The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1823-09-09

we dTt HOt 81 SoilCllouo VI SNlu6 ~ d parry
compIs, ion, so much as a character of princi-
ple The motives to such determination are
altogether insuperable. The public has too
long been abused by appeals TO its passions in
the room of its reason. Too long has the po-
larity of public opinion, which always settles
at last to the true point, been disturbed by
prejudice and feeling and too long has that
wholesome and independent operation Of pop
ular sentiment, in support oftruth and justice,
been suspended by the Paralyzing spell Of par
ty spirit. We are well persuaded that there
never was highermoral and intellectual tone
in our own community than at the present
moment. Ofthis sentiment we do not aspire to
be the exclusive organ we should be happier
to be useful in unison with other respectable
papers of our state, in diffusing its salutary
influence; and it will be our aim and ambition
to give the Gazette corresponding elevation
above the contracted sphere of local party
politics and factious personal passions, Hav-
ing come upon the stage ourselves since the
strife of party has ceased, we feel no induce
tment to revive its excitement; and seeing no
further object of principle to accomplish, or
ground Of principle to contend for, against any
actual opposition, we are content to abide by
the ancient and well established landmarks of
political rectitude-without feeling ourselves
wiser than our fathers, or being disposed to
quarrel with eur brethren about names and
forms.
The principles to which we profess to adj
here, are those which were consecrated by the
trainers of the constitution, and which remain
the monuments of has administration, whom
all acknowledge as the father of his country.
1t is true that the temper Of the times does not
require a strenuous assertion of axioms, in
which al! are now happily agreed. No great
glory is to be gained by contending for princi-
Piles that have finally triumphed land no dis
ltinguishing character can be acquired for the
parer by defeating it 10 those pure doctrines
of political liberty which were promulgated
by the patriots of the revolution, and sanction
ed by the sages of the convention. Thanks
be to heaven that there is such general har-
mony of sentiment concerning subjects of such
vital Importance to our political well-being !
These, by the consent of all men, are the very
pillars of our national prosperity. These are,
therefore, the principles 10 which it should be
the pride of all true patriots to be faithful !;
which can in no case be departed from with
consistency or safety, and from which there
can be no derel;ction without dishonor and
disaster. To these principles, accordingly, it
will be our duty to adhere; as it will be our
disposition to preserve them in their primitive
purity and integrity.
The temper of the times is undoubtedly ia
vorable to free discussion and liberal investi-
cation. Names retain the little influence they
have, more from habit and association, than
from any specific force and virtue and cease
to sway the passions with the power they once
assessed. No party is now accused of any
anti-revolutionary bias or unconstitutional at
tachment towards either France or England,
or suspected of any undue sympathy in Euro
pean politics All appear to be pleased with
the phantom of ancient freedom in modern
GREECE perfectly cordial in their wishes for
the success of the Spanish cause in the old
world; and-by true political repulsion as
well as attraction-for its defeat in the new.
The nation is no longer divided by the old dis
tinchon of parties. Its distraction is ne longer
experienced in our private circles and public
assemblies. Other causes are operating to
engage public opinion, and other questions are
arising on which the genuine and unsophisto-
Gated sense of the community will inevitably
be exercised. Patriotism REQUIRES that har-
mony SO desirable should not be disturbed for
no reason; and that results so valuable as may
be expected under these auspices should not
be sacrificed to mere sounds.
Another motive for promoting unanimity
among ourselves arises from our new situation
as state, and our remote position in the IN
ion; circumstances which combine TO render
il important TO strengthen our force as State,
and to procure the protection or the nation.
As good citizens, therefore, we shall feel il in
cumbent upOn rs To cO-ODerafe in raisinc the
character and responsibility Of the State, to
support our civil institutions and advance the
public interests, and contribute al in our
power to realize the benefits anticipated from
becoming an independent community.
The rights and duties Of liberal and indie
pendent press, under these circumstances, are
regulated by these principles; and they pre-