Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/301

 the most salutary amendments; and then asks, ^^ Is this, sir, an easy mode of securing the pubhc hberty? It is, sir, a most fearful situation, when the most contemptible minority can prevent the alteration of the most oppressive government: for it may, in many respects, prove to be such. Is this the spirit of republicanism? What, sir, is the genius of democracy? Let me read that clause of the bill of rights of Virginia, which relates to this : 3d Art ' That government is, or ought to be, instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation, or community; of all the various modes and forms of government, that is best which is capable of producing the greatest degree of happiness and safety, and is most effectually secured against the dan- ger of maladministration; and that whenever any govern- ment shall be found inadequate, or contrary to these purposes, a majority of the community hath an indubi- table, unalienable, and indefeasible right to reform, alter, or abolish it, in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public weal.^ This, sir, is the language of democracy; that a majority of the community liave a right to alter their government when found to be oppressive; but how different is the genius of your new constitution from this? How different from the senti- ments of freemen, that a contemptible minority can prevent the good of the majority? If then, gentlemen standing on this ground, are come to that point, that they are willing to bind themselves and their posterity to be oppressed, / am amazed, and inexpressibly astonisJied! If this be the opinion of the majority, I must submit; but to me, sir, it appears perilous and destructive; I cannot help thinking so; perhaps it may be the result of my age; these may be feelings natural to a man of my years, when the American spirit has

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