Page:The American Democrat, James Fenimore Cooper, 1838.djvu/188

182, in which a native born citizen of the United States of America, the descendant of generations of Americans, has become the object of systematic and combined persecution, because he published a constitutional opinion that conflicted with the interests and passions of party, although having no connection with party himself; very many of his bitterest assailants being foreigners, who have felt themselves authorized to pursue this extraordinary course, as the agents of party!

No freeman, who really loves liberty, and who has a just perception of its dignity, character, action and objects, will ever become a mere party man. He may have his preferences as to measures and men, may act in concert with those who think with himself, on occasions that require concert, but it will be his earnest endeavour to hold himself a free agent, and most of all to keep his mind untrammelled by the prejudices, frauds, and tyrranny of factions.

ON INDIVIDUALITY.

Individuality is the aim of political liberty. By leaving to the citizen as much freedom of action and of being, as comports with order and the rights of others, the institutions render him truly a freeman. He is left to pursue his means of happiness in his own manner.

It is a curious circumstance, that, in endeavouring to secure the popular rights, an effect has been produced in this country totally opposed to this main object. Men have been so long accustomed to see