British Prime Minister; Visit to Harpers Ferry

“When the British minister visited Harper’s Ferry, the band (composed of young men belonging to the manufactories) serenaded him; he invited them into his lodgings, and entered into familiar conversation with some of them; he declared himself to be well pleased with the appearance of the shops and arms but said he looking over at the asenal, “where is the guard.” “We are the guard,” replied one of the men. “You the guard?” said the minister with increased surprise, “I thought you were the workmen.”–“So we are rejoined the other. “Then,” said the minister “how can you be the guard.” “Because,” replied the workman, “in this republican government the people guard their own property.” Mr. Canning sat silent for five minutes, no doubt meditating on the answer, and contrasting this with the countries of Europe, where the people instead of being the guard are guarded.