The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1812-03-11


reditary, and honours are generally the ad-
iuncts OF particular dcmesnes. Here folly
and nickedness often ascend the throne vice
ano iniquity become Judges and Legislators
ignorance and stupidity fill places OF the most
important trusts. The result of this is op-
pres ion and wretchedncss, and not unlre-
quenly the ultimate ruin of an unhappy land.
The history of ancient and modern times
cot rn;s the truth of these remarks. In
genuine Republicks, a different order OF things
obtains Here none is invested with power
unless Justly entitled to the appellation OF
sage /; The Judges are chosen from among the
wise and yIItuous fathers of the nation the
seats Of legislation are filled by those whose
talents and profound judgment give them an
elevated rank above their fellow citizens.
Meit becomes the criterion Of besiowing
honors; virtue and sapience arc the passports
20 conspicuous stations. Ignorance is forced
20 remain in obscurity vice and corruption
are obliged TO hide themselves from publick
view. Baseness breads nothing so much as
notoriety, and shrinks from observation like
the guilty beast from the beams Of day.
These observations. however more strict
ly apply to commonwealths while in their
state &c simplicity ere wickedness and am
bition bee ome centered in the same breast
ere rect Sude is shaken by the assailings OF
dcpravity, or corruption twines itself around
the heart of the contaminated citizen. In pro-
portion rs they lose their genaineness,th their po-
lit,cal golden age, we behold vice, duplici,y
ana ignorance, elevated 20 places Of high re-
sponsbli,y--,o Offices intimately connected
with me publick happiness and prosperity.
Viewing the present situation OF our State,
VIC have stl ong reasons to suspect that it has
swcryed from that vrtuous simplicity which
constitutes the base and glory of Republican
communities. In taking a close survey OF
those characters which, at present, fl, the
various departments of the government of
Rh)de-Isiand, we have strong reason 10 fear
thai all is not right--that there is rottenncs in
the fabrick. We turn our eyes to several pla-
ccs of high importance with an expectation
OF seeing them filed with probi,y and intei-
gence but, alas we look in vain. No shin.
ing talents strike our view 4; no discretion or
sanctitude arrests he attention.; not even
suavity of manners engages the heart with
Its maglck influence. 1t is painful to define
ate the reverse Of what the picture Ought to
be but truth, imperious truth demands the
Irksome task. Ignorance has gained nigh
ty triumph; wickedness stretches out It's
hands upon the political mountain, and hy-
pocrisy sits smiling alof., horrid, CHASTITY
grin. This loudly proclaims the existence
OF vice and corruption, for no,ning else coald
possibly nave elevated certain men to the con-
spicuous stations which they now dishonour.
But zvhere docs this vice and CORFU pion
exist Among the Republicans No, surely
Not the least shadow of evidence Of this eau
be found. They never gave these men sup
port. On the contrary, their whole exer,ions
cd Nb,,
frustratc such an election, and thereby 10 save
,he State from such stigma and disgrace.
But their cndeavours we're fruitless. In Az
OWL hour the guardian genius Of learning,
wisdom, and rectitude slumbered, or with
drew his " potent aid" and the enemy be-
came victorious. TO the federali.ts, there
fore, belong the foul deed of investing such
miserable and contemplate characters with
power. To them, alone, must be imputed
the crimes, folly and corruption which evi.
dently lurk within the community.
But we are far from attaching criminality
and folly to all who bear the name of federal
ist. Many who are ranked in that class, and
who bestow their suffragcs where their lea
dcrs direct, are honest, well meaning, pious,
worthy citizens, and could their eyes be OPEN
ed 10 behold the true state Of things-the
real object Of the two political parties, they
would renouncc with pride and Jealous indg-
nation, the de,estable cause they have so
often supported.
You that bear this appella,ion, are most
earnestly enjoinsd TO bcstow more serious at
tention upon the subject than what you seem
20 have hitherto done. Read and understand
Investigate the truth conform to the dictates
Of prudence, and obey the prccepts of wis
dom. II you 10 this, you will soon be con
virced of the inpoiitick and injurious part
you have taken, and quickly forsaae those
paths which lead to the subversion OF liberty.
and the ruin of your once fourisbing and
ha. py government.
Frccmen, consider we'll these things. On