Portland gazette and Maine advertiser., 1809-08-28
. FOR THE GAZETTE.

THE writings Of none are fit for the pub.
lie eve, unless spirit of candour pervsdes
them. No man can Judge with fairnes, on
any subject, where his evidence is produ,
ced by the rays OF As artial orb only. When
we wash the public to decide impartially,
we shouli write with candour. As we
write, we are generally read. A partial pc.
llioal writing, Is political poison the null
ti,ude swallow it. and though slow Of opc-
iation, and 10 the patient often,imes imper-
ceptible in its effects, it at length destroys
him. The corrupter Of public sentiment
is more obnoxious and detestable than the
midnight assassin. Were truth the guide
Of every political pen, the people would be
happy band of brothers.
make these remarks wAh a mind fond
Of truth. and a heart indignant at falshc.s,
Not because l wish to I" bedanb" any man
or men with adulation, neither because
have an opportunity of speaking good
things" of those to whom have been OPP
posed in political opinions but because
am happy to have it in my power to applaud,
where many, perhaps, may censure ; and
because it was always uncongenial with my
best feelings, to speak hard of am, though
truth has oft compelled me. lf am ever
unfair, uncandid---I wish may, in the spi-
rit Of candour, be exposed. 'Tis neither
filthy lucre, nor the hum of appreciation,
that moves my pen. 'Tis my love OF couu.
try, and that should teach rne, should ev-
er prove Injurious TO the public sentiment.
to deslst.
There will be much inquiry, much agi-
ta,inn, much sutmise and doubt, in the
minds of many, ON the present posture olaf.
fairs But my constant caution to my coun.
trymen. 3ill ever be, Be calm. II We arc
not calm, ne Cannot ba Candid II we, are
not calm, we Cannot, in our opinions of
men and measures (Which ever ought to be
our own, and independently do justice TO
our country, nor 10 ourselves. When inter-
est jars with principle, the latter should al
ways rule supreme. Where asy passion
be hushed and, If it be too strong to be
quoted, the possessor cannot be deemed a
eyacficdi patriot, whatever may have been
his traits of character The world forms
its opinions of men. from an Investigation Of
their actions. DftIf alone knoweth The
heart. ArhsId. though once esteemed pat
riot, as well as brave, proved TO the world,
that patriotism was not his ruling passion,
II ii had been, all others would have been
suhseryient to il. lie in one ignominions
action, eolipsed the splendour of many a no
|, Ole one. AMI blasted fame which ought TO
| have been holden i" desrss life itself" And
| where is the man who deserves the name
of patriot. he be not readyto sacrifice the
love of every thing secular, to the love OF
the land he lives in !
lido sincerely approve OF Mr.. Madison's
conduct, as President, in his management
of our concerns with Great Britain, 30 tar
as am able to form my opinion from papers
and documents which have co'ae TO mr.
knowledge. Iapprove OF his last procla.
nation. of August 9, in particular.
Should any Of my former readers suspect
I have enlisted on the side Of the adn'nls'
tra,ion, I would assure them, 1 never en!ist-
ei in my life. am my country a"'oea'e'
aud know no cause that can swerve me
from pursuing that course watch deem
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