The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1823-02-12
For the Massachusetts spy.l

Praise from, a friend, or censure from foe,
Is lost on hearers that our merits knOW.
PoPE's HOMER.
discussion respecting a candidate for
Representative to Congress from the Worces-
ter North District was lately printed in the
Massachusetts Spy, and was obviously the
production of very near friend OF the pres
emit Member. The unusual exertions which
were shown to persuade the people to contin-
ue him in the National Legislature may de-
serve some notice, although it may be resona-
bly, doubted whether the writer has not taken
an attitude hostile to his own purpose. Some
of his assertions ought to be corrected for he
begins by saying that at a meeting held for the
nomination of a candidate, his friend was
unanimously approved. That position knOac
to be erroneous. He speaks of the meeting at
Fitchburg as originating in 6 malice, personal
pique, or groundless disafection." The pub
lick can judge whether that meeting, consist
ing of such characters as composed it, deserves
to be represented as governed by so unworthy
motives, and whether such language viii be
likely to reconcile the disaffected.
He next tells us that it is believed ono
candid and intelligent person is to be found"
who disapproves Of his friends opinion as to
the duties on importations; and calls the hos
tility to him a {" mushroom opposition )" if
opprobrious and contemptuous words would
convince persons of their supposed errors.
He seems to consider all who differ from his
opinion, as ignorant and uncandid. / had
thought that no party could claim complete
exemption from imperfection; and am will
ling to believe there are honest and discrimin-
ating men who think differently on the sub
ject of commerce. This writer appears to be
able to decide, very promptly the question
which has perplexed some of our greatest pol
ilicians. "Qui paIcG conSidernt, facile proa,5l-
ciGt." 1t is not my design now to assume the
task Of determining so difficult a point: ! shall
not pretend to such intuitive discernment;
but the electors will claim the right to judge
for themselves. He appears to consider it
conclusive argument against the other candi-
date, that his opinion at the last election was
thought by the people to be incorrect. 1t
ought not to be regarded as any reproach to
human imperfecton, to acknowledge our err
rours for why should it be dishonourable to
become wiser by observation: We often see
"the towering head of speculation bow down
unwillingly to grovelling experience" and
listen patiently to the lectures of wrinkIed
wisdom" If it were not permitted to change
a sentiment once formed, there would neces-
sarily be an end of improvement and he that
has never been wrong, may well undertake
to teach others. That any branch of science
has arrived at perfection few would presume
TO assert.
An invidious estimate is made of the COM
paratiye merit of the two candidates, of their
political views, and of their mental improve
ments. The favourite is said to have formed
his Judgment upon "patient investigation"
and therefore he probably did not come to a
conclusion on this intricate and difficult subject
with so much ease and celebrity as his encomiast.
He is said, moreover, to have been " long dis
tinguished at the bar !" but the books of oul
judicial decisions will afford the best evidence
on that point, and show how judicious it was
to induce an inquiry respecting this particular
His antagonist is supposed to be wholly unfit
for Representative, because he is said to be
by occupation a mechanick An objection of
this kind would appear better in monarchy,
than in republican government where men
are supposed to be regarded according to mer-
il, and not by hereditary distinction or profess
sional rank. What American would not be
astonished to hear an objection made to Ben
jamin Franklin, because he was Printer ?
Mr.. Kendall has been entirely silent upon the
subject Of Representative and it must be