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THE REFLECTOR.
VOL. I.
MILLEDGEVILLE, G. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1817.
NO. 3.
MISCELLANY.
A PEEP IN 10 FUTURITY.
»t m. nr. n>n.
The United States have been free and indepen
dent 34 years,* and they hnve made great acqui
sitions in territory, in population, ana in wealth.
Their growth has been extremely rapid ; they
embrace an immense surface : and the principle
or spring which produces this increase, still con
tinues in full vigor: in a word, such has been
their progress, that history presents nothing e-
qual to it among a young people, cither in ancient
or modern times.
It cannot, therefore, be otherwise than interes
ting to investigate the probable consequences of
their advancement.
At the first glance, the leading effect of the pros
perity of the United States would appear to be
a tendency to divide the whole of America into
two parts, one of which, that of the north, will
bear the same character ns the United States and
that of the inhabitants'of the north of Europe;
and the other will preserve the characteristics <*■'
Spaniards and those of the people of the south.
Canada and Acadie (or Nova Scotia) partake
of the manners of the English. The United
Stata^jjthemselves are an England in America,
anr^.en something more than England ; for, in
stituted later than her, they have been able, by
taking advantage of the lights of their age, to c
rect themselves upon a better foundation than that
of England, although the best in Europe, but
■which was the result of times less enlightened
than those in which the United States were foun
ded. This great northern division of America
will, therefore, act under the influence of the cus
toms and the civilization of the people of the
north of Europe. On the other hand, all the se
cond division, peopled from the southern parts of
Europe, wifi remain under the influence of the
manners of the south of Europe.—The dominion
will be changed, but their customs and their
roanners'will remain ; and, in the end, it is man
ners and customs that fix the destiuies uf nations
America, then, will be divided into two zones of
manners, morals, and customs, as Europe is di
vided into two zones of climate, of manners, and
of religion.
Since the year 1778, the territory of the United
States has quadrupled, the population has in
creased three-fold, and their commerce and nav
igation have multiplied still more considerably
the American flag is to be found every where
Except that of England, it asserts a pre-eminence
over the flags of all the other nations of Europe
even in their own ports. This is a real encroach
ment.
The population of the United States, on the
Istof October, 1816, amounted to,
Whilesf 7,000,000
Bl»rl* j 1,6.50,000
Their exportations, which, in 1794)
were only g 33^)26,123
Amounted, in 1806, to 101,536,960
Their merchant vessels, to 12,000
Their revenue to g 25,000,000
Surplus, 5,500,000
Their annual expenditures to 19,5oo,ooo
If a little more than thirty-six years have suf
ficed to produce this result, what will jt he at the
end of one hundred, or of two hundred years ?
For America, the future is incalculable ; "site is
evidently destined to change the face of the
world.
Following the calculations of Franklin—calcu
lations which have been realized—the population
of the United States ought to double every twen -
ty-two years. Let an estimate be made, if pos
sible, of the effects of a few periods of this pro
gression; it must be reckoned by hundreds of mil
lions of men. (1) Nothing can arrest it; the
circumstances which created the first million will
create the last; and these circumstances are, the
ease with which subsistence is obtained, and the
occupations of commerce and industry, which
will augment for them those productions which
will benefit all the nations of the globe. By the
laws of communication established between tliem,
every advantage, which each one acquires, will
become common to all the rest. Thus, when in
dependence has vivified South America, the Uni
ted States will associate'themselves to its pros
perity, by taking part in her commerce, and will
direct towards that section of the American con
tinent thousands of vessels, which are excluded
by its present state of dependence. For exam
ple, the more that Russia prospers, the more the
United States will convey thither and bring from
thence, and they will prosper with her. It is in
tliis action and re-action, this flux and re-flux, of
relations and exchanges, which multiply the ac
tivity, and, by that means, the population and
riches of a country. The United States, there
fore, will profit of the prosperity of the world at
large, and will know how to turn it to account.
The sourced"her grow th, as is seen, is great and
abundanM^k
^ If tbePHR has found it difficult to sustain the
^ weight ofmghteen millioimmif Englishmen, seek
ing every where for powers the means of secur.
jog commerce, and pursuing commerce ns tli e
means of securing power) what will it do under
the burden of an infinite number of Americans,
put in mution by the same motives, placed Le-‘
yond the sphere of those disheartening obstacles
which prevail in Europe, and thus freed, in a great
measure, from the leading strings, or from ideas
which restrain the development of enterprise a-
mong the Europeans ? The American is not an
American of America, but an American of Eng
land ; and Englishman, pure and verified, who
retains, in moving front his country, the courage,
the spirit, the activity, the aptitude for labor—
and for those affairs which, in Europe, distinguish
the blood from which he sprung. The American
is directed by instinct towards the ocean ; to
wards commerce 8c navigation ; 8c it is there that
he will open for himself a grand career, he has
yielded to the native impulses of his blood, which
carry him towardsevery maritime and commercial
occupation. What has been said of the Hollan
ders may be said of the Americans—“ Let com
merce augment, and it will increase the Dutch
men.”
The United States have acquired Louisiana:
they have extended themselves prodigiously be
yond the Apalachian mountains, and stretch to
wards the coasts of the South-Sea. On the north,
their establishments flank Mexico : it is not to he
doubted that they will push the frontiers of Loui
siana to the great river del Norte. When Eng
land possessed the United States, she was careful
to join to tliein^Acadie (or Nova Scotia) by the
peace of Utrecht, in 1713 ; and Florida by that
of 1760. By this double annexation, England
completed the occupation of all the eastern snores
of America, from the gulfof Mexico to the river
St. Lawrence, and at the same period she gained
dominion over Canada. She thus removed the
inconvenience of having, upon two extremities of
her colonies, the possessions of a foreign power
or an enemy : she re-united these two arms to the.
United States, and fulfilled the design traced out
by nature.
The same plan will not escape the vigilance of
the United States, They have already begun to
occupy the Floridas; and with respect to Acadie
(Nova Scotia) and Canada, the United States al
ways keep in view two things—their separation
from England by independence or by conquest.
The slender population of the U. States lias hither
to preserved these possessions ; but when its in-,
crease shall have placed at theif doors an enormous
mass ofAmerican citizens,how willEngland defend
herself against them ? The day on which the U. S
shall be able to set on foot an army of fifty thou
sand men, Acaide (Nova Scotia) and Canada
will cease to belong to the English. These lat
ter will find themselves, with respect to the A'
mericans, in a situation similar tc that in which
in former days, they found themselves with re
gard to France. The English will be in Cana Ja
as they were in France, Whilst they retained
possession of Guienne or Normandy ; as the
Swedes were in Finland, after the foundation of
St. Petersburg ; but with this difference, that
Guienne and Finland are situated at no great
distance from England and Sweden, whilst the
United States are adjacent to to Canada, and
England is a thousand leagues off.
We must add to this first consideration that of
the relative expense which a war would occasion
to the two countries : It is obvious that every
war is Vmerica, in Canada, will cost England
infinitely more than it would the U. States. It
would be matter of curiosity to ascertain what
tne Inst Canadian war cost the British govern
ment.
It' is, then, demonstrated, that the United
States, or American confederation, will govern
all the north of America.
In this confederation, what will become of them
Will they remain united and republican ? Are
they destined to falsify the principles of antiqui
ty, which assign a period to the existence of all
republics of sucli immense extent ?
tiois. This science presents a field where enter-tlieir operation. We are too generally disposed
prise can find objects worthy of its noblest efforts,
where ambition may receive the sanction ami re
wards uf virtue, ftnd where invention can em
ploy itaelf without end. The diffusion ofa spirit
of scientific agriculture throughout our country
would contribute much to give simplicity to, the
manners, and manliness to the feelings of our
citizens. It would a.ford new securities to pub
lic virtue, and Would fortify and elevate our pat
riotism. Such reflections as these are naturally
excited *by the success of the experiment which
lias bpen recently made by the Massachusetts,
‘gricultural Society.—They have called to the
d of the object of their patronage the excite
ments of personal competition, and all those so
cial and festive feelings from which every end of
human pursuit may derive wonderful assistance.
We congratulate them upon the auspicious ap
pearances of their interesting experiment, anti
cannot but hope that other States will be induced
to imitate it.
* Ufctc l*r»clt reckons from the peace of 1782-5.
f 'im total of the population of the United States in
the year 1810, according to the census «f that period,
amounted to 7,239,903. M. de Pradt allows, therefore,
for the increase of six years 1,410,097. This estimate is,
we think, rather under, than over rated.
(1) Table of the probable increase of population in the U
States during a period of sixty-nine years which is equal
to two generations.
In 1817, 8,650,000 souls
In 1840, 17,300,000
In 1863, 34,600,000
hi 1885, 69,200,000
Continuing this estimate,wc should
find, in 1919 138,400,»oo
Or, tour-fifths of the population of Enropc.
The annual increase of the whites is shout two hundred
.and ten thousand, accruing solely from internal causes ;
for emigrations produce to the United 9tates scarcely four
thousand souls yearly, and nearly an equal number leave
file country, to go and establish themselves in Canada or
elsewhere.
HON THK SNITCH WATCHMAN.
The increased attention which has been recent
ly excited in New-England to the subject of ai_
nculture, constitutes an interesting era in our
history. Public enterprizc shou’d select no oh
ject more directly connected with public liappi
ness than the estulishment of societies, festivals
and rewards, for the honour and encouragement
of Agriculture. No exertions should be spared
and no expedient should be left untried to make
this object popular. That man is a public bene
factor who makes two spears of grass to grow
where but one grew before, and the gratitude of
future generations should crown the memory of
him who first established a society for the promo
tion of this oldest and best of sciences. Tiler
is no object of public interest which it is so inv
purfant to surround with artificial honours and so
cial embellishments. There is none which needs
so much the attractions which popularity can giv
to it, and none which can better support, altlmu_
it seldom receives, the dignity and graces which
follow public distinction.
The wealth and enterprise of this country as of
every other, are drawn off and wasted in the chan
nets of corruption and luxury, without adding
any thing to our national strength or happiness
Whatever tends to divert their courses to an ob
ject so valuable as agriculture, should be festered
and encouraged. This vital principle of our
country’s growth should be shelte.cd with all the
vigilance and jealousy of patriotism. Its guar
dianship should not be entrusted to the hands of
labuur and poverty. Jt should call into exercise
the energies of individual talent, the resources of
learning, and all the aids of public patronage and
private munificence.
Other sciences have been indebted for their
growth to the love of fame, which actuates their
followers, and have flourished in the same ratio
in which they have been fashionable. Nothing
therefore but public distinction is wanting to give
to agriculture the strong impulse of private emula
EDUCATION.
FROM R1LKS* HKQtSTBM,
Respectfully addressed to Thomas Jefferson and James
Madison, past Presidents of the U. States.
It 13 not a common occasion, venerable fathers
f the republic, that could induce me to prefix
your' names to a public address. In my estima
tion, there is something in it that they may make
me liable to be considered indiscreet, if not im
pertinent, by some who will not take the trouble
to ascertain whether I am influenced by an hon
est intention, or not. Iain unwilling to be sus
pected of either of these, towards you—and vet
when I regard the va-t importance (in my opin
ion) of the matter that I have to propose, and
feel the weakness of my powers to press it upon
you as I think it deserves, I am truly humbled.
There is no affectation in tliis—several gentlemen
in the United States can produce evidence in my
own hand-writing, that I have long entreat
ed them to undertake that which I am now
about fo do—they have unanimously, and in very
flattering terms, approved of the project, while
they referred it back to myself, calling upon me
to lay it before you and my countrymen, for con
sideration, Thus situated, the only alternative
is to abandon one of the fondest wishes of my
heart, or to attempt to excite an interest in fa
vour of it.
There are very few men that live for them
selves, or belong to themselves, only. Some iso
lated individuals, like specks in the great ocean
are so barren of ought that is good, as to exempt
them from this general remark : but we belong to
out; families—to neighborhoods—to counties—to
states—to nations and to the world, according to
our different abilities to serve the human race.—
Hardly any man’s character or talents arc entire
ly his own—they are the property of the circle
within which he moves : aiul every one mav be
respectively called upon to exbrt them for the
common benefit of his sphere.
Impressed with these sentiments, I am about to
invite you to lend to the people of the United
States, (to whom it belongs) the weight of your
talents and character to influence the education of
their children—to teach them, not only the reve
rence due to their Creator in the days of tliei
youth, and the necessity of a due observance of
the moral law, hut to impress upon their tender
minds an uncxtinguishable love of country and a
profound respect for its republican institutions ;
so that,ns they come to maturity, they mayproud-
ly feel that they are men ;—and acknowledge no
superior but God and the law.
“ Delightful task to rear the tender thought,
“ And teach the young idea ho\v to shoot.”
I have exerted myself a little, according to the
ability afforded, anil I trust not without some pro
fit, to build up a national character—but “ the
work is great and the laborers are few.” I am
much encouraged, however, by the belief that a
proud monument is erecting in the hearts of my
countrymen, sacred to freedom ; pledged to per
petuate the principles of the revolution, and to
preserve inviolate those of our invaluable system
of government. In this glorious edifice, I would
entomb party distinctions, whenever the repub
lic should be assailed. “ A difference of opinion
is not always a difference of principle,” as to the
choice of men and measures ; but I sincerely de
precate the unsafe state of tilings which must in
evitably grow out of a too easy yielding up of our
it intel-
wills to the wills of others. A manly an
ent opposition is the life of liberty—without it,
the most active and generous form of government
will sink into a dangerous calm, the precursor of
unprincipled faction, or finished despotism :"but
there is a point at which opposition ought to cense,
and “ all. at the call of the law, should rally round
the standard of the law, and unite in common
efforts for the common good.” But how is this
point—this most important, most essential point,
to be discovered, in the bustle of party and phren-
zy of faction ? I can see no othefc.way than thro’
an appeal to the hearts and consciences of men—
and as these are much moO(Eded by education,
“ for as the twig is bent the tree’s inclined,” how
interesting is it that that education should he pro
perly conducted !—that its elementarv principled
should lead to a love ami inspire a pride nfcpfln-
try! Like a rock, planted by the Eternal rn the
great deep, it will fesist the buffetings of nations,
or bear the eagle-banner to the mountains’tops,
if the t allies, and plains should bow to the oppres
sor. But you, gentlemen, require none of my ar
guments to convince you of these things.
Our nation is young—we are but just separated
from a country whose rule of action and habits
of thinking are much the reverse of what our>
should be. -We have not yet had time, perhaps,
to ascertain all that is needful to us in our nation
al capacity; and it is hard to break through old
rules, however erroneous they may appear to the
ifewthat trouble themselves tilth investigating
to do a tiling which our fathers did before us, >e-
■cause they did it; shrinking from the labor of ex*
nmiuing for ourselves. HenCe it is peculiarly the
duty of the few, when they observe that the" an
cient tract (though originally good) from time or
circumstances, ought Ho longer to be followed,
not only to expose its errors or imperfections, but
also to direct the many to anew one that niag|>
be travelled safely.
Much lias been accomplished by the general
devotion of the people—by a wise administration
of their pablic affairs, and by the cgurage and
skill of the army and navy of the United Slates,
to exalt the character of our countrymen: but
the pride which these have justly excited is not
yet fully rooted : the warm feelings of patriotism
that burst forth from such causes will be deaden*
ed as Time lays bis hand upon them, unless we
seize him by the forelock while we impart them
to our children. And this, in my opinion, can be
the most certainly done through our common
schools—in the very A. B. C. of manhood. 1 sir.
licit you to penetrate these, by giving to U3 two
or three elementary books, fitted to lead ourChil-
dren to moral and political truth and.virtue.
Without condemning eri masse the books gene
rally used in our schools, it may safely be said,
that for the false principles of men and tilings
which so much abound in the United States, we
are more indebted to the use of books carelessly
put into the hands of our youth, than to any
thing else. Many of them are expressly calcula
ted to inspire a belief in the “divine right of
kings,” and the train of silly notions that are
pendant on tliis grand algidity. These books,
if not always of foreign product, very generally
possess foreign feelings—for he must fear the lash
of criticism that dares to diverge from the line
laid down by our British masters in literature,
who rule as absolute in this department as they
once did in the political. We seek a new revo
lution, not less important, perhaps, in its conse
quences than that of 1776—a revolution in let
ters ; a shaking off the fetters of the mind : and,
like a political dismemberment from England, it
requires the wisest heads and able-t liar.as in the
re pubic. To effect it, it sceinS to me most need
ful that wc should begin with the establishment
of first principles ; which, as the Declaration of
Independence, shall be the base of nil the rest—
the common reference in cases of doubt and dif
ficulty.
Tne compilation of these books, from the abun
dant materials that may so easily be obtained,
with yoUr mutual judgment and nice discrimina
tion, would not much interfere with the repose
that you have so richly earned ;—and, stamped
with the authority of either of your nantta, would
instantly supercede most others used in our
schools. So great would be the confidence of
parents in those works, that they would unreserv
edly, direct them to be put into the hands of
their offspring, “ the hope of posterity assured)
that while their literary education, was accomplish
ing, they would nho learn their duty to them-
selves and their country, as men and citizens.—
1 he books that I would wish to see written or
compiled, arc, plainly, a spelling-book anil *
reading-book.
If I could suppose there was any thing in this
request derogatory to the dignity of your charac
ters, I entreat you to believe that I am one of the
last men in the United States that would prefer
it. On the contrary; and after the best reflection.
I could give to the subject, I have firmlv believed,
that such performances by you would have a
mighty effect to hand down your names to future
ages, as rivals for the fame of Socrates and Plato;
and give a finish to your reputation as philosophic
cal statesmen. It is the glory, the imperishablti
glory, of the greatest men of antiquity, that they
were the instructors of youth; that they taught
even as it were in the market place, those doc
trines which have given them to immortality, We
ask not this labor of you, venerable fathers— ne
only ask from you the introduction of a line of
principles by which nurchildren shall be taught.
All men will agree that you are competent—most
competent, to this ; and when the weight of your
character is superadded to the excellency of vnur
talents and the power of your acquirements, the
tout ensemble of the effort will be irresistible.—>
How can it be a falling off from the dignity of the
author of the Declaration of Independence, that
he was also the author of a plan to perpetuate its
inestimable principles?—or that he, under whose
administration his country rose into a blaze of glo
ry, in the shades of retirement devoted a part of
his leisure to keep the flame alive ?—that one who
had been twice elected chief magistrate of the re
public by the deliberate ballot of its citizen 1 -, and
who passed into the ranks of private life, after
two periods of service, with liis own free will,
felt himself inclined to lend his support to those
rules of action under which his country had pros
pered, amt he himself received the highest hon
ors that it was in the power of his couutrymen to
bestow? This applies to either of you, and the
request is made jointly, that you would under
take the things proposed.
One. more remark, ami I Imve done. This ad
dress is made publicly, because in my private
character I would not have presumed to hope to
induce a compliance with the request that isntade.
But, perhaps. I may have struck a string that is
in unison with the feelings of the people : if such
is my good fortune, success is almost certaiu—
for, it is my opinion, that neither of you will re
sist the general wish of your follow-citizens, in a
case like tliis.
With the most sincere desires, that the evening
of your days may be as happy as the dawn and
meridian ol your lives have been beneficial to vour
country, 1 am, your very respectful and grateful
friend.
t
FOR SALE,
A LIKELY Negro GIRL, between seventeen
*r ’
and eighteen year*: of age.
Printer.
Enquire of the
Nov, id.
