Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1824-03-24
FROM THE BOSTON CENTIyEL.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE cENT1NEL.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE cENTINEL.
SIR
In this " era of good feelings" the propen-
sity 10 forget beng entirely on one side, it
may be necessary to refresh the memory on
the once " disloyal,'' but now penitent major
ity OF Massachusetts, by quoting the specimen
oil the sublime and virulent, wherewith it has
pleased his Excellency to chastise them for
their former offences. These are his words:
"The long continued opposition to the
federal government, but more especially the
measures pursued in this State during the E.
ventful and critical period OF the late war
the withholding from the general government
the constitutional means OF defeace--the par
alizng influence exercised over the means
and agents OF that government, which occa-
stoned double sacrifices Of life and treasure
while the citizens OF other States were eyer,
ting their utmost energies against a common
enemy; when a gallant army and navy were
covering themselves with glory, and retricv-
ing and establishing, on an imperishabe ba.
sis, the national character, on the ocean and
on the land; at this portentious crisis, when
our liberties and independence were at haz-
ard, an unhaliowed spirit of party was per-
mitted to prevail over the vital interests of
the couutry-an authorized combination was
formed, and meetings held in neighborine
State which, whatever may have been the
protested object, had the certain effect of en-.
couraging the enemy, OF Encouraging and inn
pairing the means and rerources ofthe coun-
Try, and of alternating the minds of the citizens
from that unity oil government" which, in
the emphatic language of WASHINGTON, soon
stitutes US one people,-is the main pillar in
the edifice Of our real independence, The sup
port of our tranquility at home, our peace "a
broad, Of our safety, OF our prosperity, of that
very liberty which we so highly prize. -
These meas ures and this cours. had cast a
reproach on the good name OF the State which
is now disavowed and removed Massacbu-
sets is'at length restored to the American
family. Her character is redeemed in the
estimation oil the patriots of our own country
and of every statesman in Europe. The ris-
ing generation, who could have had no agen-
cy in this disloyal course appear to have TAX
en- an honorable and an earnest interest in its
disavowal.n
The cruelty Of this bitter invectiye is agua.
waited by those characteristics which distin.
guish calumny from legal accusation. BY an
absence OF all specification Of time, place,
and circumstance, aud by the discriminate
Phraseology OF the public tribunal, which con-
demned to the guillotine " those suspected Of
being suspicious"
1t is an advantage enjoyed in military and
naval service, that those who are charged by
the voice even Of rumor, with deviation from
duty,can cause to be instituted such inquiring
into their conduct as will compel their accu.
sers TO specify or to abandon their charges
But for those who serve the State in the civil
department, no such resource is provided
They are at the mercy OF every popinjay who
can throw squib or discharge an air gun
from garnet window ;--of editors who pan.
der for the bad passions of party--aDd for ri.