The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1823-06-18

returned to her FIRST love, aud is no longer
stranger in the Union. And it is with pecu-
liar pleasure We recognize in her Chief Mag
istrate, one who contended first for the free
dom aud independence Of these States, and
afterwards for the continuance of their sove-
regnty and existence as a nation, and whose
whole life has been devoted 10 his country.
We rejoice that though during the last war,
such measures were adopted in this State, as
occasioned double sacrifice of treasure and of
life, covered the friends of the nation with
humiliation and mourning, and fixed stain
on the page Of our history a redeeming spirit
has at length arisen TO take away our re-
preach, and restore to us our good name, our
rank among our sister States, and our just III
fuence in the Union. And while we rejoice
that the rising generations, who could have
had no agency in these measures. appear to
have taken so earnest and so honourable an
interest TO redeem our character-we rejoice
also that our redemption has come while
most of those whose heads were bowed down
with affection are yet in existence, and can
once more look up and behold the cheering
light which shines on their native State.
Though we would not renew contentious
nor irritate, wantonly, we believe that there
are cases when it is necessary we should
g wound to heal.'' And we consider it "a
mong the first duties - the friends of our
national government, on this return of power,
to disavow the upwarantabe course pursued
by this State, during the late war, and TO
hold up the measures Of that period as hea-
cons-that the present and succeeding gene
rations may shun that career which must inev-
itably terminate in the destruction of the in
dividual, or the party, who pursues it and
may learn the important lesson, that, in all
times, the path of duly is the path of safety !;
and that it is never dangerous to sally round
the standard of our country.
The House of Representatives appreciates
the wisdom and moderation of your Excellen-
cy's predecessor, who is followed TO his refine
ment with the gratitude Of this whole people.
They will never forget his personal sacrifices
and services in the war Of the revolution !;
and the sacrifice OF a son, who bore up his
name in 6 the late war that terminated with
so much glory to our nation"
There is no subject connected with the
finances OF the State, which eXcites more
general aud lively interest, than that of an
adjustment Of the claims of this Common
wealth, on the government Of the United
States, for services rendered by the militia,
during the late war and we shall be happy
to cooperate with your Excellency in this,
and ali measures for The advancement Of the
common interests, and The promotion of the
publiol; good.
1t win be recollected that substitute foi
the greater part of the preceding answer, was
moved by Mr.. Locke, OF AsAby. II was as
follows =
Nag ii please your ErcsHsncy.l
We receive with great pleasure, your Ex-
cellency's congratulations on the health, peace.
and prosperity which it has pleased the Al
MIGHTY TO continue in this happy land and
we entirely reciprocatc the sentiment of your
Excelency, that those who hold office, by the
free sufirages of electors, should constantly
bear in mind, that to promote the interest
and happiness Of the great body of the peo-
pie, is the sole object of their appointment.
and the only legitimate end OF all good GOV.
eminent.
Fully according in these sentiments, we fee
the deepest regret, that, from some of the
opinions expressed by your LxcelIency, we
are compelled to dissent.
We cannot perceive that the result OF The
late elections in this State has changed, in
any manner, the relations of tie State of Mas
sachusetts TO her sister States, or to the Ma,
ton.
During the administration of your prede-
cessor (Which your Excellency so justly APP
proves) we know not oil any act done by the
people, or government of Massachusetts, in
opposition to the federal government. But
on the contrary, it is believed, that ever since
the close OF the late war, the national admin.
istration las received as cordial a support
from this State, and especially from that por.
ton of its Congressional delegates, whom
your Excellency has been pleased TO consider
as opposed, as from those Of any State in the
Union. AT the last Presidential election, the
unanimous vote OF this State was given in
support of MIR. MONROE by electors whom
your Excellency also includes in the class Of
opponents.
We cannot discern, that the exercise Of the
right of suffrage in Massachusetts, nor that
any constitutional and legitimate use of pow
er in this State, could increase the harmony
between Nation and State, which we know
to have been manifested and felt, in id TIE
last seven years.
We regret, most unfeignedy, that this
harmony and mutual confidence, begun I'M
der the liasiri0uS WAsRINGToE, continued
under his vENERABLE SUCCESSOR, and renew-
ed under the present mild and constitutional
chief MAGISTRATE, should ever have been in
terrupted. They certainly scere so, in the
times to which your Excellency alludes. But
it would not become us, nor the occasion, to
enter into the causes and consequences OF
political differences, We may however re-
mark, that when those differences occurred,
the whole christian world was involved in
the most deplorable warfare; and the con-
stitutional powers, rights and duties Of the
National and State Governments, We're, for the
first time, to be construed and applied, under
circumstances Of unprecedented interest, and
of the strongest political excitement. We