The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1813-05-27

Plain TRUTH---W Without enterirg min
utely into the differences OF ohiu!on, which
exist between Republicans and Fcderalists u
candid individual Of the later class must con
tess, that there is an almost unprecedented
degree OF folly or OF basencss in the conduet
Of some, who rank themselves under that
banner. We cheerfully avow our opinion,
thar many federallsts would toll or fight TO
maintain their country's honor and safety.
We arc compelled TO add, that there are
some fories, who would sacrifice every thing
dear and valuable, TO crafty their hatred Of
kepubli administration, and subscrve the
vieAs OF ,oe public enemy. We do net be.
iieye, they commenced their dangerous ca.
reer with previous view of becoming frai-
tors bat we do believe, that passion has
prompted them 10 acts, and placed them in
positions, which induce or coercc them TO
deeds and feelings, at which they once would
have shuddcred We appeal 10 their own
hearts. Let them ask themselves 1--WE
speak Of honest fedcralis,s we know there
arc traitors and tories who deserve no Other
notice, than that of the gaol and gallows)--
We ask hoarsf federdAsts, what, in the calm
moments of reflection, they would once have
pronounced the character Of those, who
and panegyrc, public enemy, who is actu.
ally DOT merely mchacing our coast, but bur-
ming our defcnceless villages, and arming,
w:L the weapons OF death, the savage, whose
" known rule Of warfare is an indi.criminatc
slaughter OF MEN, women and children :"
What bat 90 qou,e an expression from pi-
Gus divincl The cnrSt Kngodi!ness G Cpoliti-
Cal zcai !" could have urged mcn, honest
and eslimabc in private life, TO practices and
professions, in aid Of the public enemy The
fact is SO. Men, who would not sutsidizc
rsflian enemy 70 murder their neighbor's
wives and children, still seem TO entertain
favorable, lurking disposition, as respects
them and because they have used to hate
the Republicans, baye almost learnt Citerally)
the scrip,urai doctrine TO iovr Meir enemies.
The surcst panacca for this dangerous dis
ease, is TO look back into the history Of our
own country. ln the war Of the revolution,
there was better ground to adhere to Eng
land, than there now is-becausc England
had then acknowledged supremacy over us
md we contended only that she converted
power into oppression until it became ne
ccssaty to strike the final, severing blow.
Had not fories, (lhis term in every age has
meant advocates of the arbitrary power OF
the British kiDg) had not sories better afgu-
ncnts then, thsn now Decidedly so. Then
the effort was subject 10 the charge OF rebel
lion and success alone sanc,ihed II, in the
view OF the world. Had il failed, IT would
have been termed rebclIion; and even WASH.
IsoroH, instead of standing OF the pedestal
ot Immortal fame, would have been sunk 10
iDfamy ayd branded as traitor. Then tory
'sm was comparatively excusable. But nsw
-adheraDce TO our enemies assu,aes its own
proper character. Ii Is Treason. Il is the
darkest crime of which man is capable The
rnenaciug aspect Of impending danger, while
awakens patriotism, unveils depfsyi,y.
Who is nsf Jor US, nor, actively and earnest
iy, is emphaticsliy, asaina W.
In the present state of things, those, who
are capable Of aiding to defend, and yet leave
the place, which they stc bound to protect,
arc also incxcusabfe. The paramount dut5,
aow, Is to meet and repel hostile attacks.
every thought and every effort should be mi
nary. Retiring from the scene is virtual de.
,er,ion. The snxicties Of domestic feeling
nay be indnised but Personal absence is
crime. Still deeper one is consumrnated
~ efforts TO emosrrass or pars,izc prepsra-
ION. We are safe, il we will exert ourselves
end have corGdenre in fhose .vs rAor. ~.