Whilst it is universally admitted, that a well instructed people alone can be permanently a free people; and whilst it is evident, that the means of diffusing and improving useful knowledge, form so small a proportion of the expenditures for national purposes, I cannot presume it to be unreasonable, to invite your attention to the advantages of super-adding to the means of education provided by the several states, a seminary of learning, instituted by the national legis. lature, within the limits of their exclusive jurisdiction; the expence of which might be defrayed, or reimbursed out of the vacant grounds which have accrued to the nation within those limits.

"Such an institution, though local in its legal character, would be universal in its beneficial effects. By enlightening the opinions, by expanding the patriotism, and by assimilating the principles, the sentiments, and the manners of those who might resort to this temple of science, to be re-distributed, in due time, through every part of the community; sources of jealousy and prejudice would be diminished, the features of na

tional character would be multiplied, and greater extent given to social harmony. But above all, a well continued seminary, in the centre of the nation, is recommended by the consideration, that the additional instruction emanating from it, would contribute no less to strengthen the foundations, than to adorn the structure, of our free and happy system of government."

It is a lamentable consideration, that too many infantile tories are manufactured in our colleges, where they receive anti-republican impressions, which time can never erase. Should not our state legislature at least attempt to eradicate this growing evil? I am persuaded that the deformity of aristocracy and monarchy, should be continually exhibited to the juvenile minds of our youth; their speeches, their lessons, and in short their school-books in general, (which too often savour of toryism,) should display in the most engaging language, the beauty and utility of republicanism. The conduct and case of the celebrated Carthagenian

general, Hannibal, presents itself to consolidate this assertion, which I will take the liberty to transcribe from my "Flowers of Literature," third edition, page 156.

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Carthage, though corrupted, was not deficient in great men. Of all the enemies the Romans ever had to contend with, Hannibal, the Carthagenian, was the most inflexible and dangerous. His father Hamilcar, had imbibed an extreme hatred against the Romans, ano having settled the intestine troubles of his country, he took an early opportunity to inspire his son, though but nine years old, with his own sentiments. For this purpose, he ordered a solemn sacrifice to be offered to Jupiter; and leading his son to the altar, asked him whether he was willing to attend him in his expedition against the Romans. The courageous boy not only consented to go, but conjured his father, by the gods present, to form him. to victory, and teach him the art of conquering. That I will joyfully do, replied Hamilcar, and with all the care

of a father who loves you, if you will swear upon this altar. to be an eternal enemy to the Romans. Hannibal readily complied, and the solemnity of the ceremony, and the sacredness of the oath, made such an impression upon his mind, as nothing afterwards could ever efface.

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"Being appointed general at twentyfive years of age, he laid siege to Saguntum, a city of Spain, in alliance with the Romans. This breach of peace brought on the second Punic war, which was carried on with mutual bravery and animosity. And so equal was the fate of arms between them, that both parties triumphed by turns. Hannibal had greatly the advantage at first. He over-ran all Spain, and being bent on the ruin of the Roman state, he determined to carry the war into Italy."

This important duty of a patriotic legislature, has hitherto been too much neglected in the U. States, the evil effects of which will be experienced in following years, without it is in time remedied. What 1 consider the most in

excusable trait in the character of the friends of monarchy is, the little value they entertain for the lives of poor men; the loss of a thousand of whom would be esteemed trifling, when compared to the loss of a favourite horse; little do they think that man is consecrated to God, hence to oppress him, is to all intents and purposes, to infringe the rights of Deity. In what light must those poor, proud, capricious animals (called kings,) appear, in the sight of God, who hire out their subjects to murder and be murdered in the worst of causes, and for the worst of paymasters, perfectly regardless of the innocent blood that may be spilled, or lives lost? yet the middle ranks of people are taught to believe, that it is sedition or rebellion against the powers that be ordained of God, to disapprobate the governments of such kings!! they wish to hinder people even from thinking, but happily they have not the power; people will think, and they may think, of government as well as other things, particularly as their lives

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