After finishing
Chapter 5 of Gordon Wood’s Empire of Liberty; A History of the Early
Republic 1789-1815, I had to find “Washington’s Farewell Address” to read for myself, which used to be
required reading for public high school students. I had yet to read it. I wouldn’t have been
able to read it in high school, besides understand and appreciate its scholarship
(It used to be read in the U.S. Congress frequently, probably during filibusters);
however, I was awestruck by how much it meant to its author to publicize the
advice derived from his deeply committed concern for the welfare of the
infantile republic. I’m curious as to whether presidential
candidates would be able to identify their favorite parts.
I found much of it be useful for both our
major political parties to keep in mind.
The address emphasizes the importance of eliminating debt during peace
times, and revenue. He also names religion and morality as
indispensible supports to free republics, and the primary importance of
institutions to diffuse knowledge as an enlightened public is essential to the
structure of government.
My favorite clause is pertinent to today’s election year political
wrangling:
“There is an opinion that parties in free
countries are useful checks upon the administration of the government and serve
to keep alive the spirit of liberty. This within certain limits is probably
true; and in governments of a monarchical cast, patriotism may look with
indulgence, if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of the
popular character, in governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be
encouraged. From their natural tendency, it is certain there will always be
enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose. And there being constant
danger of excess, the effort ought to be by force of public opinion,
to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to
prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume."
