WHAT IS PATRIOTISM? FISHER AMES Fisher Ames (1758-1808) was known as one of the greatest Revolutionary orators. The speech from which this selection is taken outranks in eloquence every other before the day of Daniel Webster; it is also historically significant, for it kept America from a war with England in 1796 over the rights of American trade and navigation, at a time when such a war would have been disastrous. When Ames spoke on April 28, 1796, before the House of Representatives, his oratory brought tears to the eyes of all hearers, and even his political opponents became enthusiastic in their praises. WHAT is patriotism? Is it a narrow affection for the spot where a man was born? Are the very clods where we tread entitled to this ardent preference because they are greener? No, sir; that is not the character of the virtue, and it soars higher for its object. It is an extended self-love, mingling with all the enjoyments of life, and twisting itself with the minutest filaments of the heart. It is thus we obey the laws of society, because they are the laws of virtue. In their authority we see, not the array of force and terror, but the venerable image of our country's honor. Every good citizen makes that honor his own, and cherishes it not only as precious, but as sacred. He is willing to risk his life in its defense, and is conscious that he gains protection while he gives it. For what rights of a citizen will be deemed inviolable when a state renounces the prin ciples that constitute their security? Or if his life should not be invaded, what would its enjoyments be in a country odious in the eyes of strangers and dishonored in his own? Could he look with affection and veneration to such a country as his parent? The sense of having one would die within him; he would blush for his patriotism, if he retained any, and justly, for it would be a vice. He would be a banished man in his native land. I see no exception to the respect that is paid among nations to the law of good faith. If there are cases in this enlightened period when it is violated, there are none when it is decried. It is the philosophy of politics, the religion of governments. It is observed by barbarians-a whiff of tobacco smoke or a string of beads gives not merely binding force, but sanctity, to treaties. Even in Algiers, a truce may be bought for money; but when ratified, even Algiers is too wise, or too just, to disown and annul its obligation. Thus we see, neither the ignorance of savages, nor the principles of an association for piracy and rapine, permit a nation to despise its engagements. If, sir, there could be a resurrection from the foot of the gallows, if the victims of justice could live again, collect together, and form a society, they would, however loath, soon find themselves obliged to make justice, that justice under which they fell, the fundamental law of their state. They would perceive it was their interest to make others respect, and they would, therefore, soon pay some respect themselves to the obligations of good faith. HAIL, COLUMBIA JOSEPH HOPKINSON Joseph Hopkinson (1770-1842) was a distinguished lawyer and statesman. His one well-known contribution to American literature is this patriotic poem, written when feeling in America ran high against France on account of her unjust treatment of our envoys. This was the culmination of a long controversy caused by France's insistence that the old treaty bound us to take part in her European difficulties. Washington and then Adams determinedly refused. On May 28, 1798, Congress authorized a provisional army of 10,000 men and gave power to the President to instruct the commanders of American ships to seize French armed vessels attacking American merchantmen. Fortunately, war was needless. Hopkinson's song was first sung at the benefit performance for a popular actor in the Chestnut Street Theater, Philadelphia, in May, 1798. HAIL, Columbia! happy land! Hail, ye heroes! heaven-born band! Who fought and bled in Freedom's cause, And when the storm of war was gone, Enjoyed the peace your valor won. Let independence be our boast, Ever grateful for the prize, Firm, united, let us be, Immortal patriots! rise once more: Firm, united, etc. Sound, sound, the trump of Fame! Ring through the world with loud applause, Ring through the world with loud applause; Let every clime to Freedom dear, Listen with a joyful ear. With equal skill, and godlike power, Of horrid war; or guides, with ease, Firm, united, etc. Behold the chief who now commands, Firm, united, let us be, |