A New England town meeting is the most perfect democracy
which the world has ever seen. Citizens are upon an equality. Votes
are not given on account of wealth, standing, or official position,
but as the primary, legitimate right of each citizen. Even at the
commencement of the Revolution we had had great experience in voting.
It was not a questionable right. At all times, even when valued rights
of British subjects were invaded, that of voting had never been
assailed. Towns not only chose their selectmen and representatives,
but with great freedom they expressed opinions upon public affairs and
the conduct of public men, even to the King upon his throne. They had
voted men and supplies in the French war, and in the Revolution they
did the same. In this province the people were reached through the
towns almost exclusively. They voluntarily assumed the burdens of the
war, and hence they had great influence in its prosecution. It is a
singular and most agreeable fact that the Revolution was eminently a
popular movement; and in proportion as we appreciate correctly the
burdens of the war does our respect increase for the men who
voluntarily assumed them. When the army was famishing, when the
soldiers were destitute of clothing, when men and money were needed,
the appeal was made to the towns, and in their meetings the subject
was considered and determined.
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