The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1812-08-20

would have the members Dy themselves, anu might
instil into them the persuasive deductions OF LIS
reasoning IT, therefore, the federal gentlemen did
not like this closed door opportunity OF debate, II
shews that their object was not to convince the un
d.rstandngs of the Representatives OF the people,
and thereby prevent the war, but tht their desire
was TO influence the passions OF the people them
selves. There no hindrance to desate when The
doors we're shut but the federalis,s themselves
/" declined discussion" This admission IS fatal TO
their argument.
At page q, of this federal address, will be found
the following confession " The intention to wage
war and invade Canada, had been long since open5
syowed. The object OF hostile menace had been
osteatasousLy announced" The reader is desired TO
mark this passage, and TO impress il on his mind
that the fcderalsts acknowledge the determination
TO go to war, had been for long time, announced;
obeaiy ayowed by the majority. Indeed, every sody
must remember the fact for the avowal was treat
ed with much rdicule by the opposition both in and
out of congress Well, then; the resolution to go
to war with Great Britain was avowed the federal
lists admit that il had been long 6efsre e secret part
Of me sessjsn. ayowed steniy and Os'entahonsy yet
what did these same federaiists do when that avow'
al was made The doors were open thea; they
might have spoken in the face of the world and Of
their constituents at that time. Did they do SD
Mo- They were dumb. 1t was their marked policy
to be silent The truth OF this is notorious. At
Washington, when the doors OF Congress zsreopen,
when the question Of war fully announced,
their report in part when every measure proposed
on the side of the majority inevitably led To war
what was the conduct of these federal addrcssers
then Why--let them blush it they can--tbey
were carrcaturing legislator that stsod up for the
country they were giving counlenance TO two or
three caricaturists at Washington, who were EN-
ployed to depict Mr.. Porter on the back Of terra
pin This the occupation OF Honorable men,
when the doors Of Congress reere opea--yes, open,
in the face of the world in the face Of their constr
tuents, and when the subject Of war stated cas-
for debate" The Republicans invited discussion
they spoke on ihe topic ana spoke so much, with
out being answered by The OppOsitlon that Re-
publican member, I think it was Mr. Bibb, oi ,ieor-
gia,) threatened TO call the breviou, question on his
political friends, if they did not decline further
speaking, seeing thX the federal representatives had
decided not TO speak at all Thus, the federal gen
tlemen not only " declined discussion" when the
doors were shut but they " declined discussion"
when the doors were open.
When the question OF war came up--nct for ds-
cussi0n, but for Gecisionthese very same meB, VINO
had yaved the right OF debate at the proper period
OF the sesson--thcsc very saiae men, who, Tor at
least art months, had he'd fair opportunity 10 speak
to the subject, complained OF tyranny, because when
the moment to act had arrived that moment 20 which
the majority had uniformly pointed from the com
menccment OF the session, the opposition were not
allowed waste in Idle debate the precious time OF
Congress and array, by inhanmatory harrangues,
party out Of 6Oo,s against the constituted authorities
And what greater occasion was there Tor a'scu2-
sion at last thar at first None. The addeCsSscfs
Cat page ~ confess that No one reason for '90r
was infmated, 6es such rsas o. nature ipnbAc
and n9forioRS ~ II all the for wIs- mo-
torious before the doors of Congress sh', aal
the iederai members refused TO discuss the Grston
then, with what face can they congAr@ Up a. cess
sity f,r subsequent debate, ana cry out Garl p g
treedo. from = temporary secret session YWhy,
if they would not speak when the subject was open
In. htpk. rlN
the doors upon them when the question was prcpo-
Sed for decision
Yet, in fact there was no infringement Of Tire
right of debate. The pamphlet does not SAY there
was 1t comedies that the federal gentlemen rs,yh;
have spoken on the subject Of war both in open ana
secret session HUI they would speak onhcither oc
casion. They complain then, of their own negI
gcnce. If men win not speak when doors are open,
and will not speak when they shut, what pro-
priety is there in a complaint OF e!oScd doors
In one thing l have perfectly agreed with the nd
dressers But must refer to it again; 1t is The
responsibility of the representatives TO their consu
ents" In this is to be found the justification ot the
majority. They were Responsible to the nation i'T
their acts they were responsible, as well tor what
they did themselves us for what they suffered The T'.
orty to do. II, then, minority manifested u's-
position to trihe with the rights, and honor, and M
terests, Of the country IL the minority at crts-
cal period, demonstrated intention to adhere to
no system fer public benefit, but coniemned and
burIcsqued every thing that was done or attempted
to be done if the same minority, like spoiled
child, grew only worse by indulgence were the
majority to give way to such temper! Were they
to yield the whus, and the caprices, and the ab-
surdties OF that minority Did not the iesponhbli-
~ of the majority render it necessary tor then, at
the moment they were proceeding to actsn asains:
an enemy, to cut all frivolous altercaon Short and
at the peril OF their responsibility SO on to the con-
summation Of the great object they had IN view.
IL = &c xrtth xyhl
ness, (at pages and 6) the addressers touch hpon
subjects Of the very first Importance. alute TO
the restrictions upon commerce and to the mls'on
of John Henry. With regard TO the first, any
thing can prove fervent devotion to pesoc it's
the embargo and non.importsucn laws !hosewere
acts, operating on the feelings ofour enemies though
their nteres, and they resorted TO, IN th hrs'
instance, 20 avoid appeal to arms The history
of the restrictive policy of the administrator de-
monstraby shews, that had it not been tor tai sys-