The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1823-02-19
when the only inquiry was, Doe. the candi-

when the only inquiry was, Does the candi-
Gate belong to us
1t seems now to be propitious period for
the empire of reason. II is to be hoped the
tempest of passion will never again be visible
in our political horizon. Such tempests, it
may be commended, purify the political atmos-
phere but the sacrifices which ensue seem to
overbalance the benefits. The admonitory
lessons from history abundantly establish this
position.
The qualifications of candidates for pub
lick Office, it is admitted, ought faithfully and
candidly to be presented to the consideration
of the publick. The mode usually adopted
for disseminating information on subjects of
this kind is both cheap and convenient, that
is, through the medium of Newspapers. But
before a writer undertakes to instruct the
publick in this way, he ought to be satisfied
that his communications will bear the test of
strict scrutiny. The opinions and official con-
duct of the most intelligent and upright are
not unfrequently strangely warped, through
prejudice or ignorance Of the grounds on which
they were founded.
Popular uneasiness is easily excited, which
sometimes breaks out into bitter complaint,
when its origin may be traced to mere phan-
tom of the imagination.
the delusion which sometimes seizes the pub
lick mind. This instrument, during the opera
ton of which, America enjoyed such signal
prosperity, was execrated from New-Hamp-
shire to Georgia. Even the integrity of
Washington did not escape reproach, because
he did not instantly reject it.
Much has been and continues to be said,
about thing which generally goes by the
name of Tariff.
1t seems question was agitated some years
since, in Congress, respecting the expediency
of increasing the impost on certain articles of
importation. 1t was said by some, that the
adoption of this contemplated measure would
operate favourably to the manufacturing in
terest, and to the detriment of almost every
other class in the community. But this mon
ster, frightful even in embryo, was struggled
before its birth. 1t is said, some of our repre-
sentatives, in this quarter, aided in an attempt
to bring II into the world. Had they succeed
ed, the power Of imagination cannot paint the
disasters which would have ensued.
too, with my neighbours, trembled till l
learnt the fate of this terrifck phantom. The
nerves of some of our good people do not,
even to this day, appear to be perfectly quiet
Perhaps am treating the subject with too
much levity; but when read laboured essays,
designed to exicte alarms, cannot view them
in any other light, than the forebodings of
imaginary evil. shall not attempt to dis
sect or analize this creature called Tariff, for
am persuaded should betray the hand of a
bungler.
A publick ordinance may be politick at one
period, which would be unjust and absurd at
another. The legislator who has not penetra-
ton sufficient to make judicious discrimina.
ton is unequal to the duties of his important
functions.
Because my representative, some years
since, leaned in favour of the enactment of a
law of doubtful expediency, should reject
him solely on that account, if | am satisfied
that he is on the whole well qualified for that
responsible trust Perfection does not belong
to humanity. Ifmy views, in some particu-
lars, have not exactly comported with his, 1t is
possible the error may be at my doors but
should he have been mistaken, if he be hon.
est and convinced, need not fear a contin-
uance of my confidence. CIVlS.