. If a confederation was formed, agreed on in Congress, and ratified by the assemblies; these colonies, under such forms of govern-