Count the Cost - An Address to the People of Connecticut, On Sundry Political Subjects, and Particularly on the Proposition for a New Constitution
Daggett, David, 1764-1851
English
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Below is a summary of Count the Cost - An Address to the People of Connecticut, On Sundry Political Subjects, and Particularly on the Proposition for a New Constitution
COUNT THE COST.
AN
ADDRESS
TO THE
PEOPLE of CONNECTICUT,
ON
SUNDRY POLITICAL SUBJECTS,
AND
PARTICULARLY ON THE PROPOSITION FOR A NEW CONSTITUTION.
BY JONATHAN STEADFAST
1804
"However combinations or associations of the above description may now
and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and
things to become potent engines, by which cunning ambitions and
unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people, and
to usurp to themselves, the reins of government, destroying afterwards
the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion."
WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL ADDRESS.
AN ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE OF CONNECTICUT.
"FOR which of you intending to build a tower sitteth not down first and
counteth the cost?"
An interesting question is here asked by the direction of infinite
wisdom. This question contains the following useful and important
instruction: That no man or body of men should attempt the
accomplishment of any great object without duly estimating the evils and
benefits probably resulting from it. Such a rule of life and adopted and
adhered to would have prevented many schemes and projects which have
cost much, and which have been productive of nothing but the disgrace to
their authors and misery to the human race--it would induce men to obey
the dictates of experience rather than the dreams of enthusiasm, and
would 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 of
our government, to remove from office all our present rulers, and to
introduce a new order of things. To these innovations the people are
invited, allured and exhorted.--To effect these objects no pains are
spared--no exertions are omitted.
An important question here arises, viz. Would the accomplishment of the
object be worth the cost?--An individual who neither holds an office
nor seeks one--who can have nothing in view but the maintenance of that
order of things which shall most effectually promote public and private
happiness, and who has the same interest in the welfare of society as
the great body of his fellow citizens, requests the dispassionate
attention of the reader, while he considers this important subject. He
will use no weapon but truth and truth will be regarded by all except
those who love darkness rather than light.
To exhibit a correct view of the subject, it will be proper, first, to
enquire into the present condition of Connecticut, and secondly, to
examine the various plans or projects proposed for our adoption, and
estimate the probably cost attending them. We can then in the third
place 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 much
health, riches and prosperity as any people can rationally wish, seems
not to be doubted. Our natural advantages do not indeed promise such an
accumulation of wealth as might satisfy that avarice which like the
horse leach is constantly crying give--give--they are such however as
will in ordinary cases, ensure to industry an ample reward and this
should satisfy a virtuous mind.
The diffusion of knowledge is greater than in any other part of the
globe of equal dimensions. Such are the excellent provisions of our
laws, and the virtuous habits of our citizens, that schools of
instruction in all useful knowledge are to be found in every place where
they are needed. There is no village in this State which will not attest
to this fact. In various places also flourishing academies are
supported, in which the higher branches of science are taught, and our
College is at once our ornament and our pride. Religious instruction is
also brought almost to every man's door, so that none can justly
complain that they are denied the means of growing wiser and better. By
the liberality of the benevolent private libraries are every where found
which, with the other sources of information, evince the superiority of
our condition to that of any other people, in the means of gaining
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