The Portland gazette., 1819-04-20


contemplated division will eventually be effect
ed. Tn at the territory Of Maine is sufficiently
large, and that the time will arrive when il will
constitute an independent state, will not proba-
bly, be doubted by any. The only difference In
opinion seems to be as to the proper time for ef-
fecting this change. The result of the votes up
on the question, when submitted to the people in
1916, shew at that time very considerable ma
jority in favor. In some important sections OF the
District, objections then raised that no lon
ger exist The inconvenient operation OF the pro-
posed measure upon the coastng interest, was
then the great foundation for argument with the
opposition. Whatever may now be pretended,
| the people on the coast will well recollect that
as the most important, and in fact as the princi-
pal argument relied upon against the separation
That objection is entirely obviated and wheth-
er Maine be separated not, the interest Of the
coasters is IN wise inconveniently affected.
We may then calculate, that by the people on
the coast, the measure will be supported as zeal
ously at least, rs in the interior. The change IN
sentiment, already ascertained to have been eff
fected by the modification ofthe law above mem
toned, fully justifes the belief. We may add a.
neither reason for favorable change Of opinion
throughout the whole District. -
It is known that many persons ofinfuence OPP
posed the contemplated change in 1916, who
had for years before been among its warmest sd,
vocates. They opposed it not because they
viewed the measure in itself wrong, not because
they ever entertain ed any doubt Of its being for
the interest of the District financially and konor
ably effected, but because at that particular peri
cd they feared the Influence of party feeling IN
framing a constitution and administering gov.
ernment. However well grounded their fears
might then have been, we hope they would be
groundIess now. Then, the great causes which
produced an excitement throughout this part of
our country, far beyond what we ever had wit
messed or probably ever hall, had scarcely pas
| sed away the irritation had not subsided the
hostile feelings of party were so far from being
allayed, that probably no one expected ever to
witness certainly not soon, that unity of senti-
ment upon national policy that now exists. Here
| tofore no question, however remote from party,
could be discussed without involving party feel
ings and resulting in party decisions Not SO now
instead of bringing every decision to the test OF
party that 'of itself would be considered by many
| as good cause for hesitating. We view this as a
| time peculiarly favorable for delibefating upon
this subject, without being influenced or deferred
| by the great parties into whichwe have former
ly been classed, and we cannot doubt but most OF
our felIow-citzens who were for years the siren
uous advocates for the independence of Maine,
| but who for reasons above mentioned, believed
it their duty to oppose at the last trial, will feel
relieved from the embarrassments under which
| they then viewed the question, and will unite
| their valuable influence in accomplishing an OBJ
iect which fer many years they considered of the
highest Importance. We entertain this belief,
| because the present is considered as period of
| unusual political quiet, when reason rather than
party prejudice may be appealed to with sue
cess.
Such time al will agree is peculiarly favora-
| BILE for the attempt. It was at such times,
although our population was less than half its
present number and still less was our ability to
support government, that many of our most
| influential citizens advocated the measure, who
at the last trial doubted its expediency. The
causes which gave rise to these doubts we trust
have passed away, and that all who have ever
been advocates for the independence of Maine,
will with renewed energy espouse her cause.
This we have ascertained TO be the fact in many
places in the District, where, without reference
to party they unite In favor. BY information deri
we'd from unquestionable sources, We are cenvin-
cedt that great majoity Of the people ofsIaine are
desirous of dissolvng our political connexion with
Massachusetts, upon such terms as shall be hon
orable and just, and that it is expedient to adopt
such measures as viii be most likely to ensure
the accomplishment of their wishes. We believe
the people are prepared for the measure; ]; that
the public voice is most decidedly in favor, and
that preparation should be Immediately made to
procure the consent of the Legislature; and al
though we cannot doubt but the Legislature will |
consent and that the division of public property
will be such as ought to be satisfactory, yet to
ensure this, it is important that every town in |
favor of separation be fully and correctly repre-
sented in the next General Court THAT we throw
aside party considerations and select those who |
will be most active, and influential and efficient
The neglect ofone town to be properly represen-
ted, to the extent of its constitutional numberj
may make great difference in the division Of
property, may defeat the measure. We, there
fore, in behalf ofthose by whom we were selected,
request that you will use your utmsst exertions
in the town in which you reside to procure the
election of friends of separationin the next House
of Representatives, if your town be entitled to
Representative that you viii urge the necessity
of being fully represented, and that by, vote in
town meeting you will instruct your Representa-
tives to advocate the Independence of Maine.
We also suggest the propriety of forwartfino,
petitions TO the gislature, at the next ession.
soliciting the passage of 4 law authorizing the
sense of the inhabitants of this District to be again
taken. In all cases where it can be effected. Il
and we think it decid edly the most proper, il is
desirable that towns petition in their corporate
capacity where that cannot be conveniently
done, that petitions be circulated throughout such
towns for the signatures of all who are favcrablv
disposed We, however, submit the manner Of
petltioning entirely to your judgment
we hope these suggestions win meet the views l.
OF all who are friendly to the great object; the
course recommended is the result of much Teffec- +
tIon and consultation, not only among the under
signed, but with many who are acquainted with
the views OF the people in various sections Of
Niane' The crisis is important. The debate in