Produced by John Orcutt
AN
ADDRESS
TO THE
PEOPLE of CONNECTICUT,
ON
SUNDRY POLITICAL SUBJECTS,
1804
"However combinations or associations of the above description may nowand then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time andthings to become potent engines, by which cunning ambitions andunprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people, andto usurp to themselves, the reins of government, destroying afterwardsthe very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion."
"FOR which of you intending to build a tower sitteth not down first andcounteth the cost?"
An interesting question is here asked by the direction of infinitewisdom. This question contains the following useful and importantinstruction: That no man or body of men should attempt theaccomplishment of any great object without duly estimating the evils andbenefits probably resulting from it. Such a rule of life and adopted andadhered to would have prevented many schemes and projects which havecost much, and which have been productive of nothing but the disgrace totheir authors and misery to the human race—it would induce men to obeythe dictates of experience rather than the dreams of enthusiasm, andwould drive from the world a species of wisdom which is indeed folly.
An attempt is now making in this State to change the vital principles ofour government, to remove from office all our present rulers, and tointroduce a new order of things. To these innovations the people areinvited, allured and exhorted.—To effect these objects no pains arespared—no exertions are omitted.
An important question here arises, viz. Would the accomplishment of theobject be worth the cost?—An individual who neither holds an officenor seeks one—who can have nothing in view but the maintenance of thatorder of things which shall most effectually promote public and privatehappiness, and who has the same interest in the welfare of society asthe great body of his fellow citizens, requests the dispassionateattention of the reader, while he considers this important subject. Hewill use no weapon but truth and truth will be regarded by all exceptthose who love darkness rather than light.
To exhibit a correct view of the subject, it will be proper, first, toenquire into the present condition of Connecticut, and secondly, toexamine the various plans or projects proposed for our adoption, andestimate the probably cost attending them. We can then in the thirdplace form a just opinion of the propriety of the proposed changes.
The condition of Connecticut first claims our attention.
That our climate, soil and situation are such as to insure as muchhealth, riches and prosperity as any people can rationally wish, seemsnot to be doubted. Our natural advantages do not indeed promise such anaccumulation of wealth as might satisfy that avarice which like thehorse leach is constantly crying give—give—they are such however aswill in ordinary cases, ensure to industry an ample reward and thisshould satisfy a virtuous mind.
The diffusion of knowledge is greater than in any other part of theglobe of equal dimensions. Such are the excellent pro