Oracle post — Portsmouth, N.H., 1804-11-06 00:00:00, page 2

Ever since the institution of our present form of
national government, a difference of sentiment has
existed on that subject, distictly marking two polit
ical parties. The Federalists, or framers and advo
cates of the Federal government, and the antifed
eralists, a class embracing both those who were op
-1 posed generally to any national government, which
should exercise legislative, executive, and judicial
powers over all the States, and those, who willing
to admit tliat, considered the form of government a
dopted as not sufficiently democratic. Disputes ari
sing from this difference of sentiment have long agi
tated the public mind, and have only become of less
moment, by a comparison with new considerations,
affecting the dearest privileges whichanyßepublicau
form of government can bestow.
An opinion is now entertained by the Federalists,
that a party in our national government, in which
the agents of Virginia take the lead, have effected
an actual and formidable combination, for the exclu
sive management of the affairs of the nation. An o
pinion of this kind, itis evident, must give a serious
alarm to every man who possesses the least attach
ment to representative government ; or who is not
willing to consign liis most valued rights to the sole
direction of those who have an opposite interest of
their own. This opinion has been publickly ex
pressed. It has excited much speculation ; and
while the destructive consequences of such a combi
nation have been admitted by all, a portion of the
community has insisted that no such combination
existed, and that the suggestion originated in party
malignity alone.
On this very serious and interesting queffion,
the parties already formed, have taken different
ground. The Federalists fee and believe that the
liberties of the Northern States, and Specially with
jour prefect representation in Congress, are facri
ficed to the domineering spirit, the avarice and
pride of the Southern combination, and that it be
hoves us, as we love our freedom, as we refpea
our dignity and independence, to lend those and
those only to represent us, who will be firm in de
fence of our injured rfghts, and like men, —like
patriots, step boldly forward on the floor of Con.
grefs, to ffem the tide of Virginia usurpation.
The Democrats on the other hand, are loud in
theirdenunciations of the Federalists for proclaim
ing these jealousies. They insist that the admin
juration of government is correct and disinterested;
that the alarms of Federalists are unfounded, and
that those of our Northern Representatives, who
have given their voice and influence in favour of
the ruling party, merit the confidence and Support
©fall.\
Election is at hand, and the decision of this ques
tion is of infinitely greater moment than all the
Speculations which are genrally the Subjects of our
partydifputes. The Democrats themselves admit
the deftruaive coniequrnces of an afeendant local
interest in Congress, but they deny the fad, and
therefore propose thole, for re-ele&ion, who have
been accused of meanly joining the ranks of our
usurpers.
A review of the conduct of Virginia, at the time
the Constitution was proposed, through the whole
of the two former administrations, and particularly
since the election of Mr. Jefferfon, would lead any
candid, refleaing mind to adopt the jealousies and
fears of the Federalists. But the process would, at
present, be tedious, and I shall state other lads,
which being admitted, require no candour—they
requite but common sense, and complete convi&.
; too muff follow.
The publick and official declaration of Major
Butler is evidence of that kind, which mull he ir
resistible, wherever it is known. It has been cau
tiouSy concealed from the friends of the adminil
tration, in this part of the country, by their leaders.
They never have disputed, nor dare they deny its
authenticity ; nor will they pretend that Major
Butler's evidence is to be discredited. -Here then
is proof pufitive! Mr. Butler has,©id does rank
high as a democrat in principle ; 9 a Senator in
o>ngrels---he has witntffed the movements of that
body, and without renouncing any of his political
<maxims, he has thus exposed and protested against
the Virginian conspiracy in the following words.
"I had not long been in Senate, since my last
^election, before I perceived a combination among
Certain lirgi States, unfair in itfelf, and dangerous
1 2: in its confauences, to the rights of other States ;
I ' (hey hold evening meetings, to decide what shall
Itake fota or prevail in Senate. Into this combi-
tas the mechanical part of his office, that is, the
minting of my publications ; it could be apprehen
ded that a foreign minister would risque an intrigue
to bribe directly or indirectly a high officer of a
trown, depositary of the secrets of state, and direc
tor of its measures, but to bribe Mr. Jackson the
editor of a newspaper whose sheet are scarcely to
be seen across the waters of the Schuylkill anti the
Delaware without a place in the Government, with
out personal influence, to bribe him for the typo
graphical publication of ideas which were not his
own, by their nature perfectly harmless and legal
is a conjecture only to be suggested by a wicked
heart or a miserable head. 1 repeat that the only
apprehended refusal of the editors who had espoused
a side of the question contrary to my ideas, deter
mined me to call on the said W. Jackson ; but al
though I consider him a man of some talents, he is
highly deceived ifhe supposes I could mistake his
pen for the key to the temple of Janus.
[The remainder and Maj. Jackson's reply will
be,given next wee/c]
So many circumstances have taken place, tending
to confirm theopinion which Federlists have long en
tertained, respecting the views and policy of the pre
sent administration, it may be unnecessary to offer
arguments to convince them of their duty, in suppor
ting Federal principles. But the imminent danger,
to which our political welfareis exposed, calls aloud
for UNANIMITY, in the Northern States. We feel
a strong assurance that were the real situation of our
jnost valued political privileges known, there is not
a man of common virtue, sen^ and understanding,
Whatever may have been his noliticks, who would
not most zealously unite with dflh aiding the common
cause of our PERISHING LIBERTIES. With a
hope, therefore, of contributing in some degree to an
issue so devoutly to be wished,the editor now address
es himself to citizens of all classes, and hopes that his
patrons will hand this paper to shose who, differing
from us in sentiment, will never here of these FACTS
from their own presses. As the charges we have
to make are direct ;itis proper to assume a DIRECT
responsibility ; we therefore wave the editorial
style, and pledge ourselves personally and solemnly
for the truth of our remarks.
="
From the Repertory.
THE APPROACHING ELECTION.
To the Citizens of Massachusetts.
nation they have drawn two or three ^ the final!
Statesand by this combination nothing i> (offered to
come fairly before the Senate, that is not either
brought forward by one of the party, or has not
their previous fanaion. To such a lite of things,
I could not-.-I cannot—l will not fiibmit—with
out exprt ffing both my concern and disapprobation
—concern, because I expe&ed a very different
condud from gentlemen with whom I hoped to
have been in unison, disappointment at finding
these men, who before a revolution in the public
mind took place, profeffed a jealous regard for e
qual rights, now in power, the firtl 'to Subvert the
principles of which they willed to be thought the
advocates."
Is it possible for evidence to be more complete
or fatisf^dory?
But I have other fads to Gate. The overbearing
disposition of the Virginian leaders in Congress has
been equally felt and underflood by some of our
Northern Representatives. I will not fay that ei
ther Mr. Crowninfhield or Seaver has had the dis
cernment to afeertain this circumstance however
obvious. !
These unfortunate gentlemen seem to enter con
scientiously into the service of their new masters,
without knowing that they are enflavingthemfelves
and their constituents. But Dr. Euftis and Gen.
Varnum, as well as Mr. Elliot of Vermont, lee and
are alarmed , they have not been insensible to the,
degradation of New England. These gentlemen#
during the session, held many conferences with©#
another, and feme of them with Federalists, on the
ruinous Influence of the Virginian confederacy.
Mr. Varnum thus expressed himfelf to a Federal
member from New-England. "It is now evident
that the views of certain men of influence in the
majority, endanger the interests and independence
of the Northern States. They must be opposed or
we are ruined. The Northern members, continued
he, must unite ; our party disputes must be done a
way, and we must consult our fafety and security
by cordially blending our exertions for the luppoit
of the Northern interest." ! 1 Inch were the ideas
suggested by Ge r,l Varnum, and this afftrtion I
SOLEMNLY 1 WGE MYSELF TO SUP
PORT.
Now, citizens of Massachusetts, reflea on these
things. You have proof to which you cannot re
fufe assent, that in the legiflitive departments of our
nation, a party exists which has reduced congref.
fional deliberation to an empty form, while the most
important affairs of State are decided by a cabal, in
which the interests of the large ftatesdecide every
question. The very foundation of ou r Republican
lyftem is destroyed bv reducing representation t^ a
name and nothing else. Even thole who were in
opposition to the last administration now fee and
privately confefs that national government is at an
end, and that local interests Iway the movements of
the legislative body as well as the executive.
In this critical situation of affairs, what has been
the condua of your Representatives ? A fair an-
Iwer to this inquiry must certainly, with men who
deserve the name of freemen, determine the pro
priety, or inexpedience of re-election,
Messieurs Euftis and Varnum were witnesses to
•the feene of usurpation which has prostrated our
rights. While acknowledging this to each other,
what have they done? Have they been true to their
trust ?---Huve they espoused our declining carle
with the zeal of patriots, or have they like cow. ds,
nay I may fay like traitors, abandoned the intel
eftsof their conftituents?---Let the journals of Com
grefs decide. There we find proof, "fifong as boll
writ" that instead of supporting them, they have
difgracefully assented to measures, introduced and
carried with a view to annihilate forever the ini
fluence of the Northern states.---With their eyes &
pen to the ruinous policy in process, they dare not,
at least, they did not even remonftrare. Since their
return, have they come forward to inform the minds
and corred the prejudices of the deluded worship
ers of Virginia ? No; here again their cou rage and
their integrity failed them. At firft they laid little,
but as the day of eleaion approached, they sup
ported those very errours which they were in duty
bound to combat, and having confirmed the un
happy delusion which has prevailed among their
party, they have gone back to Congress, to com
plete the measure of our disgrace ; nor is there a re
mote probability that they will there advance fen
timeots whch they dare not at home.
Before an election, men who would use their
right in voting as becomes enlightened citizens con.
fulling the welfare of their country, ftronld not only
have the individual candidates in view but the gt n.
era! principles on which they mean to act. In
Suffolk diflria this fame Doftof Euftis, wbofe
conduct has been delcribed, is nominated as one
candidate. Is there the smallest probability that
this genrlcrhan will change his tone to oppose " the
combination"? If not u^o can conscientiously
give him a vote ? On the other hand, a gentleman
has been fought, whose disposition to support our
freedom and anadminifiration founded on equitable
conftitntional principles is fatisfactorily aftchain
ed. A question which deeply affects your interests
is before you, and it is fincertly to be hoped that
no consideration whatever will cancel the great duty
of fell preservation.
In the full confidence of being able to substanti
ate whatever there may be of personal reflection in
the above remarks, the whole is refpectfully fub
netted by J. PARK.
Keene, N. 11. Oct. 27.
At the late session of the Superior Court in thia town,
three young men were convicted of being concerned in
counterfeiting money, and fcntenced to fine and imprion
ment. — -
We are informed that the wound received by Lt, Whit
ney, of Afhburnh&D, taostd in our last, is not likely to
prove mom||
Must we then give up our freedom ? Think of
this feroufly, you who value it. The combination
in Congress to rule as without our consent, is sup
ported by evidence strong as the light of day. The
conduct of Eustis and Varnum, you fee, has been
knowingly and willfully treacherous. Now what
will you d< ?—Can you hesitate a moment ? There
is, among the citizens of New-Englaud, a large
majority, alive to these injuries and anxious to re
pel them by every constitutional means. Will you
not consult your own welfare and unite with them.
Will you in the face of evidence and reason dis
claim your dearbought privileges ? Reflea—re
flea, seriously, for the moment is at hand,when you
must ad.
From the Columbian Centinel.
LAST NUMBER
of the RE VIE W of
Mr. JEFFERSON's Administration.
WE shall now terminate the Review OF THE
Administration of Mr. Jefferson with a
concise recapitulation of his measures and a compar
ison of his fiscal arrangements with those of his pre
decessors. This will enable us to ascertain their
relative merit. That every particular act during
Mr. Jefferson's direction of national affairs has
been noticed is not pretended. The most important,
however, sufficiently numerous to display the spirit
of his government, have been delineated. Different
indeed has this been from the hope, created by the
inaugural speech. Though a perusal ofthis design
ed piece of splendid deception must have caused a
belief, that the halcyon days of primeval simplicity
were again to be realized under his auspicies ; yet
has his presidency almost terminated, and must end
according to the fate, frequently attending human
affairs, in miserable disappointment to the expecta
tions of good men. Instead of the mild and concil
iating manner of governing, which the executive
portrayed at his inauguration, he has employed for
eign hirelings to single out the victims of his hatred,
and by the bitterest obloquy load them with public
odium. He has suffered envy to dart a vengeful
look at superior merit, and mark it for ruin. In
deed he has let loose all the hateful passions to de
stroy the characters and happiness of those, who
will not subscribe to the infalibility of his opinions.
For vindictive hatred toward his opponents, had he
made his own precept the rule of his practice ; for
unrelenting intolorance, had he exhibited a dignified
conduct above party spirit, conduct, which has so
eminently distinguished the present Chief of Massa
chusetts, he had not driven from society "the har
mony of social intercourse," but increased the num
ber of his friends, and extorted the esteem of his
greatest enemies, were it impossible to gain their
love. He has however chosen a different course,
as if providence sometimes designed to show, haw
great may be the deception, which man may shew
for personal aggrandizement. But to compare the
public debt under the present and former adminis
trations.
In our second number we examined the national
debt at the termination of the federal administra
tion, which then amounted to a fraction over 70 mil
lions of dollars ; deducting nations property, trans
nirtted to their successors, to not more, than sixty
six millions. Mt. Gallatin however in a report in
1801 states it as a fraction over eighty millions. The
incorrectness of this report, undoubtedly designed to
deceive, and mislead the nation, may be shown from
another of his reports, made during the last session
of Congress, and the amount of debt paid, as stated
by tlie President in his last message. Mr. Gallatin,
in his last report, declares the debt to be little more
than 62 millions. Mr. Jefferson informs us that
eight and an half millions have been paid. This sum,
added to the amount of debt in the Secretary's last
report, makes little more than 70 millions the very
sum, which the federalists stated, was due from the
United States, when they resigned the government.
On whatprinciples then were predicated the two re
ports of the Secretary of the Treasury, that at the
commencement of the present administration the
national debt should amount to eighty millions, and
now to sixty-two, when eight millions and an half
only have been paid ? Here is evidence, which will
convince the people, if they examine, that they are
governed by demagogues, destitute of honour and
truth. But what is the merit of the different ad
ministrations, relative to payment of the national
debt ? The federalists commenced their operations
on the assumption of the debt, without any system of
revenue, under a newly organized and untried form
of government. They carried into effect this gov
ernment, formed and arranged, indeed created the
finances ; restored public credit, which had been
annihilated ; and though they had to contend first
with the depredations of England ; then with the
piracies of France ; with two insurrections, excited
by the very men, who now batten on the wealtli of
the nation ; and though the whole period of their
exercise of power was distinguished for war, devas
tation, disorder, demoralization, which threatened
ruin to every civil institution ; yet under all these
discouragements, without experience, and struggling
with a faction, creating every possible impediment
to their operations, they diminished the debt nearly
four millions, beside leaving a large sum in materials
and works, constructed for public defense. The de
mocrats, with the experience of their predecessors,
the finances organized and constantly becoming
more productive, in a time of peace in our foreign
relations with but little interruption, and without any
internal opposition, have paid, taking their own state
ment, eight and an half millions. In this view of the
subject, undeniably correct, which administration
can claim the greatest share of merit ? The Fede
ralists will never hesitate to trust the issue to a can
did and enlightened people. But the whole picture
bas not yet been viewed. The last report of the Sec
retary of the Treasury does not give the whole truth
though as far as it goes, it may possibly be correct.
Instead of stating the national debt at sixty-two, he
ought to have stated it at seventy-five millions. Yes
the present administration so violently opposed to a
national debt have added to it in four years, accord
ing to Mr. Jefferson's own account, nearly thirteen
millions. For what |!Since they have had no intef
ruption, and ample funds for its extinguishment ?
Why, in the purcliase of territory, the greatest part
of which is absolutely useless to us ; which
requires in its government an expenditure, greatly
exceeding its revenues, consequently is annually
bringing into debt ; and which will probably here
after be the cause of war and finally the curse, and
perhaps ruin of our republic. This is the conduct
ofanen, who have adopted every ariifice, propogat
ed every falsehood, and basely charged the federal
ists with peculation, corruption and a waste of public
money to deprive them of the government for the
good of the people. What clearer evidence of ex
treme selfishness can be adduced ? While such is
their patriotism, such their republicanism will the
nation continue to give them its confidence instead
of bestowing it on those revolutionary characters,
who atchieved our independence, and procured to
be adopted, against the violent opposition of the
friends of Mr. Jefferson, a form of government,which
has ' been to the nation a cause of unexampled pros
perity and happiness ?
IF the conduct ofthe present administration were
blameable only, as it relates to 'the finances,it might
have passed unnoticed, though such conduct would
'be ^sufficient reason for the nation to deny them its
confidence. But they have been distinguished by other
transactions, which display a profligacy, rarely equal
led, perhaps.never exceded by the worst men in the
worst times. At the election of the President a scene
was acted, which must reflect indelible disgrace on
our national character. Not until the friends of Mr.
Jefferson had threatened to sever the ties of the u
nion ; not until they declared, there should be an in
terregnum, and even the existence of the Constitu
tion hazarded, that conscientious duty relaxed its ef
fort, and suffered him to titeto the Wmagistra
cy. After all had not tiu evoice of southern slave,
been heard through their masters, he must still
have remained a private citizen. On his election
however, he amused the nation by the profession
of sentiments, the observance of which would have
restored "the harmony of social intercourse," and
united the jaring interest of political parties. But
instead of this, persecution and intolerance have
been prominant traits in his conduct. The traces of
his revenge are as distinguishable, as the ruin and
devastation, which follow a victorious army. False
hood and slander have been weapons to assail and
drive almost every revolutionary character from the
government. Indeed the President has openly de
clared, that honor, integrity, and a love of the Con
stitution are not yet qualifications for office. During
his administration justice lias been first arrested in
favor of wicked and abandoned violators of the law;
of their country. Men, destitute of principle, and
marked only for violence, have consequently obtain
ed the first offices of government. The Executive
has expended a large sum of money in repairing a
vessel of an implacable enemy, without the authori
ty of either law or treaty : He has restored it to the
hired calumniator after it had become the property
of the nation, and was a penalty, consequent con
viction for crimes. Through his Minister at the
court of France he has disgraced his country by ad
dressing Bonaparte in language, which only a trem
bling slave would use. Brave and hearty seamen,
who have fought the battles of their country, anc(
conquered its enemies at the danger of their live,
have been ignominiously subjected by Mr. Jefferson
to a trial by court martial on false and malicious al
legations, made by those, whom they vanquished,
the dregs of human nature, a disgrace to the imaga
of man. TM^ndependence of the Judiciary bg been
assailed, and a number of the Judges removed from,
office against the plain letter of the Constitution, by
an act of Congress. Others have been attacked by
impeachment for pretended higli crimes and misde
meanors, and cne convicted of them, because God
had visited him with insanity. Tlie violence of the
storm has no appearance of ceasing, until this noble
and coordinate branch of the Government shall lie
completely destroyed.—The doors of Congress have;
been shut, or silence adopted for argument to con
ceal from the people a knowledge of the transac
tion of their most important concerns. The internal
taxes, imposed on luxuries, have been repealed, that
the southern nabobs and whiskey patriots may enjoy
their pleasures without contributing to the support
of government ; while those, placed on necessary ar
ticles of consumption, have remained untouched, or
been increased, that the poor may become more poor
to svell the dependent retinue of the rich. Foreign
ers have been allured to ill fated America in expec
tation of carrying on their nefarious projects with
impunity. The billows of the ocean have been whit
ened by the canvas of vessels, conveying from Eu
rope hordes of aliens, whose backs were smarting
under the crimsoned lash of justice. The salaries
of executive officers have been raised, and attempted
to be increased beyond former example, notwith
standing the lessons of self denial which the present
Administration so frequently repeated.—A commit
tee of persecution, called a committee of investiga
tion, has been appointed to make a report of pre
tended delinquencies, a consciousness of the false
hood of which has consigned it to oblivion. Great
indeed must be that depravity, which resorts to the
highest national tribunal to sanction slander by an of
ficial act for the ruin of private reputation. In vgm
have the Administration been required to point out
the object, to which a large sum of money has been
applied, no account of it has been obtained. The
bank stock of the United Strtes bringing ar interest
of ne^K nine per cent, has been sold to I^< ^era
at an imp r: c loss to discharge a debt with an in
teretf^ 'f ^ ^ ^^ : ' r ^ v, Y./i.^.
on our commerce, and the imprisonment of cur sea
men in c d^nd dr vary dungeons, have been behel
..with apa difference. The freedom of tie
press, the ,lh<^ v -*4 liberty , has been invaded',
refusing the accused permission to give the truth Ji
evidence in msjusulicaxion. A man, formerly dis
graced by Washington for his willingness to lay the
rights of our country at the feet of Directoral cor
ruption, has been appointed a minister to negociate
on a most important national concern, and demand
redress for the greatest injury. The effect of this
negociation is the purchase of a wilderness for fif
teen millions of dollars, which might probably beeh
acquired much more cheaply. Over this territory
has Mr. Jefferson been constituted absolute monarch,
clothed with a patronage, which may ultimately be
death to national liberty.— Though he has violated
the Constitution, it appears not to suit the views of
his friends, until it can be so amended, as to secure
his reelection, and annihilate federalism. Those,
eminent men, who have exposed the hypocrisy of the
present government, and unmasked their designs,
have been assailed with what ever malice could st®
gest, or cunning invent to blast their reputation, and
deprive them of confidence. To complete this scene
d ignominy, the President himself has hired an a
bandoned profligate to calumniate Washington, and
those other great and good characters, who with him
acquired national independence. He hastened the
return of Thomas Paine to this country, who is not
only an open reviled of cur political Saviour, but a
notorious blasphemer of him, by whose death alone
there is hope of happiness beyond the grave. Such
conduct must dwell m the memory of posterity, and.
be esteemed evidence of a want of principle, for a
parallel to which history in vaiu may be searched.
These are the principal acts of an Administration,
Which in the descriptive language of its friends has
been so wise and energetic, prudent and economical,
as to have commanded the admiration of the iccrld.
To complete the expression of approbation, imrfieg
by admiration, we again recur to the proceedings of
the last Congress.
During the struggle for independence the love of
liberty prompted some states to incur greater ex
pense in the attainment of it, than was their propor
tion § Others incurred loss. The Eastern except
Rhode Island, and some of the middle States were
particularly generous and active, while the Southern
were deficient in their contributions for the general
good. Massachusetts has owing t, her a balance of
more than a million. Congress attempted to extin
guish these balances under pretense of an inability
to compel the debtor States to pay, what they justly
owe; Here was a common contest, equally inteltest
ing, and equally advantageous to all, maintained by
the exertions of a few. These, by whose efforts all
enjot the sweets of liberty, are at once to be deprived
of tlie hope of obtaining the jurt excess of expense,
incurred bevond their proportion.
Another act of the last Congress, which mus
be alarming to every friend of liberty, is an at
tempt of Mr. Randolph to procure the adoption of
certain resolutions to deprive the Georgia claimants
of tlie benefit of the agreement, made bv the com
missioners of the United States and the State of
Georgia. They declare what contracts of this State
are, and what are not valid. This is completely an
assumption of the judicial power, which, if not un
constitutional, liberty is already at an end. If from
the House of Representatives individual justice is a
lone to be obtained, the happier will this country be,
the rasr the fora of if government becomes to