Portland gazette and Maine advertiser., 1816-07-16

ever came before them, the malignant passions
of men, as if wearied with continual exertion,
are disposed to rest, and to leave society to
enjoy. the delights of repose and peace.
These seems TO be pause IN the raging ele-
ments--hat lull in the storm OF passion, when
\ The prudent mariner, calls upon all his crew,
| to Use their utmost exertions TO repel the
disasters the ship has sustained--to place her
| in condition To- catch the favouring breezes OF
prosperity, or, TO enable her to resist the bull
hts Oh another gale.
This compo,ure of the public mind, togeth-
er with the great importance OF the question
! submitted to its decision, impose upon US du-
ties which require our most deliberate consd-
Grafton The people Of the District Of Maine
have calmly, anu without artificial excitement,
determined upon great political change in
their government. The event may be relard-
ed, but il cannot be prevented. Opposition
to the public will may excite into action the
angry and malignant passions. New enmi-
ties, and new antipathies may be formed.
lOpProbrious epithets will be invented, to dis
tinguish the friends, from the opposers OF the
measure, and thus another root Of bitterness
be planted in our soil. Then, like the priests
Of heathen imposture, will the opposers Of
this measure produce the fulfilment Of their
own predictions, and have the mel elancholy
satisfaction Of seeing independence itself a
curse to people. Public opinion has found
Its channel and it will move onward, notwith-
standing the distractions opposed by misjudg-
ing men. Thesmooth surface of the current
may indeed be disurbed--the mud and 6io,
which would lie quietly at the bottom, may be
raised to the surace-pestilentia vapours may
&c made toissue from its channel and spread dis
ease and famine upon the land and the miser-
able inhabitant, trembling upon the bank, in
| bitterness OF soul will vent execrations upon
! The STREAM, which are only deserved by the
| disturbers of ito pure and heathful fountain.
Perhaps there has never been an expression
OF the public mind, more free from external
influence, than that which has recently been
given. The very Circumstance Of the small
number of the votes, is strong evidence OF
the absence Of artificial excitement, and Of the
unbiased expression ofthe peoples wishes.
Comparatively few undertake to Judge Of the
| operation Of great changes in the political In
| stitutions Of country All the indifference
Of the ignorant-all The cautious timidity Of
the prudent, and all the inactive reluctance
Of the indolent are always unwilling 10 incur
the responsibility Of changing the relations,
under which they have long enjoyed protec-
tion and safety. Under 50 many circums,an-
ces, unlasourable 10 unanimity, when so large
proportion ofthe people Of Maine have ex-
pressed their determination to be separated
rom Massachusetts, it be!oves US seriously to
reflect whether it be pnrient-wheiher il be
sale to oppose their wishes. Who would
wish TO see rising again, and engrafied upon
the constitution Of our government, all the
incalculable mischiefs which would sprout
| from new organization of party feelings.
How different would be the couseguences of
perfect union of the public sentiment upon
this great occasion. How cheering IS the
prospect of whole people united as a band
| OF brothers, and forming government which
is TO be the bend of peace, of union and safe
iy to them and TO their posteri,y. How is
ihs imagination delighted. when looking for
ward. 9 through the long vista Of thousand
years." II sees That goodiy tree which is now
to be planted, 6ourishing in all the beauty Of
peTsenIai verdure, and future generations, re-
posing in reace, in plenty and in safety, snder
| The shadow of its branches.
Let US then unite a. becomes people who
| lfaFe the same rights 10 secure, and the same
dangers to apprehend. Let US unite to form
for ourselves and 10y posterity, an Inde end.
ent government, founded upon the broad basis
OF the public good. And above all things let
US conduct towards each other, as becomes
men, who have an equal share in the welfare
OF our country. The passions are not vet
engaged in this controversy. Let US beware
OF enlls,'ng these savage auxilliaries, who
while they only exasperate the foe, endany er
the safety, aud entail disgrace upon their un-
happy allies. Let US not seek in such as diff
fer from us in opinion for motives 10 action
OF sinister or interested character. Beware
OF attributing to Others motives less pure than
our own: Much may be hoped from the ex-
ample OF dignfed mode ration and generosity.
set us by the parent state. We shall not now
leave them as servants, wearied with the ser.
vice OF hard and cruel master; but, as chill.
dren grown UP to strength and manhood, seek.
ing in separate establishment, to initiate the
example, and practice on The aprecepls, Of .
KIND and lndulgent parent. And may we no,
IUA tho b<,s<. a. -,