Page:The American Democrat, James Fenimore Cooper, 1838.djvu/168

162 is untrue as to fact, and the last is opposed to all the principles of arbitration, as nothing was placed at the decision of the English government. The case is a recent proof of the vigilance that is necessary to keep publick opinion independent of foreign domination.

Opinion is the moving power of this country, and it would be extreme weakness to suppose that other nations, which are ever ready to lavish their treasure and to shed their blood, in order to effect their purposes, would neglect means so sure, easy and noiseless, as that of acting on the common mind. The danger of evil from this source will increase with the growing power of the country, or, as her policy will be likely to influence foreign interests, in a ratio proportioned to her strength and wealth.

No nation can properly boast of its independence while its opinion is under the control of foreigners, and least of all, a nation with institutions dependant on the popular will.

ON CIVILIZATION.

Civilization means a condition of society that is the opposite of the savage, or barbarous state. In other languages this term is more strictly applied to the arts of life, than in the English, in which we are more apt to associate with it the moral condition of a country.

England stands at the head of modern civilization, as a whole, although many countries surpass her in particular parts. The higher tastes of England are not as refined and cultivated, perhaps, as those of Italy and France, but the base of society is infinitely more advanced.