Page:The American Democrat, James Fenimore Cooper, 1838.djvu/89

Rh This social inequality of America is an unavoidable result of the institutions, though nowhere proclaimed in them, the different constitutions maintaining a pro- found silence on the subject, they who framed them probably knowing that it is as much a consequence of civilized society, as breathing is a vital function of animal life.

ON THE DUTIES OF STATION.

The duties of station are divided into those of political or public station, and those of social, or private station. They are not necessarily connected, and shall be considered separately.

ON THE DUTIES OF PUBLICK OR POLITICAL STATION.

By the duties of publick station, we understand those of the private citizen, as well as those of the citizen who fills a publick trust. The first lie at the root of the social compact, and are entitled to be first enumerated.

On the manner in which the publick duties of the private citizen are discharged, in a really free government, depend the results of the institutions. If the citizen is careless of his duties, regardless of his rights, and indifferent to the common weal, it is not difficult to foresee the triumph of abuses, peculation and frauds. It is as unreasonable to suppose that the private servant who is not overlooked, will be faithful to his master, as to suppose that the publick servant who is not watched, will be true to his trusts. In both cases