The freemen of Connecticut are mighty when they arise in their strength.
David Daggett
The Public Record
David Daggett was a U.S. senator, mayor of New Haven, Connecticut, Judge of the Connecticut Supreme Court of Errors, and a founder of the Yale Law School. He helped block plans for the first college for African Americans in the United States and presided over the conviction of a woman running a boarding school for African Americans in violation of Connecticut's recently passed Black Law. He judged African Americans not to be citizens and supported their colonization to Africa.
gutenberg.org
My fellow citizens human nature is the same here as in France--Then before you give ear to the songs of enchantment Count the Cost--Before you sell your birthright for a mess of pottage Count the Cost.
The people swore eternal hatred to Monarchy, and eternal fidelity to Constitutions, till, heaven, weary of their perjuries, sent them a despot in his wrath.
Let not then the projector persuade us to adopt his theories with proofs of their danger thus glaring before our eyes.
On similar principles a wise people regard the conduct of other nations, and are solemnly admonished by their example.
We see industry and integrity rewarded with competence or wealth--we see intemperance and sloth followed with disease, loss of reputation and poverty.
Such is the constant termination of such revolutions, and shall we claim to be an exception?
But mark the issue --Not twelve years have elapsed before she has returned to an inglorious despotism--She has exchanged her Capets for a foreign usurper, with an incalculable loss, and here her history ends.
She boldly proclaimed herself the example of the world, and all nations were invited to see her glory, and enjoy her blessed liberty and her glorious equality.
Those who speak of a new Constitution, and of thorough reforms, should recollect that the promoters of these schemes in France, constantly amused the people with the idea that a new order of things--new rights--new principles, were to…
If no benefits will result--if much evil will probably ensue--the course of duty and interest is plain.
Is society enriched, or the public good promoted?
But is the mechanic, the farmer, the merchant profited?
If this picture is too glaring, look at our sister states in which revolutions have been effected, and shew us the benefit.
Ye reformers, look at France--behold the crimes which have risen up to demand the vengeance of God--see the woes which you have brought on the race of man, and tremble lest your works should follow you?
Let it again be asked what good will result to Connecticut by a new Constitution, by the prevalence of revolutionary principles?
Shall the impudent, banish them from your affections and usurp their places in your hearts?
Shall they be heard and regarded when they demand of you to displace your faithful and approved rulers, and commit to them your all?
Will you hazard these evils without a fair and reasonable expectation of some solid benefits?
They seek their own good, and not the good of others, if inspiration is to be credited.
Let such view the conduct of similar parties--Let such not be deceived--This is indeed their object--They do not avow it to you, they know you would reject it, but they have made a vow that the influence of the Clergy shall be…
Shall we look in vain thro' the ranks of that party for one to lift up his voice against this daring and dangerous innovation?
Shall a party avowing this sentiment and seeking by every artifice to give it effect, receive the support of a people who have derived such substantial benefits from these institutions?
This once established destroys the vitals of the system, and the residue of its existence will be misery and wretchedness.
Politicians like David Daggett
