Page:Memoir upon the negotiations between Spain and the United States of America which led to the treaty of 1819.djvu/128

 118

��to posts of authority in the Republick, and this is the pri'icipal object of their emulation and fortune. The democrats wish for the establishment of an Agrarian law, an equality of fortunes, and an abso- lute confusion of classes; but not being able to ac- complish it to the extent of their wishes, they make the greatest efforts to occupy the places of highest honour and profit; and as they embrace the multitude in their number, they carry every' thing before them in elections, when the federalists do not exert all their influence and power, to prevent, or neutralize at least, the frenzy of the popular party, and re- strain their unbounded excess and corruption. The system of the federalists consists in giving the prin- cipal posts and authority to meritorious persons, and such as enjoy estates and considerable fortunes, distinguished for their character and talents — cir- cumstances which are seldom found united except in those of their party: hence, then, proceeds the origin of their opposition to the democrats, who la- bour to concenter every thing in adventurers and those who belong to their faction; and since the elevation of Jefferson to the Presidency, their tri- umph has been complete, and it continues with lit- tie difference under the present President, for the federalists have shown themselves passive or indif- ferent, abandoning themselves to a sort of apathy.

�� �