The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1811-02-13

oil the gentleman from Crime cticut To sly
whether the difficulty, which he suggests, j.
not entirely removed by reference toths
practice oi the government on these Ccon-
slons, similar to their nature TO the present,
and differing only in circumstances which
render them mere favour able To the interpo-
position Of State authorities.
But, sir, it Is said, that the rights OF State
sovereignty ought To be withheld from the
people OF the territory of Orleans because
majority OF the population is composed of
emigran.s from France, and the defendants
ot Frcnchmen--that among these, their eX-
lists predominant attachment TO the govern
ment oil France shall not attcmpt TO con-
trovert the fact, that there are individuals of
wealth and influence in that territory, who,
from early habits and education, have n,bi-
bed strong prediction for French laws,ous-
TOMS and manners. No lapse of time, no
change OF situation can obterate the impress
sions which the mind receives from early
precept and example. 1t is 10 be expected
that people whose laws and usuages, from
time immemorial, have been materially diff
ierent iiom those whic h constitute the lulc of
conduct IN this country, and whose ignorance
OF cur political institutions results from The
very nature Of the government under which
they have lived, can suddenly transfer their
affections from that system OF Jurisprudence
which has been handed down from their an
cestors, 10 IA government whose laws they do
not .und stand, either in lheo,y or practice 2,
Such transition cannot be re,onciied with
out the aid Of practical experience, Ly which
the blessings OF Our free constilutSn are de-
monstra,ed in the security which it affords TO
the lille, liberty and property of the citizen. How
lar the original Mhabianis of louisiana are
liable 10 the charge of French paI,ulily ! ann
not to say but l believe them 10 be TN order
ly class of socicty-well disposed towards
the government Of the l.. States. Those who
manifest the greatest regard for France arc
to be found amcng the emigran,s whose views
and expectations carry them beyond the sim
plicily of Republican form OF government.
But while admit the existence Of French
influence in that quarter Of the Union TO
certain extent, cannot make it the basis on
which to justify refusal to emsncipatc tho
great BODY Of the pcoplefr from the trammcls
of territorial vassaiage. Is it good reason,
why the people who reside within the circle
Of The Essex Junto should not enjoy equal
rights with the rest of their fellow oitizrns,
that those who compose that association arc
sumo proposition TO trench upon their rights
would be viewed with the utmost abhorrebco
and detesiation, as on act OF political intoItr-
ancc, unprecedented in the history Of this
government. And yet, sir, | venture to pro.
nounce that these British attachments, fas-
tered and cherished amidst the wrongs and
insults which VIC have received from that Iia-
ton, not only in this nursery u tory friSci-
Inn in .c ,Ix iuI,
Of the United States, have already produced
more mischief to this nation, than the iser-
able French influence existing in N. Orleans
would produce a half century. In gov
ernmcnt like this il is in vain TO expect that
Hen will not think and act for themselves *
So FAR as their actions do not amount 10 an o.
pen violation ol law, they cannot be res,r.in-
cd aiid Tor one, am very wiling to" tolc-
rate errour Of opinion, when reason is left
free to combat it," by erecting this terrific
ny into a seperatc and independent comnon-
wealth, and granting to its ihhabitants equal
civil and political rights with sic rest OF the
Cnion, you will merit the confidence and al
iec,icn Of those who value AS thy ought the
important privileges conferred upon them.
You will arrest from those who seek to dis
tuib the tranquility OF the country, by cxci-
ing fcuds and internal disorder among the
people, every pretext iorthe accomplishment
OF their purposes and you will invite to this
exposed section OF our country population,
SD necessary in the eour Of danger, To rc-
sst the occupation of the shores and waters
of the Mississippi by AN invading enemy.
From the influence Of France nothing need
be { lred. The distance, by which we arc
separated fram that sreatpowcr, is srfii-
cient guarantee that no attempt will be made
Oh her part to subvert oui authority in Louis
lana. France is not in situation 10 assvil us,
if such dispo yrTo. existed in her ruler. The
want Of naval '0wer will, for many years to
come, form an iDsupcrabie barrier to the in-
production Of French army into the Y States.
But the people OF the territory OF Orleans
can never be prevailed on 10 commit their