Portland gazette and Maine advertiser. (Portland, Me.) 1805-1818, 1809-10-16
ron The GAZETTE.

AMONG the means which have contri-
buted to the late triumph of Democracy in
this State, and more particularly in the Dis
trict OF Name, there is one, not the least
powerful, because it has operated in the
dark, over the counter Of petty dram shop,
in little parties where only two or three of
Of the right kidney are met together, or, at
farthest, IN those more solemn coucuses,
where the leader of perhaps one or two lit.
tie villages has called together his satel-
iites, to give them their lesson, "screw
their courage up 10 the sticking place, (" and
appoint them their field Of motion for Cleo
pioneering purposes II has not therefore
been so easily discerned, and little or no
exertions have been made TO counteract its
malignant effects.
In most of the new settlements, and ma.
ny oflhose Of older date, correct political in
formation is but scantily dfused, and from
the Industrious habits of the inh abitants.
and the unremitting labor to which they are
necessarily subjected, they find neither lei
sure nor disposition accurately to examine
and compare the various and contradictory
reports OF men and me assures which are
occasionally circulated among them. Here
are found some restless and aspiring amb;.
tio,s Of distinction, but fearing to move in
spheres where their ig,a,rance would be
disc ,vered, and their upstart pretentions
frownsd ieto merited insignilicanee. These
have chosen ther scene Of action apong
men whose limited means of knowledge
renoe,s them liable TO imposition, and VINO
consequently, ale easils led % lock up for in.
formation 10 those WHO, with plausible ap-
nearSncs blend just truth enough with the
fascheds they rela.e, TO be able in some fcx=
pWr.c Inrs TO prnpe themselves in the right.
Awaiting themselves OF this trait in the
human character, TO believe any thing, how.
ever absurd, provided il is asserted with
bohness, and rertinaciously adhered to as
truth these demagogues travel from house
to house, or plant themselves in taverns and
grog shops, as their business or convenience
dictate, and. after obtaining the confidence
OF the good kilks, hesitate not to propagate
the m ,st gross ialschoods, confident that the
means OF immediate detection are not at
hand, they venture to assert, with all the
air OF conscious truth, circumstances, which
never had existance except in their own
prolific brains, the best OF patriots are &C.
cused OF conspiring to subyert the fair fab
ric OF liberty which they have, at the risk
gems snl spoiis" are represented as the
employment and object OF men whose lie
and talents have been devoted to their co,n.
try's service and all who refuse to bow
the knee to the Baal of Democracy are slig-
mat'zed as being corrupted by Britain TO
assist in re establishing the very tyranny
which they have shed their blood and exer-
ted every nerve to overthrow. The won
de-ing auditors, amazed at the turpitude Of
the crimes thus exposed to their view, and
eonpineed by the un6iuihtEg assva'ce of their
oracle, that all he says is true as holy writ,
look up to HIM as possessing a fund ofknow.
ledge and dIscernment, far transcending
that OF ordinary mortals, and reposing with
full faith on his political creed, act as he
acts, move n he directs. aud when they are
called upon TO exercise the most important
priv' &c Of frse'aen they march up to the
poll at their masters nod, and blindly con-
tribute TO lift men like himself into power
ny means like these the intriguing leaders