Page:Inquiry into the Principles and Policy of the Government of the United States.djvu/570

558 explaining the qualities or principles necessary to make those cheeks, balances or middle orders; or considering the influence upon this theory, from armies, patronage, corruption, the poverty of a nominal middle order, or the enormous wealth of a separate interest. Had Tacitus undertaken to recommend the government of the Emperors to the Romans, he would in like manner have used the terms consul, senate, patrician, plebeian; and by suppressing the qualities of these orders, he might have easily proved, that a limited monarchy existed under the Roman emperors, as well checked, balanced and provided with middle orders, as that existing under the corrupt system of England.

As governments change, names represent different things, but are often retained to gull prejudice and varnish tyranny. For this end, the names of senate, consul aud patrician remained in Rome. For this end, the name "parliament" remains in England. In neither case, was "free and moderate government" preserved; and in both, oppression was the effect of real changes under old names. Mr. Adams has even called the English form of government republican;" but if the United States should slide into it for that reason, they would act as the Athenians would have acted, by giving to Clitomachus (who had been brauded with infamy) the command of an army, because his name signified "illustrious warrior."

The hooks of fraud and tyranny, are universally baited with melodious words. "Passive obedience" was a bait. sacrilegiously drawn from scripture. "Church and state," from a fear of popery. "Checks and balances, and publick faith and credit," are still more musical baits, and however harshly patronage, corruption, paper stock and standing armies," may at first sound, even these words are at length thought by some to contain much secret harmony.

Fine words are used to decoy, and ugly words to affright. "Security to private property" is attractive. "Invasion