The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1811-06-12

her injustice, that she would not have repea-
ted IL, and that France would never have IN
jured us This is not certain, but " IS pro-
bable Aud the reflection how happy and
lr,noui we might have been, but for the vo-
lent and obstinate opposition 10 our govern
mcnt, increases our regret that that opposi-
tion should be supported or sanctioned by
one man Of sense or honesty in the country.
Surely we ought 10 prefer ihe interests Of
my other under Heaven. Surely we ought
TO defend our own rights from invasion, let
il come from what quarter it may. Certain
y il is unwise and unjust when other gov
ernments are outraging and insulting ours,
for our citizens 10 take part with other gov
ernnents against our own. Undoubtedly the
best way to obtain redress, is to- unite in de-
mandng it and the surest way TO protect
our rights, is to stand up manfulIy and unan-
imously for them these truths we should
think every man of common understanding
mus by this time sce-and when seen, every
man Of real integrity VIII act accordingly.
His resolution should be, II he has done
wrong TO do it no more--f others do wrong,
it shall be no guide to him. Many distin-
guished characters have abandoned the feder-
al party from conviction that their views
are mistaken or their designs are misChev-
Gus. Thousands more would leave them
were it not for false shame. But no man
ought 10 BE- ashamco%pf forsaking his errour
when he dieccvers.% 'or of embracing truth
when lie fms it. Every man ought 10 be
proud Of loving his country better than his
party--of adhering to principles rather than
men. Every man ought 10 be independent
and resolute enough, if he knows he has been
led astray to return 10 the right road. No
one should even go with muhitHde to do G.
vii, much less cleave TO .faetion (for such
the ieaderS of the federal party unquesiiona-
bly, are) who are bent on the overthrow of
the government and the destruction of the
Union. WAsHIEGToN, who at one period
OF ADAMS administration appeared 10 think
war with France unavoidable If not expedi-
ent, on better information altered his opinion
and advised iurther negotiations Tor peace.
Ills advice was taken, and the negocIalion
was successful. WAsHINGTON was not above
rctrac!ng his steps when wrong--and why
should others be can that which did honour
to WAsHINGroN, disgrace them ! Assured
iy not
Did every one act as noby as WASHING
TON did, we should become united and hap
py at home---and feared and respected abroad
our property would be restored, and our
citizens released,--the ocean would become
free to our flag, and every port be opened TO
onr de.-Such wonders Union would work,
il we were but united in support Of our OWE
government, and in opposition to every pow
er that .nrcd or annoyed us. Let the ex-
pcriment be tried--it will doubtless prove
successful. Had we been united among our
ii. R.,t.. al, 4
never have gone the length she did in OPP
pressing and insulting US. Size was encour-
aged and upheld in her designs upon us, by
her partzans among us. 1t is the same now.
She relies more upon her friends here, than
upon her army and navy together. Let us
deprive her Of this reliance, by ralying
round our own government, pursuing our
own interests, and maintaining our own
rights.
---1sss IS 0n~