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238 of our citizens. The weight of this burden is borne voluntarily and with great spirit. It is, however, heavy on the first settlers and yeomen who are planting and tilling more for the fruits and harvesters which will have ripened after their busy action shall be exhibited no more upon the fields, than for themselves. The whole complex moral need not be deduced, nor the many applications of such a view to our own duties here be made. It is enough to say that the worthy persons alluded to, may reasonably expect all the exemption and protection you may perceive to be consistent with their duties, which, of course, cannot but be in accordance with the common welfare, It may, therefore, be presumed while they are proceeding gradually in subduing the soil, conquering the climate, and subjecting the elements to the control of industry and mind, they may be left untrammeled by unnecessary governmental arrangement and severe exactions.
To continue the impulse of the prosperity we eminently enjoy, it cannot be doubted that it is necessary to cherish a solemn and unswerving respect for the rights of all the citizens, whether they may live in cabins on the frontier, or in such large and ostentation mansions as you can see around you. If any one can say, I am an American citizens and have been injured by foreign power, it seems proper to make as strong an effort for correction as will not compromise the general welfare, under the means which can be applied for individual and common defense.