The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson
By Subject
REPUBLICANISM / JEFFERSON PRESIDENCY
A just and solid republican government maintained here, will be a
standing monument and example for the aim and imitation of the people
of other countries; and I join with you in the hope and belief that
they will see, from our example, that a free government is of all
others the most energetic; that the inquiry which has been excited
among the mass of mankind by our revolution and its consequences, will
ameliorate the condition of man over a great portion of the globe.
What a satisfaction have we in the contemplation of the benevolent
effects of our efforts, compared with those of the leaders on the
other side, who have discountenanced all advances in science as
dangerous innovations, have endeavored to render philosophy and
republicanism terms of reproach, to persuade us that man cannot be
governed but by the rod, etc. I shall have the happiness of living and
dying in the contrary hope.
to John Dickinson, 6 March 1801
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