H. United States as an Experiment
1. 1786 Feb24: Franklin to Dr. Shipley
“You seem desirous of knowing what progress we make here in improving our government. We are, I think, in the right road of improvement, for we are making experiments. I do not oppose all that seems wrong, for the multitude are more effectually set right be experience, than kept from going wrong by reasoning with them. And I think we are daily more and more enlightened; so that I have no doubt of our obtaining in a few years as much public felicity as good government is capable of affording.” [Bigalow XI; Ben Franklin, Phil. 24Feb1786, to Dr Shipley, Bishop of Asaph, p232]
2. 1787-88: Madison, Federalist Paper 14
“But why is the experiment of an extended republic to be rejected merely because it may comprise what is new?” [1787-88 Madison, Fed. Paper 14, B30 p104]
3. 1789 Apr. 30: George Washington (1732-1799) First Inaugural address
“The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the Republican model of Government, are justly considered are deeply, perhaps as finally staked, on the experiment entrusted in the hands of the American people.”
4. 1801 March 4: Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address
“But would the honest patriot, in the full tide of successful experiment, abandon a government which has so far kept us free and firm, on the theoretic and visionary fear that this government, the world’s best hope, may by possibility want energy to preserve itself? I trust not.” [B24 p24]
5. 1802: Jefferson to Governor Hall
“Nor are we acting for ourselves alone, but for the whole human race. The event of our experiment is to show whether man can be trusted with self-government. The eyes of suffering humanity are fixed on us with anxiety as their only hope, and on such a theatre for such a cause we must suppress all smaller passions and local considerations.” [B24 p27-28]
6. Jefferson Jeff, Notes - VA, Q.17; 1781
“Reason and experiment have been indulged, and error has fled before them. It is error alone which needs the support of government. Truth can stand by itself. [B24 p110]