The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1818-05-12

fusome and unqualified eulogium on the charact,,
OF that despot, interpreted with a number OF ell
torial remarks, evincing that the author Of them
most cordially sympathized with that writer, and
that there existed between them the most perfect
coincidence Of sentiment toward that fallen ana
Frustrated usurper. e
The democratic party in this country have often
laid claim TO the title of exclusive republicans ex
elusive friends TO the rights and liberties of man.
kind. Hence we expected their general conduct
and language would harmonic with their ayowea
political principles and professions. Actions are
the grand criterions to which words and professions
should be brought This is the faires and the most
infaIlIble method of judging, and forming correct
inferanees, and drawing just and proper conc1.
sions. Hence, in conformity to their professions.
we should expect to find them denouneing in the
most emphatick terms every attempt to subjuRate
and enslave any portion of the human race, and
bidding God speed TO every people engaged inc
conflict for the defence Of their country against
every invader, as we'll as struggling for the pre-
servation of their independence and freedom. In
stead Of beholding with comPlscency the strides Of
despotsm instead Of rejoicing in its triumphs, and
lamenting its defeats, we expected to fad tAen
regretting the progress of the former and exultng
at the Accomplishments of the latter. But thess
expectations have been disappointed The tone Of
most ofthe democratick papers, the mouths and
oraces OF the party, gives US the fairest right 10
form an opposite conclusion, as well as to doubt
the truth and the sincerity of their professions
Even since the defeat and dethFonement of mnn
who had thnned and desolated the human race.
who had been one of the severest scourges that
heaven in anger ever let loose upon mankind who
appeared regardless of every law, whether human
or divine, who appeared Bound by no tie, however
sacred these publications have been incessant in
their lamentations. and deprecating the pretended
cruelty and inhumanity of the allied powers, who
for the preservation of their respective countries
as well as the peace happiness, and tranquility of
the human race, have Consigned him to distant
exile, thus rendering him unable TO repuDge Eu-
rope, and in fact, mankind, into those troubles and
commotions from which by bis downfall, the world
has been so happily delivered I; punishment cou-
paratively small, and certainly lenient when con-
trasGed with the crimes of which he has been gull
IS, and the mseries he has been the Instrument of
in6icting upon his species. The SpIendour of his
former achievements may dazzle the eyes Of bis in
tatuated admirers, and divert them from an exam
iOation of his real character as man possessed of
the most Unsuitable ambition, the most vindictive
cruelty, the most refined hypocrisy the basest and
the blacklist ingtatude in whose character scarce
ly noble trait can be discovered, in whose con-
duct not an act of magnanimity nor generosity
can De traced that may not, with the utmost fair
ness and justice be- attributed to- some motive OF
policy, instead ofbeing voluntary and spontane-
Gus operation Of the heart. Indeed in a character
stained with such innumerable vices and crimes as
that of Napoleon, il is almost q moral mpossiblitv
TO point out single virtue. Had be been, like the
Ihracian robber, the leader of little band of des
peradoes, he would have been prescribed as an OUT
law, a depredator upon the peace and happiness of
society the lives and fortunes of his fellow men
had man in private capacity, been guilty of a.
single murder the nosy admirers and friends of Ma.
poieon Bonaparte would have told US that iustics
required the sacrifice of bis life as an atDnement for
their crimes. But which is the most guilty
the man who imbrues his hand in'the blood of but
one fellow being, or be who the occasion Of she'd
ding the blood OF thousands? But the euloeists Of
bonaparte, reasoning with Shakespeare, appear Of
opinion, that.
One murder makes riilain,
Millions heron ~r-<
The comparisons of Bonaparse With Alex.r5er
and Cesar, are altogetherinsidia rus and inproner.
ne m'ehs' indeed. have inherited portion of their
valour and military skill, to their human;tv
theif generosity and greatness, he was an utter
stranger. The clemency of Cesar cost him his
lie. In Alexander and Caesar, bad az thew yera
We discover nothing little nor mean. but on ~.
greatness, and nobeness of soul ,rh;rh
extorted praise from their very enemies and -.
some amends for the miseries they inflicted. Tbsr
WOULD nave never descended TO the mean arts Is
personahng different characters. They would have
never been mu's emen in Egypt, or catholics AZ
Rome" History does not furnish ne two cbaroc
teTs with which that of the exile of 81 Helene 80
perfectly corresponds, than those of At,;Ia "a
Richard Ill OF England. To the ferocious conr
age o. me former, ne adds the ambition and suh,Is.
~ the cruelty and the cunning of the latter.
But what claims has Napoleon TO the r;tv ~
sympathy OF Americans? What essential serv;cas
did ne ever render this country, 20 demand o's
g.autude and affection in return3 Was II ,hs
Berlin and Milan Desrees. those unjust inte,J;c-
tions on our commerces Was the seizpre oec.s;ar
ed by them, and the confscation OF 90 manv r;,J;o
OF our property! Were the compliments he 10.
towed upon our national character after his evil,
fh'oa OF such nature as TO impose lasting obi;
CATION upon US? What claim has he to the n;,v anA
sympathy OF republicans? Is il for ahandor;r~
and deserving their principles and tots, svn.tsc9
end deseTtion from them Is ii for making renuI.
l'can'sm cloak to cover his deeds and 20 pronota
0's AMBITIOUS desisnsp Is il for betrayinp The
cause OF civil liberty in accepting the first cons,s,s
p rance Tor HE, with the privilege of uom;nat;oe
MS predecessor and afterwards encircl;nv his hro.
WITH an imperial dadem for rearing . nonsrcbr
Do inc RUNS OF the French republic instead of 80,
sr"ng Ms influence and aothority. To nrorno,e an.
,ause ofdioerty, OF freedom, and of Justice Wbas
Ire the claims of Napoleon TO The .vmna,hv go
, . Q, the philanthropc and humane Il
lot having deluged the plains of Europe in blsod7
:. n"ss carried ruin and desolation, and for caus-