The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1819-09-21
Reflections on SepaYation-No. 9

Considering separation as necessary euenf
anG one which must inevitably have taken
place N the process, Of time, the principal
remaining question of particular interest and
importance is whether this was favourable
season.
TO assert that the present was the best Of
all possible periods for the purpose might per-
haps manifest more zeal than consideration
II would probably be more just and spplica.
BILE 10 say that this was rather more suitable
IN this respect than some former ores. The
increase Of wealth and population IN the dis
irct would alone Justify this position and al
least demonstrate the superiority Of the pres
emf period over all the past.
Ii is evident also thai this was a more "a.
vourable occasion than the last before il.
Without adverting particularly to The course
Oh the controversy, as IL was exhibited in the
public proceedings OF the parties, resembling
scene Of gadiatorial conflict rather than de-
liberate discussion, there was tone Of per
sonal asperiy and acrimony pervading it,
which added TO The excitement and accrava
ted he unftness Of the occasion Moreover.
the management OF the affair al the conven-
ton with view 10 elude The effect of the
prescribed conditlon-zan attempt altogether
unworthy of The object, discIaimed by their
constituents and finally abandoned by the
delegates thenselves-was Sufficient to salts
fy the mind Of every rejecting and unpreiudi-
ced individual that the enterprise itself at
that time was totally premature Such W as
certainly the general impression throughout
The state and out Of il. Very little regret has
ever been expressed or experienced for the
unprosperous termination OF that disastrous
effort. The conclusion cast shade upon the
subject, which il may be best to leave in be
.nevolent oblivion. Il il due al tbe same time
to The occasion 10 declare a. belief that much
Of the measure was attributable to the spirit Of
the period; and impahialiiy siso REQUIRES il
10 be admitted, that while The mode adopted
IN that extraordinary proceeding was emf
nently unfortunate the principle, advocated by
some who did not concur ia the report, of ap-
plying 10 The Legislature 10 ra,ify the separa-
ton upon the vote then given. was hardly
less liable 10 objections, as equally operating
TO defeat the fair and regular expression oi
the public will.-Upon any view of the case
il is obvious. however, that was NOT the
time. es
Il is also due to truth TO acknowledge that
different temper appears 10 prevail in the pub
lie mind AZ the present period. The violence
OF party spint has in a considerable measure
abated' Its eifervescenceslss subsided-its in.
fuence is certainly assuaged !; and greater
degree of good feeling appears to be enter
tanned IN the bosom OF the community, than
has been experienced before perhaps since
The adoption Of the fede raj constitution.
Whatsoever things are virtuous seem TO DOS
sess ia;rer chance for favourable receo
ton. Such state Of public sentiment NAV
De considered peculiarly fortunate. The
public mind can never be too tranquil for the
Of Its principal interests. Seasons
of political peace are particularly favourable
Tor their consideration. Few periods OF that
kind could perhaps be expected to have arts.