Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/303

 of a riot act in a country which is called one of the freest in the worlds where a few neighbours cannot assemble, without the risk of being shot by a hired soldiery, the engines of despotism. We may see such an act in America. A standing army we shall have also, to execute the execrable commands of tyranny: and how are you to punish them ? Will you order them to be punished? Who shall obey these orders? JVillyour mace-bearer be a match for a disciplined regiment? In what situation are we to be? The clause before you gives a power of direct taxation, unbounded and un- limited; exclusive power of legislation, in all cases whatsoever, for ten miles square; and over all places purchased for the erection offmis, magazines, arsenals, dock yards, 6^c. What resista^ice could be made? The attempt would be madness. You will find all the strength of this country in the hands of your enemies; those garrisons will naturally be the strongest places in the country. Your mihtia is given up to congress also, in another part of this plan; they will, therefore, act as they think proper; all power will be in their own possession; you cannot force them to receive their punishment.^^

He continued to ridicule very successfully the allur- ing idea of the expected splendour of the new govern- ment, and the imaginaiy checks and balances which were said to exist in this constitution: " If we admit,^"* said he, " this consolidated government, it will be be- cause we like a great splendid one. Some way or other we must be a great and mighty empire; we must have an army, and a navy, and a number of things! Wlien the American spirit was in its youth, the language of America was different: liberty, sir, was then the pri-

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