04.06.2018 Views

The Peril of the Republic of the United States of America - Percy T. Magan

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Upon <strong>the</strong> fourth proposition regarding <strong>the</strong><br />

government <strong>of</strong> people by aliens, Jefferson spake<br />

words which for <strong>the</strong> truth <strong>the</strong>y contain, and <strong>the</strong><br />

modest simplicity <strong>the</strong>y manifest, must live forever.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re was formed in <strong>the</strong> year 1817 a French<br />

society, <strong>the</strong> members <strong>of</strong> which had it for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

purpose to settle near <strong>the</strong> Tombigbee River. This<br />

society invited Jefferson to formulate laws and<br />

regulations for <strong>the</strong>m. Replying, he expressed his<br />

appreciation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir feelings toward and<br />

confidence in him, but stated in effect that he could<br />

not conscientiously undertake <strong>the</strong> task. <strong>The</strong><br />

following are <strong>the</strong> reasons which he gave for thus<br />

declining:--<br />

“<strong>The</strong> laws, however, which must effect this<br />

must flow from <strong>the</strong>ir own habits, <strong>the</strong>ir own<br />

feelings, and <strong>the</strong> resources <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir own minds. No<br />

stranger to <strong>the</strong>se could possibly propose<br />

regulations adapted to <strong>the</strong>m. Every people have<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir own particular habits, ways <strong>of</strong> thinking,<br />

manners, etc., which have grown up with <strong>the</strong>m<br />

from <strong>the</strong>ir infancy, are become a part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

nature, and to which <strong>the</strong> regulations which are to<br />

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