The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1812-04-13

tic fabric reared by ,hc sage fathers OF the
nation. 1t is in consequence Of this iayorite
scheme that the federals,s are so desirous to
form an alliance, offensive and defensive with
Great Britain--lhat they are so clamorous in
ustifyiDg the aggressions and insolence OF
the British, and dread nothing so much as a
war wiki that power. In the British they
behold pattern for imitation, and allies TO
aid them in the internal work when their plan
is ripe for execution. 1t is, likewise, in this
contemplated destruction of freedom and
common right, that we may trace the secret
springs of all their actions.
Among the means which they wish to en-
poy Sor producing the overthrow Of Repub-
lcan Liberty, is the curtsiing of the right of
election. They wish to lessen, as much as
possible, the number of votes. This invalu-
able privilege they wish to confne to the rich.
These rich men, anxious to possess exclusive
power, and TO control the common people as
they please, wish to stiffle the voice Of the
small estated frecmen. The free expression
Of this voice is deadly foe to their destruc-
tive designs. DESTROYS of confining the
right Of voting within narrow compass, the
fedcraists are startled with fearful apprchen-
sion at the bare proposal of extending it. A
striking instance of this has been seen. When
the universal suffrage bill was introduced into
the General Assembly, in February, 1911,
the federalists, in the utmost state OF alarm,
instantaneously formed phalanx of opposi-
tioD and swelled their notes in loud concert,
to destroy its credit with the House. The
bill, however, passed the Senate by a large
majority, much to the honor OF the gentlemen
which then composed that branch of the Leg
islature. But such was the Glamour against
it in the House of Representatives, that
final desicion was postponed till June session.
AT this time, e,legislation had passed into other
hands. Federalism had gained the asccnden-
cy, and every thing which bore friendly as.
pect To freedom became the objec! OF perse-
cuton. The bill was, of course, rejected,
and the patriotic labors of the former Cover
nor and Council frustrated.
Blu, TO appease the people whom they were
conscious of having injured by the rejection
of this bill, they cndeavored to sooth their
minds by obviating the force of the arguments
urged in its favor, by passing law aboishiDg
poll taxes. In consequence OF this act, those
who arc not entitled to vote are exempted
from taxation. A rare specimeR OF federal
cunning
This, although it may satisfy some minds,
is, in reality, one step towards the accom-
plishment of their iavorite object They
now, perhaps, think themselves secure from
the danger OF popular elections. But what
arc the immediate effects of this law 1t ex-
empts, to be sure, certain part of the COM
munity from taxation. But this is poor cx-
change for the deprivation of an important
and indcafeasable right---a right which God
and nature have bequeaihed--ihe right of aP-
pointing their own rulers. The case Of this
parl OF society is not essentially altered. They
arc a species OF slaves, and no reasoning,
however plausible, can make them appear
otherwise. But this is not all. The GUAM
tuu of taxes to be paid in each town, is not
eXtenuated. n greater, must, of course, be
drawn from those who hare rateabe proper
ty. You, who have a small house and gar
den lot, hardly sufficient to supply your FAM
lilies with potatoes, you must pay this addi
tional tax. On your shoulders the burthen
chiefly falls. YOU alone must feel the weight
YOU alone must go to day labor TO earn mo-
ney to satisfy the rapacious collector. The
wealthy feel not this augmentation of ex-
pense. One dollar TO them is not so much
felt as one cent to many of you. They can
easy so long as they can hold an honest part
OF mankind in a state OF slavery.
have said this IS one step towards the fa-
vorite object of the fcderais,s. The next,
perhaps, will be to exempt from taxation all
who are not worth thousand dollars of real
estate. Then will follow prohibition Of the
right Of voting. II government is so gener-
Gus as TO exempt them from taxes, they can
certainly have no objection to relinqush their
right of voting. This measure gone down
without murmuring, taxation and voting will
next be confined to property of FIVE thousand
dollars. This peaceably swallowed, another
law of the same nature will succeed and at
last voting will be conhned wholly to the veal
thy few. Then where will be the great body
of the commonaity--what will be the si,ua-
ton of three fourths of those Who are at pre-
sent frcemen ? Sunk into state of oppres-