\ 
 
 mam. 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 
The undersigned Author, respectfully invites the patriotic sentiments 
 of his fellow citizens, to the investigation of the following discourses : 
 
 Influence. 
 
 Influence is a spiritual element, especially inherent in the wealthy and prominent class of 
 citizens. The great importance of this element and the nature of the same, is in general 
 neither known nor appreciated by the people but is a secret. In its operation, influence is 
 dependent on the degree of enlightenment which is inherent in the people, and on the moral 
 character of the same. 
 
 Is the general character of a Nation elevated, noble and good, then the influence of the 
 wealthy and prominent class of citizens is beneficial 1 to the society, as a noble and elevated 
 character is independent, and not to be approached by an improper influence. But on the 
 other side, when a people, notwithstanding its education for intelligence, is left more or less 
 in ignorance on the bearings of its own interest, and further, when by public and private edu- 
 cation, its national character is left in a defect state, or has become degraded in such a man- 
 ner, as being selfish, unconscious, vicious, indifferent, hypocritic, merchantable, etc., when 
 people are capable to perform good as well as evil deeds with the same alacrity, and are 
 merely governed by self interest, then a Nation is not only in an unhappy and dangerous 
 situation, but is also engaged in an expensive and destructive life, which, by the course of 
 nature, is bound to letd into the chains of dependency, which chains are held in the hands of 
 wealthy and influential citizens, and which may be drawn on or be loosened at pleasure. 
 
 It is very natural that a man's mind is filled with reverence and trust towards the elevated, 
 strong and powerful of his sex ; it is natural that a man is inclined to imitate the example of 
 these, to adopt their opinion, and to go with them. This is not all, the said class, in the 
 strength of their elevated position, and in the support it enjoys by its hangers on, is able to 
 patronize the people in innumerable cases and respects, is able to give employment, work 
 and position, to recommend and to promote, to elevate a man from obscurity, introduce him 
 in a large circle, to give him reputation and to make him wealthy, or even raise him to a 
 throne. On the other side, the influential citizens have the power to strike terror into the 
 minds of such displeasing persons, who have failed to oblige them by assenting to their views, 
 wishes and wills, they are able to withhold or to distract such favors as they are competent 
 to bestow. A man once drawn from obscurity, placed in position, given wealth, or even if 
 raised to a throne, is liable, by combined influence, and by the aid of countless numbers of 
 hangers on and mouth pieces, to be consigned again to obscurity and oblivion, and he is bound 
 to succumb, notwithstanding his honesty or capability. 
 
 Influence, according to its appearance, either in its enlightened and pure, or in its raw and 
 impure state, is able to promote ideas, or to ignore and to oppress the same. Influence is 
 competent to dispose of the good will of public speakers, and public writers, and to make 
 them their harbingers and mouth pieces. It is in the competency of the influence to create, 
 shape, and to control public opinions, public enlightenment, and public education, or on the 
 other side, public error, ignorance, prejudice and habits. The power of influence is able to 
 create patriotism, enthusiasm, public attention and excitement, and also indifferentism, 
 silence or fanati.sm. Influence, either in its pure or impure state, may cause the passage of 
 resolutions in councils, may inaugurate national movements, national prosperity or national 
 difficulties and blunders, wars or peace ; may cause life or death to ideas and principles. 
 
 he power of influence, either in its meritorious or in its disastrous existence, bears in 
 every direction on life and on every man, it likewise has a bearing on a whole Nation, on a 
 State, or on a community. Influence is able to control the nominations for officers, in all 
 public stations, may cause the nominees to be elected and to control their future actions. In 
 a word, influence is a power behind the throne. Influence does not bear improperly on true 
 honesty and patriotism, wherefore, true, honest and patriotic citizens are to be found in all 
 classes, stations, corporations and institutions, but it bears on the imperfection and weakness 
 of human nature. 
 
 The power of influence is concerted on one and the same point, all the world over, say in 
 the promotion of personal self-interest. When the influential class every where, always had 
 considered, the general happiness and prosperity, as its own true interest, (as it actually and 
 e.vliisivrly is,) then general prosperity, as well as nobility and elevatedness, of the National 
 character, would exist to a much lighter degree in all Nations. But we may ask, has the 
 influence always taken avail of the resources of the Nations, in order to promote universal 
 prosperity and happiness in the Nations? Are the National taxes, levied according to such 
 sound, just and correct principles, that every citizen pays the same amount of taxes, in con- 
 formity with the real value of his property, and are the middle and poorer classes in respect 
 
 .TV\ a. 
 
[ 4. J . 
 
 to taxation, not wronged and oppressed, in a fearful degree, by the ruling of erroneous and 
 sophistic principles? Has the public education been a powerful source of private and public 
 happiness? Is the majority of the people blessed with the knowledge of the philosophy of 
 honesty, virtue, wisdom, morality, liberty, patriotism, and good habits? and on the other side, is 
 the majority of the people penetrated from the knowledge of the philosophy of dishonesty, igno- 
 rance, vices, selfishness, immorality, bad habits, etc.? Is the people penetrated from the 
 knowledge of these different philosophies, in such a degree as to have become inspired for 
 the first, and for the despication of the latter, and in such a manner as to cause the existence 
 of an elevated and noble National character ? Has the public education been in that way, 
 as to cause the Nations to consist put of freemen, not wearing the contemptable chains of 
 legal dependency of patrons, growing out of a foolish, wrong, prodigal and vicious life ? 
 
 Has the public Newspaper press been properly influenced in that way, as being free from 
 the chains of impure impulses, has the said press been influenced in such a manner, as having 
 been induced, long ago, properly to enlighten a people on the bearings of its most important 
 interests in political and social relations? for instance, has the press caused a general knowl- 
 edge and clearness about the condition of the National property, and the enormous value of 
 the same ? Has it been made clear to the people, that by levying an insignificant percentage 
 of taxes on the real amount of private property, all public expenditures could be defrayed. 
 Has, in respect to this particular subject, the Newspaper press been inspired by the influen- 
 tial power to promote the election ot such Legislators as are taking a lively interest in this 
 important matter? Is the public press in such a way as to have enlightened the people on 
 principles which should have been adopted, in Public Institutions, for the education of a good 
 and noble National character? 
 
 Are the Courts in that way, as to enable* a poor man to establish his rights, and to protect 
 his property in the same degree as wealthy citizens are enabled to do ? Is there no arbitrary 
 power in the Courts, to assume jurisdiction in such cases, (perhaps not properly defended) 
 on which the Legislature did not properly act, to the effect as to injure the moral right? 
 Is it the fixed rule of the courts always to start from the principle, that the people never in- 
 tended to commit any moral wrong by way of construing the words of a law ? Are such 
 citizens elected for judges, as are patriotic and conscious enough to enlighten the people in 
 important cases, on points of public laws, before mischief is done, and law suits instituted? 
 or to enlighten parties on steps erroneously taken by them, and on account of which their 
 suits will be lost? * 
 
 Influence is an attribute to mankind, like love, virtue, &c., only the misuse of the same is 
 distructive. There is no doubt that most important ruling principles are based on such errors 
 and sophism which are exclusively in the favor of the influential clasps, either directly or in- 
 directly. At the time when these false foundations are removed, then the influential class of 
 citizens, will have the greatest interest in the promotion of universal prosperity and happiness, 
 and in this event a Nation will be relieved from the threatening prospect of a universal ruin 
 and anarchy, a nation will be relieved from the prospect of events, which are not to be gov- 
 erned nor controlled by any human power. Therefore, the influential class of citizens should 
 not delay for a single moment, to do the first step towards a fundamental reformation ol de- 
 fective ruling principles. 
 
 Taxation. 
 
 It would appear, that the public opinion on those principles, on which the collection of 
 the public expenditures are based, has never been clear. It appears that the people never 
 did clearly understand, what an enormous wrong has been done, to the majority of the peo- 
 ple in all nations, by the circumstance, that the great capitalists have constantly been allow- 
 ed to escape the payment of their fair share to the contribution of the public expenditures ; 
 they did not pay their contribution in proportion 6f the true amount of property they own, 
 and which they have acquired from the resources of the society, and which is protected to 
 them by the Nation, at the great expense of life and property of the majority. 
 
 The people in its simplicity and thoughtlessness, generally takes the view, that it would be 
 impossible to find out a method which could make the people, and especially the wealthy 
 class, showing up the true amount of their property, and especially the amount of cash money, 
 and further, that in consequence of this circumstance, a distinction has to be made between 
 taxable and not taxable property. This public view had the consequence, " that by far the 
 greatest part of private property, chiefly in possession of the wealthy class, has escaped tax- 
 ation at all, by which the rate of per centage on the so called taxable property, chiefly in the 
 hands of the middle class of citizens, was bound to increase. Under cover of this erroneous 
 public opinion, the wealthy classes actually have taken advantage over the middle and poor- 
 er classes, and under different sophistic principles ; ruinous burdens have been loaded on the 
 shoulders of the latter. 
 
 The groaning people, hardened by customs, and influenced by the silence of the press, 
 have not been led to give the matter a proper thought, everybody seems to prefer rather to 
 pay his quota than to discuss this displeasing question, whilst the public attention, is constant- 
 ly absorbed by the papers on other political affairs of minor importance. 
 
 The amount of cash money and other private property, presently not paying taxes, may 
 exceed the amount of property presently assessed, perhaps in billions of dollars. The peo- 
 ple believe that such property cannot be made taxable. But will this supposition hold good ? 
 Is it to bo taken for granted, that a material property, being in the possession of citizens, 
 cannot be discovered and be taxed? Will it hold good in face of the presence of so many 
 ways and means, to penetrate in the affairs of the people when it is sternly demanded by the 
 
I 6, 1 
 
 public good? Will it hold good, in the face of those sagacious laws, which are in operation, 
 .Mid governing the collection of the so called Custom House duties? Why could the desired 
 r not simply l>e reaehed by giving a suitable law, ordaining the keeping of books, and 
 by imp.ising fine's and confiscation in case of fraud? 
 
 The correct amount of the private property of the United States cannot be known, but 
 when the figures Lriven by a prominent public, officer are correct, then this property would 
 amount to more than twenty billions of dollars. Now, if so (and why should it be doubted 
 in the presence of the billions of dollars in cash, and of the gold and silver bars, by the 
 enormous capital invested in stocks and corporations, and by the presence of other valuable 
 property?) then merely (l-lfi) one-sixteenth of one per cent of this sum. would amount to 
 12, SOO million of dollars, which would be more than requisite, to pay off in one year the 
 whole National debr. together with all expenditures of the loyal as well as of the rebellious 
 Miblic statements, the National debt amounts to .>ti40,()00,fl()0, and the 
 
 expenditures for th^ present year for the loyal States, amounts to $1096 millions, together 
 merely the sum of S177"> millions. One-sixteenth of one per cent, or even if it bad to be a 
 fall one per cent, is s insignificant a sum, as cannot be felt neither by any millionaire, by 
 ;;iit:i!ist. nor by anv other wealthy or poor citi/.-n. 
 
 Why a strict property 'tax has never been resorted to, remains to be accounted for, but it 
 i" a fact, that it is the only just, and correct method, even by the present lamentable mode of 
 nent. It is a fact, that when even the private property of the United States only 
 amounted to 2 billions, (instead of 20 billions, as it is told to us,) one half of 
 one per cent of this sum. would amount to .*'2,000 millions, by far greater an amount 
 than ever would be necessary to defray all public expenditures, both for the United States 
 Government, as well as for State, County and City taxes, and for the payment of the 
 public debt. 
 
 At the present time the clemency of the people has been called upon to contribute to the 
 fund for the relief of wounded and sick soldiers, whilst a property tax of only one cent on 
 every hundred dollars, would be more than sufficient to defray all expenses, and to give aid 
 and comfort to the poor soldiers for life. This is a fixed fact, even in the case that the 
 amount of the private property of the United States, would only amount to one billion, in- 
 stead of 20 billions of dollars. 
 
 In order to show the erroneousness of the prevailing principles, which are governing -tax- 
 ation in the United States, a brief illustrating of the following facts will suffice. 
 
 In the United States the people have to pay the so called Custom House duties. By a 
 closer examination it will be found, that the duties constitute an exorbitant tax on the pre- 
 sumptive existance of property, it appears to be held, that those citizens who are consum- 
 ing the different objects and articles, burthened with these so called duties, are also the own- 
 ers of so much property, on which the tax is due, beside other taxations: it appears to be 
 held, that the wants of 'natural life, the living according to customs, habits, ideas, prejudices 
 and vices, are proper actions from which taxes could be collected, and uniform taxes too ! 
 
 Licenses, poll tax, stamp tax, exei-es, and the whole batch of indirect taxes, are of the 
 same stamp, they are payments cm , rt-nfunl and anticipated property, taxes on mental and 
 physical abilities, and on the right of labor. 
 
 Upon proper r>-f)ccti>n, there can '> DO doubt at all, that the taxation of mental and physi- 
 caJ abilities, or of habits am' : the wants of natural life, or the performance of la- 
 
 oor, is completely wrong and unjustifiable. Will ouv descendants not look upon our present 
 intelligent time with astonishment and disdain, when the history shows them its lamentabili- 
 ties or its wickeit 
 
 The . principles of taxation, has caused the absorbation of property 
 
 from the property of the different classes of the people, except the property of the rich 
 millionaire, to an 'enormous amount, in the course of years: which property should have re- 
 mained in the bulk of the people. This unjust extraction of wealth, from the masses of the 
 people, is the more ruinous, as the profits' which could have been made by the use of the 
 money, and the interest on the smiie. Is in be brought in calculation. 
 
 It is not known by the people, that this absorbation of property of the masses, effected in 
 the course of time', has caused a quite reduced state of public prosperity, and a reduced 
 state of means, to carry on business and trade. It is not considered in what high degree it 
 has lessened the consumption of merchandise, articles of manufacture, and articles of. com- 
 fort, and how fearfully it diminished commerce, and all sources of gain. It is not apprecja- 
 ted how much the inheritances have fallen off, and in what fearful degree the downward 
 tendency ( ,f the families has ensued : it is not appreciated that the fearful competition exist- 
 ing in every kind of vocation, is attributable to the state of necessity and want in the major- 
 ity of the people. People are moving from one place to another, without knowing where 
 to make a livelihood. 
 
 The present mode of taxation is rather an inheritance from our ancestors, and is by far 
 more lenient in the CJnil Cation else. The taxes have been inaugurated 
 
 by the repivs'-ntaTlves of the people, and hi conformity with the public enlightenment, they 
 have been duly accepted and paid by the people, without any protest whatever, wherefore 
 the present status quo is quite a natural and legal one, eminated from the imperfection and 
 weakness of mankind. But it is an imperative duty of every citi/en, to battle against all 
 public injuries, and to endeavor to bring about, wise reformations without personal arrogance. 
 
 The present system of assessment appears as not to have undergone any improvement in 
 the course of years, it would seem that this system is defective in its foundation, and that a 
 well organized system of self assessment, eventually combined with the confiscation of prop- 
 
[ 6. ] 
 
 erty, would have the effect, that 10, 15, or 20 cents to one hundred dollars property, would 
 suffice to cover all the ordinary expenditures of the Federal, as well as of the home govern- 
 ment. 
 
 IPriblic Education. 
 
 The public education in our time, is partly a brilliant success, and partly a sad failure. It 
 is a success in respect to the purpose of promoting public intelligence, and scientific learn- 
 ing ; and a failure in respect to the promotion of human enlightedness, and of a wise, virtu- 
 ous, dutiful, honest and patriotic life. 
 
 Human mind is like a good soil, able to bear the choicest fruits, when properly cultivated 
 and sown, but when merely cultivated and not properly sown, or not sown at all, weeds of 
 every description will grow upon the same. Now the cultivation of the people's mind, is 
 the public education for intelligence and scientific learning, that is to say for the acquiration 
 of the ability to think and act correctly, for the purpose to acquire physical comfort. The 
 proper sowing of the field, signifies the public instruction for the promotion of private and 
 public happiness. The weed in the field, signifies the selfishness, sinliuess, and brutality in 
 its various appearance, and in its growing, overgrowing and destroying nature. 
 
 The proof that the public education in our time, in respect to the promotion of a noble 
 national character, has been a failure, is contained in the fact, that in general everywhere, 
 and in every country, selfishness, dishonesty, corruption, viciousness, hypocrisy, ignorance 
 and dependency on favors, are the proclivities of the people. Indeed the general decay of 
 the national character, is so alarming as to threaten a severing of the social ties. 
 
 The continuance of this state of national condition, is bound by nature, to lead more and 
 more in urihappiness, brutality, dependency of the irresponsible and arbitrary power of in- 
 fluence, and in retroaction in the doom of a worm eaten national body. 
 
 The way to save a nation from anarchy and destruction, is to civilize the people, to pro- 
 mote and to elevate the national character, to promote general happiness, prosperity, humani- 
 ty and public safety, to make a people more wise, virtuous, dutiful, honest, moral and patri- 
 otic, or perfect aristocratic in the proper sense of the word. 
 
 The question in what manner this is to be effected, is an open one, but involves a problem, 
 which (in particular) is to be realized by public instruction. 
 
 This problem consists in the first place in the disclosure of those spiritual treasures, gained 
 to mankind by the efforts of wise and elevated men, living in all centuries, these treasures con- 
 sist in the doctrines of wisdom, virtue, morality, duty, good habits, patriotism, liberty &c. These 
 treasures are now almost lost to the bulk of the people, by want of a systematical direct 
 teaching of the philosophy of the same, that is to say, by want to engage into the discourse 
 and dissection of the certain objects, by want of penetration into the merits of the same, 
 and to establish the truth or the reality, by a reasonable logic, and with an undeniable 
 certainty. 
 
 In the second place, this problem consists in the education of an elevated national charac- 
 ter, say, to cause a man, by way of direct instruction, and by means of inspiration, habitu- 
 ally to become inclined, constantly to strive for perfection in every action of his life, and to 
 live according to the demands of wisdom, honesty, good habits, morality, patriotism, &c. 
 
 The destination of mankind, and the natural desire of men, is the enjoyment of such an 
 real happiness, as is to be acquired by self-perfection. The natural lever of self-perfection 
 is an inspirited state of the mind. The way to cause a man to get into this inspirated state, 
 is to enlighten his reason by way of instruction, and by way of this means, to give him 
 knowledge and conviction, in what blessedness pure and positive happiness is consisting ; 
 which knowledge and conviction in retum, will create in himself a desire to come in posses- 
 sion of such a blessing, and the better the instruction has been, the more ardent and con- 
 stant will be his endeavor for nobility, self-perfection and happiness. 
 
 But the knowledge and appreciation of the philosophy of wisdom and other noble doc- 
 trines, is not the only means to inspire a man for a noble life ; the knowledge and penetra- 
 tedness of the philosophy of the various human faults, errors and vices, have the same effect. 
 The reason of a man is susceptible for the enlightenment on the internal nature of good as 
 well as of bad deeds, of human sins and errors ; is to be enlightened on the sources, pro- 
 gress and ends of the different vices, passions, sinliness, bad kabits and meanness ; is to be 
 enlightened on the certain worldly, as well as eternal doom of all dishonesty, selfishness, in- 
 justice, baseness, bad habits and all other causes of worldly as well as spiritual unhappiness; 
 and' further, the certain consequences of these faults, are to be proven with an undeniable 
 certainty. 
 
 On the foundation which should be laid in public schools, the Church is able to continue 
 the spiritual building, by teaching the philosophy of the doctrines of religion, taking this 
 word in its true sense, say in the living with God, in all human actions and pursuits. The 
 fundamental (and certainly true, though in its general expression not quite perfect) princi- 
 ple of the Church, is, that the human spirit is a part of God, that his existence is eternal and 
 is destined to perfection, therefore that all human actions, may they be important or insig- 
 nificant, have a bearing on the merits of our eternal spirit, and are either holy or loaded 
 with curses. 
 
 Should it be plain, that these ideas, briefly stated in the foregoing discourse, are in con- 
 formity with the truth (reality) then the failure of the education in the public schools, as 
 well as the natural consequences thereof are proven, then the desolution of the problem, to 
 find out a correct method to promote general happiness is intimated, and the means to in- 
 spire a people for a noble life are indicated, and the way to educate a noble and elevated 
 moral national character, is shown. 
 
It appears that in onr present time, the youthful mind of the children, is very defectively 
 inspired tor nobility and wisdom, and in our public schools the touching of philosophy ftp- 
 pears to be dismissed at all. The children when they leave the daily school, are generally 
 in the best disposition to do wrong and mischief, they are indecent, loose and wild, and some- 
 times even steal, lie and cheat, when only they can do it with impunity. In general the 
 children are looseing their conscience in their early youth, and their abhorrence against 
 wrong, they soon become indifl'erent, and it requires but little influence to make them trai- 
 tors to a good cause. 
 
 Money. 
 
 Money is the eqnivalance of national property, it is issued by the government of a nation, 
 and delivered over to another party, in payment of property (including precious metal) or 
 labor, received and contracted for ; it is issued and delivered in the quality as an equiva- 
 lance for the value of said property or labor. This issue of money^and the delivery of the 
 same, constitutes a.s a transaction, the evidence of the existence and fulfillment of a con- 
 tract, between these parties, as well as a loan made by the nation ; in which transaction the 
 nation is the debtor, and the receiver or possessor of the money, the creditor. Money is 
 like a deed, it is an evidence of ownership of a certain part of national property. 
 
 The property of a nation may amount to billions of dollars, and this amount may be cut 
 up in as many shares or deeds, which in whole or in part, may be given in payment for re- 
 ceived property, performed labor, &c., contracted for by the parties, or in exchange for gold 
 and silver. 
 
 An insolvency of a nation, on account of the scarcity of money in the public treasury, can 
 not ensue, as long as the holders of the money are citizens of the nation, and as such are 
 equally liable for a proportional contribution to the wants, expenditures and debts of the 
 nation. 
 
 In respect to the validity of a deed, it can make no difference out of what material the 
 same is made, may a deed be written on plain paper, or may it be manufactured out of gold 
 or silver, the validity of the debt is in no way affected by the circumstance. The same re- 
 lationship exists in respect to the money, may this money be made out of paper, or out of 
 precious metal, the validity of the same is unaltered, it constitutes and remains an evidence 
 of the ownership of a part of the national property. 
 
 However there is a difference in the value and validity of the money, in so far as the in- 
 trinsic legal value of the precious metal is concerned, which intrinsic value is recognized 
 not only by the home government, bat also by foreign nations. Wherefore the owners of 
 metal money, have a double security, they own a legal evidence of the ownership of a part 
 of the national property, and the legal intrinsic value of the monoy. 
 
 The existent intrinsic value of the metal money however, is based on no higher security, 
 than those simple evidences of the ownership of a part of the national property, both are 
 resting on one and the same authority and sovereignty. Would a nation usurp the reign of 
 arbitrariness, and set aside its Constitution, as also accomplished contracts, then with the 
 same violence the one quality of the money could be destroyed, by the same power colild be 
 destroyed the other. 
 
 In respect to the precious metal, this metal as far as it is uncoined would lose its value, as 
 the same is almost quite dispensable for domestic use. 
 
 Now, as this precious metal in its enormous artificial and fictitious value, is used by a na- 
 tion to make of the same evidences of ownership of a part of the national property, the 
 question arises, what is the true policy to be adopted by a nation, in the way of manufactu- 
 ring its currency ? Is it proper to continue the present mode, by using the metal at an enor- 
 mous and unnecessary public expense? Is it a wise policy to levy taxes, and to contract 
 public debts, for the defrayment of public expenditures, whilst the condition of the national 
 property and the public resources, fully afford to use paper for the manufacturing of money 
 evidences. 
 
 But here the question may arise, if it would be constitutional to abolish the nse of the 
 precious metal in the manufacturing of money, however, would this objection hold good for 
 the wilful continuance of sacrificing the true interest of the nation, and of ruining the pros- 
 perity of the majority of the people ? Will it hold good in face of the fact, that such an at- 
 tempt never had been intended by the framers of the Constitution ? In face of the fact, that 
 there are ample means to enlighten the people on this subject. In face of the fact, that a 
 reformation in respect to this matter, is required in a time, when the love of property is ar- 
 dent, and the burthen of taxation is overwhelming, and the intellect of the people so 
 cultivated. 
 
 The DPress. 
 
 A political body in relation to humanity, is resembling a citizen, in his relation to tho na- 
 tion. Has a citizen offended the society, he finds his judging government in the national 
 courts. Has a political body in its corporateness sinned, it finds its judging government in 
 the attributes of human nature, say in sound reason, and in the universal sympathy for jus- 
 tice, right and truth. In the same way, as it is proper for an errant citizen honestly to admit 
 his errors and faults, and to make a clear breast before the proper courts ; in the same way 
 it is proper for a political body, in its corporateneas, to admit its short-comings, against over- 
 sound human reason, and the universal sympathy for truth and justice. 
 
 The injuries caused by the short-comings and sins of a political society in its corporateness 
 may exist, for instance, in the cancers of culpable ignorance, in the prevailance of destruc- 
 

 r 8. | 
 
 tive principles, in an universal hypocrisy, in impure influence, in slavish dependency on 
 patronization and favors, in wornieatenness and selfishness of the national character. Al- 
 lowing that such cancers were existing more or less, it is to be considered, that there is no 
 evil in the world by which a remedy is not secreted. 
 
 The printing press is the true bulwark of liberty, and particularly in a time when the free- 
 will of mankind is chained by predominate evils. By means of the press, hundreds of thou- 
 sands of papers can be printed at any time, and be distributed among the people in various 
 ways, a-i for instance, in the way of the so called " tracts." By means of the press, the hid- 
 den truth can be brought to light, and those destructive cancers, which are infecting the 
 political body in its corporateness, can be removed, or caused to disappear painless, like 
 snow before the sun. 
 
 ii, is true, the weakness and wickedness of the human heart, is an heavy weight in the scale 
 of a national life. It is true, that habits and customs, that improper influence, sophistic and 
 cunningness, in connection with credulity, ignorance and prejudices, are powerful elements, 
 nevertheless the, demands of humanity and the natural self love, are by far superior. 
 
 Human reason is universal, its principles are alike in all men; mankind has the power to 
 discern right from wrong, and the developed truth (reality) is clear, as well as the love of 
 properit y and happiness is engraved in the human mind, and the sympathy for honesty and 
 justice, and the abhorrence for evil deeds is not to be extirpated. 
 
 On the other side, injustice and wrong are revolting in their nature, are doomed with the germ 
 of destruction, and are bound to create distrust and contempt. The presence and a pre- 
 vailance of errors and wrongs, is bound to cause an accumulation of elements, very in- 
 flamable and dangerous in their character. Such an accumulation may lay harmless for a 
 AS hole period of years, when not brought in contact with the proper igniting matter, but 
 when they are left to their own fate, or when false, or wicked preventive measures are re- 
 sorted to, then they may catch fire, and explode at a time, when an explosion is least expec- 
 ted, ;ind by the most trilling cause. 
 
 It only wants merely to allude to the important sphere which is assigned to the printing 
 press, in order to show the great influence which she is able to bring to bear. 
 
 But in commenting on the press, it would be unjustifiable, to pass in silence, the demeanor 
 of the newspaper press in our time. 
 
 There appears to be a certain sphere of action, inside of which the newspaper press invari- 
 ably is moving ; this sphere appears to be an inheritance, or a contagious disease, transpor- 
 ted from former times, and sustained or tolerated, by the influential class of citizens. The 
 said sphere or circle, is by no means limited, it comprises the discussion of all topics of 
 knowledge, learning, all political news and affairs on the one side, and fully excludes the 
 mentioning or discussing of all such matters and principles, in which the interest of the in- 
 fluential class is concerned, on the other side, wherefore all benefits which were bound to 
 issue from the mentioning, discussing and eventual reformation of these ruling principles as 
 far as these political leaders are concerned, are perfectly in a dead lock. 
 
 In order to vindicate this opinion, it may suffice to allude to those ruling principles, which 
 are governing taxation and public education, principles on which the happiness and prosperi- 
 ty of the people are hinging, but which are never properly mentioned or discussed by the 
 editors of the newspaper press. 
 
 The i|!iostion is, what are the motives of this strange conduct? l>oes it occur to the edi- 
 tors, that they never have given a thought to these matters, but al\v;iys have been following 
 the foot. -4e ps and examples of their cotemporaries? or have they been in fear to fall in dis- 
 grace with the influential class of citizens? ,0r it may be asked, did they not perceive at all, 
 that, such important questions were in existence, or did they start from the supposition that 
 those ruling principles, governing the taxation and education of the dear people, were in 
 sueli perfection, that a discussion and investigation of the matter, or even a doubt on the 
 infallibility of the same, would be a sin or a crime? 
 
 This strange demeanor of the newspaper press, is not accounted for. However it is easily 
 to be seen, that said principles which are governing the most important interests of a nation, 
 are erroneous and disasterous in a high degree. lit is no secret that the rich citizens are es- 
 c;i]>i:ig the payment of their fair share to the public expenditures, and that from this cause, 
 the hulk of the people are groaning under the burthen of taxation. 
 
 In respect to the prevailing system of public education, it is not to be misapprehended, 
 that under the rule ef this system, the character of the present generation has become piti- 
 fully defective and wormeaten. It is no secret that the philosophy of wisdom, virtue, duty, 
 morality, liberty, good habits, &c., are not taught systematically in public schools and insti- 
 tutions, perhaps it is not taught at all. It is not to be proven, that those objects which are 
 taught instead of them, are more tending to educate good and wise men. and to effect the 
 building of an elevated national character. 
 
 The newspaper press in our time, is in general conducted with a marked intelligence, learn- 
 ing and hair-splitting ability, together with boldness and licentiousness. These_ qualities in 
 their combined state, are tending to mislead the people in its confidence, and its judgment on 
 the merits of this press, because human nature hesitates to believe, that by the presence of 
 such prominent qualities, and by the display of so much patriotism and love of country, the 
 presence of inditternntisn, impurity or corruption can exist. 
 
 But in justice to the said press it must be allowed, that constantly important and prais 
 worthy acts have been performed by the same, as also it must be presumed, that a great 
 many editors do not understand the times themselves, and that even if they did, they would 
 be at a loss, how to find the proper and wise way to bring about a reformation on such im- 
 
 
I 9. ] 
 
 portant matters : and indeed, it appears, that it is by far better, not to meddle at all with 
 important national questions, because tin- peace of the country, cannot atlbrd to have bhm- 
 .uumiUed in the treatment of affairs, which only .should be taken in hand by prominent, 
 competent and patriotic citizens. 
 
 In general, however, it cannot be expected, that common editors of newspapers, are apt 
 easily to change their character from a hireling quality into a patriotic one. And in view of 
 the past history of the newspaper press, it is hardly to be supposed, that patriotism will ever 
 be dearer to them, than self interest, that even a prospective downfall of a nation, the bar- 
 barities ot a rebellion, or of anarchy, will induce them to teach in proper time the philoso- 
 phy of public justice, wisdom and truth, they will hardly do so, as long as sophistry, culpa- 
 ble neglect of study, the assumption of an air of simplicity, will be the most profitable way 
 for them to pursue. 
 
 Developement of IVational [Resources. 
 
 The resources of a nation arc the true born, out of which the prosperity of the society is 
 enu:na-ing, therefore the greatest possible developement of the same, should not be delayed 
 for one moment, in order to unlock those benefits which are bound to emanate from the 
 game. 
 
 These national resources are common property, and the developemedt of the same has to 
 be performed in a manner, as to assign the greatest benefit to the majority of the people. 
 
 It would appear that the, resources of a nation are in that way, as to permit a nation or 
 a State to assume the quality of a public loan institution, for the purpose to enable such 
 citizens as are owners of real estate property, to obtain a loan from their State on said prop- 
 erty, free from the charge of interest money. It would appear that the said property could 
 be mortgaged to the State in such a way, as to give a perfect security to the State. For 
 instance it might be held, that this security would be in existence by advancing only per- 
 haps one-third the amount of the whole property, on first mortgage, and if it should be 
 deemed necessary, more clauses for the security of the State could be added, for instance, 
 there could be made provisions for the re-payment of said loan, or for the distribution of 
 eventual losses on the whole number of participants. 
 
 This loan could be paid and repaid in State Treasury Notes, issued for this porpose, guar- 
 anteed by the State, and received in payment for all public dues. If such a measure should 
 not be in conformity with the Constitution, this obstacle could be removed. 
 
 The correctness and practicability of this plan, appears to be plain, provided that there 
 would bo made proper explanations to the people, in order to comprehend the existent se- 
 curity of the paper money. Until the contrary of the correctness and practicability of the 
 advanced plan can be shown, the validity of the same is to be presumed. 
 
 The imminent importance of the suggested system, can hardly be conceived nor over- 
 rated. An immense amout of money now paid for interest would be saved, the general rate 
 of interest on money, would be lowered to the benefit of the immense majority of the peo- 
 ple. The means of carrying on business and trade, would be increased, the consumption of 
 all articles of trade would be promoted, as well as the universal prosperity and happiness of 
 families, and the welfare of the whole society, would materially be enhanced. 
 
 There is still to be advanced the suggestion of another plan, likewise bearing on the de- 
 velopement of the national resources. The following explanation may claim the attention 
 of our statesmen. 
 
 A closer observation may bring to light, that in our time there is existing in the different 
 nations^o. great inclination for a military life. Hundreds of thousands of people constantly 
 may feel themselves disposed to engage in the same. 
 
 Now, when the inclination of a man's character, is to be called a voice or a harbinger of 
 a man's fate, then it would appear, that the resources of a nation, when properly developed 
 and administrated, would alibrd ample means, to gratify this existent inclination of the na- 
 tional character. However it clearly would be wrong, dangerous and rejectable, to respond 
 to this^call, in the way of f->-tering an animal life, or the abominable barbarities of a wilful 
 war. The only justifiable and beneficial purpose in times of peace, could be the training and 
 educating of citizens in respect to a moral life, say to a life in accordance with the demands 
 of human duties, the training and educating for exerted activity, goo.] habits, strict orderly 
 and a more civilized life. Which might be carried out by the introduction of a proper super- 
 vision, by suitable instruction, by the giving of a good example, and perhaps by combining 
 the military institution with a faVming 'business. 
 
 When this plan should prove to be practicable, then it is obvious that the result of the 
 same would elevate the character of such formidable a bodv of citizens, and give employ- 
 ment and position to tin- same, affording greater public security by sustaining the supremacy 
 of law and order, be a terror to foreign enemies, andfiuallv would turn in the society a valu- 
 able element. 
 
 Ideas. 
 
 Logical ideas, when they are in conformity with the truth (reality) and facts, possess the 
 quality of being recognized by all men, provided they are given in such a plainness, as being 
 equal to the intelligence of the audience. However it is not in the province of the author 
 to judge on the merits, logic, or plainness of his ideas, in as far as other parties are concerned. 
 
 When sucli novel ideas as are involving important public principles, are more correct and 
 just, than those which are in vogue, then the benefit resulting from the advancement of these 
 ideas is meritorious to those citizens who have advanced the same, which performance of 
 
duty is affording to them an everlasting satisfaction. This satisfaction cannot be lessened in 
 the event, when prevailing circumstances will not allow that these ideas are crowned with 
 the merited result. The most dangerous foe to ideas is the treating the same withignorantedness 
 indifference, passivity and silence. Ideas when correct, that is to say, when in accordance 
 with divine nature, are not to be destroyed, the more hostle they are treated, the more suc- 
 cessful they will be. 
 
 Ideas are ruling the world, but they are human productions, and as such have no more 
 perfection than these. There is nothing more perfect and infallible, than divine nature itself. 
 
 Novel ideas involving public reformations are to be accepted, and to be treated according 
 to the importance of the same, they have to be investigated, eventually to be amended and 
 shaped. 
 
 Ideas which have been adopted in former times, or in past centuries, may have been con- 
 sidered as being sublime at the time of their introduction, but out of this reason, they are 
 not to be looked upon as being fit to rule forever. 
 
 If by the presence of more just and correct ideas, which are gained by study and experi- 
 ence, the rule of imperfect ideas, adopted in former time, would be kept supreme, then all 
 benefits arising from the more correct new ideas, would be locked up. 
 
 Ideas involving public interests, are common property in respect to the results which are 
 bound to eminate from the same. As citizens owe faith to their country, they are by duty 
 bound to deliver up, accept and take care of those ideas, and make the best of it for the 
 public weal, according to their individual situation. A concealment, ignoring, neglecting, or 
 abusing the same, would injure the interests of the society, and make those dead locks in 
 which the public weal is captured, permanent. 
 
 Citizens who advance new ideas of great national importance, may do the country as great 
 or perhaps still greater services than commanders of armies who are gaining battles. But 
 it is to be considered, that ideas sometimes have the quality of firebrands, or of two edged 
 swords, dangerous in the hands of a people whose character is defective, or when advanced 
 at a time when the sentiment of a people is not prepared for the reception of the same, or 
 at a time when the use of the said weapons, could not be controlled. 
 
 The Present Time. 
 
 The present time, with all its inventions, intellect, learning and wisdom, with all its short- 
 comings, follies, depravities, miseries and barbarities, is the heiress of former times, and the 
 mother of the future. Still greater miseries, violence and barbarities are in store, and are 
 bound to ensue, when not checked in time, by wisdom, justice and reason. 
 
 By the existing intelligence in our time, there appears to be no doubt, that solely a just 
 reformation in the relationship of the wealthy and prominent class of citizens, the unlocking 
 and developement of the public resources, as also a proper enlightening of the people, are 
 bound to cause in return, the existence of a.beneficial sphere, in which the power of influ- 
 ence would be moving, and in consequence of this, a just regulation of all erroneous princi- 
 ples, which presently are governing the affairs and situations of the different nations would 
 ensue. 
 
 Only in such a nation exists real security, prosperity and happiness in all classes rich and 
 poor, where the majority of the people is good, happy, and in a prosperous condition. In 
 such a nation there exists only one and the same interest, consisting in the promotion of true 
 and unrestricted civilization as well as in the promotion of the supremacy of moral justice 
 and right. 
 
 Conclusion. 
 
 Being satisfied that in our present time real happiness of mind is rather scarce, and that 
 worldly prosperity is more or less confined to the minority of the people, I have made it my 
 study to find out the causes of this deplorable situation, and have endeavored to discover 
 proper remedies against the same. 
 
 I now have taken the liberty to deposit the results of my unpretending investigations in 
 the present communication. Though it is not in my province at all, to claim the rendering 
 of a valid judgment on the merits of my own ideas, yet it would be to me a matter of con- 
 science to permit the same of going lost, however at the same time, and in consideration of 
 my personal situation, I think myself not justified to give full publicity to the same, wherefore 
 I only have caused the printing of this humble communication, in a very limited number of 
 copies, and specially for the purpose of giving prominent citizens occasion to investigate 
 the same. 
 
 As I am only a layman, and a German by birth, I respectfully beg to claim a kind indul" 
 genee For my shortcomings. 
 
 ALBERTUS MEYERv 
 
 OAKLAND^ Alameda County, State of California, February 1863.