Portland gazette and Maine advertiser., 1816-05-14

before the public is to be regretted, because
all,who have 10 hopes of promotion, & no 9TH
er interest in view than the protection oil good
government, are better judges of the necessity
and expedience OF the measure. than men of
greater knowledge, and different hopes, Who
might undertake to instruct them.
1t was cur intention to have met upon THIS
subject, in legal lown-ueeting only I; aud
there, without the aid of persuasion, 10 have
gwen our votes according to the dictates OF our
own understandings. But we have been sum-
moned by six OF the citizens OF our own coun-
ty TO assemble in neighbouring county, in
order that we might be enlightened; and :. ex
cited to great and general exertions," in the
work of separation or to be convinced OF a
truth, OF which we never had any reason to
doubt, that all ''jadicious and patriotic men,
of both parties, ought 10 set their faces decidedly
against it," Ii was sufficient for those who
iclt the necessity Of such friendly aid, TO avail
themselves OF so fair an opportunity for in
struction. 1t was also sufficient for those who
had come TO a resolution, not TO assist in the
dismembermen, OF the state, to abide by it.
We therefore trust, it will not be imputed to
US that we feel the less sensible of the in
tentions 10 perform essential services ior US,
merely because we thought proper to de-
Cline them. asaf F.1z.. s.. -.
But the proceedings OF the assembly at Au-
gnsta, at which the people Of Ibis county were
solicited TO attend, and a few complied, seem
to place US in such situation, that our ST.
lence, and inaction, might be construed into
an acquescence in those proceedings and
therefore, to avoid this inference, the present
meeting has become not only eApedent but
necessary -erpedsent, because the extreme
zeal OF that occasion may have led the princi-
pal agents to adon their subject, win the
| high coloring. Of ardent imaglDailons, and
render for the moment, considerable numbers
inattentive to plain realities which essentially
concern them necessary, because few have
the hardy independence, amid the deceptive
cry that oil are agreed, TO declare their dis
sent, and give their reasons for il, when they
are sure to be encountered by multitude OF
voices called into action by artificial excite
ment, TO oyerawe them Into silence. We
therefore feel il 10 be our indispensable duty,
TO declare to our fellow citizens, our entire
conviction, that the proceedings, of that as
sembiy, as well as every other measure, which
is calculated to sever us from our present con
stitutionaI rights and accustomed relations,
are replete with danger, and repugnant to the
best interests of the community.
For such an immense sacrifice as separa.
ton would prove to us, the public have no
pledge OF indemnity-no security that a con-
stitution would he substituted which should
embrace the great Interests of socieiy--Done
tor the harmony aud tranquility OF the pubic
during the progress OF its renovation to polit-
ical Iiie. That the operation would be tedi.
Gus and expensive is certain that it woulo
be followed by baleful, and irritating conse-
quences. appears more than probable If il
be aliedged that we have many individual as
surances, offered in a very solemn anu public
manner, that virtae and talents, only, shall as
sumo our guardianship, and take US Under
their fostering and benign protection, am
therefore, that safety and happiness must en-
sue to this drealn-like deIusion i. ma fair.
~ be answered, that such assurances arc
some OF the ready means by which power, and
personal distinction are most likely to be ob.
tanned and ought therefore to be received
with some degree of caution besides, these
~'~~S, ''H"s~'Ss TX ulc Ieaitty nave
much the appears OF personal, rather than
pubic pledges for men, protesting high re-
gard for virae and talents, can never, Is ,th any
proprlety, be thought to unaeralue their own |;
and It is not for a moment 10 be forgotten,
that the honor and profit OF governing would
be the portion Of select few, and that the
burthen OF their support would devoi,e on the
many.
But even five could hope for the adoption
OF measures, and the form OF constitution
that should be the least Objectionable, the pub.
lie expenses must be increased TO an extraya-
CANT amount. We now sustain ia this District.
less than fourth part OF the expences of gov
eminent. The offices Of the new government
can differ but Little in number from the pres
ent: and although the incumbenls would moi
lie SO numerous as they are in this extensive
common" ealth, they would still be far more
numerous in proportion to the wealth and
population OF Maine compared with the whole
state. And would these incumbents of Office
be contented with moderate salaries Would
they eveube satisfied with the imposition Of
double the tax that is now laid for the support
Of lhe same number of officer. of the same de-
nomination ! The contrary appears certain.
Il