1840.] SENATE— No. 36. 58 



to understand truths long since established, and which are of 

 the highest practical moment, that the money which is not 

 industriously earnt is seldom wisely expended ; and that the 

 real prosperity of individuals and nations, is not in the accu- 

 mulation of mere wealth, but in those habits of industry, fru- 

 gality and self-dependence, wiiich spring from the necessity of 

 labor and enterprise ; and such a struggle with obstacles and 

 difficulties as will awaken, and strengthen, and expand all our 

 physical and intellectual energies. Temperance and frugality 

 likewise lie at the foundation of all substantial prosperity ; and 

 neither the happiness nor the morals of men are safe, but where 

 there exists an imperious necessity for the exercise of these 

 virtues. Under such circumstances, it is clearly a principle of 

 cardinal importance in private and public economy, that indi- 

 viduals and communities should, as fir as possible, depend 

 upon themselves for the supjily of thr ir own wants ; should 

 seldv:)m go abroad for ttiat whi^^ii they c^n produce without loss 

 at home ; and in respect to matters of primary necessity, 

 c-hould endeavor, though it might seem at first to be attended 

 with . a pecuniary loss, to create resources within themselves 

 rather than live in habits of dependence on others. 



If we look at families, Ave shall find that those are in truth 

 most prosperous, who rely most upon tlieir own exertions, 

 enterprise, and skill. While it often happens, that persons 

 possessed of large estates, which have come to thom by inher- 

 itance, accident, or some fortunate speculation, and who, be- 

 cause they have never known the necessity, have never formed 

 the habits of labor, in the inevitable vicissitudes of human 

 afiairs, are wrecked and rcdncod to a condition of dependence 

 and beggary, the former have known neither want nor fear. 

 Rich in habits of labor, temperance, and frugality, of which, 

 without their consent, no one can deprive them, they have rode 

 out in safety the severest storms. 



These principles, though they may seem remote, have a di- 

 rect connexion Avith the subject under consideration. The 

 moral welfare of a community is always advanced by the ne- 



