Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1824-06-09
POLITIC AL.
FROM THE BOSTON cENr1NEL.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE cENr,rr,

hear that l have finished the examination
proposed to make of that part Of the Cover
nor's speech which alluded to the Hartford
Convention. will not increase the risk of be-
ing unexpectedly tedious by recapitulation
OF the points which have aimed TO establish.
Some general considerations, however, are con-
nected with it which seem to require, at least
6ird'Seye riew, but to which Justice could
not be done, in less than the compass of a re-
. spectacle volume.
1t seems to be generally admitted, that the
influence of the Eastern States in the councils
OF the Union, has been long in the wane. and
that the Importance Of Massachusetts, has dwiu-
died INTO absolute insignifcauce. Natural caus-
es accounting fer considerable diminution of
her weight, may be found in the VARYING ratio
OF her population, in the amputation that she
submitted to in the hope of saving her consti-
tuition and her life, i'll the multiplication ofnew
states, and growing disproportion between that
interest which in one part of the Union is bo-
moSeneous, and those various interests in A.
mother, among which there is no bond of svm
patty. In these and some others we must ac-
qulesce, for they are inevitable and included
IN the price we pay for our Union But these
causes are light and slow of operation in fore
lng us into the background, in comparison with
the encouragement which too many among us
nave Tor years been eager to bring upon their
native state. One sickens With chagrin in re-
ailzing what gulf stream of calumny has set
an the same direction, from Massachusetts to-
wards the South, for years together, bearing en-
us dark and troubled pillows the shipwrecked
characters OF most OF those who were once
Gear, and loved and hcnored among this peo-
pie, and oil the people themselves. 1t is hu-
md n
sentative of the South and West always
prompt TO catch and to resent a murmurutter-
Gu against the character and pretensions ofhs
state. Proud OF the virtues and talents of the
Scod and great among his political opponents
-oiazonlrg on all fit occasions the claims, SER
wees, sacrifices, and qualities of his constitu-
cnts.Ihe Virsinian especially, eulogizing his
own State as the * hon,inun, sailor algue dico-
rana.'' 1t is, say, humiliating to see this, and
at the same time to feel that if Member from
WGsSdchusetts, though he were an waneel trum-
pet tongued," should take up the same strain
in-favor of his own State, or of her claims of
whatever description though decorum might
dissemble the sheer and prevent the smart or
severe reply, it would be in the power of an
unklnd adversary to bring up the Governors
!" old song" and the recitative of the Lesisla-
ture and to say; out of the mouth of thine opn
Governor, will condemn thee, thou wick
ed servant" | will prove by transcripts of
your recorded infamy under your great seal,
mat Tor many long years there was no public
FNtue eXtant among you. That your great
men were in the interest of the enemy ; and
that Your bands of patriots were nests of ipers.
In all this there is nothing of exagseration
From the era of the first embargo to the pres
ent hour, individuals have succeeded each 9TH
Ell IN laborinS not merely to counteract the
policy, but to disgrace the character Of this
state especially, and of the other Eastern
states IN general, whenever their own party
was not In power. truly thought that every
gentleman who had been in Congress of late
years, without distinction of party, and not
withstanding the personal civi!itv and respect
ne may have experienced, had been sensible
oil the shyness with which any measure is re-,
garded that comes from Massachusetts,. There
Is much OF urbanlty, of respect to private feel
lngs, OF attention 70 expressed opinions, but
nothing of weight or influence. Civilities are
exchanged, aad kindness and friendships be-
tween individuals formed and cultivated: but
every Yankee, as have had reason to mag
Inc, ieels that he is not at home, acts under re-
strant, expects no success in measures he o.
riglnates, and at most faint praise in those he
supports. 1t is not because the former politi-
cal dissentions, as between individuals, are
Kept in gIcad remembrance. Nor because one
IS now for Paul and another for Apollos. No
doubt these considerations have some effect.
But while the old party-tracks are becoming
gradually efaced and COMPOUNDED. by time and
the course of events, the monumental stones
and finger posts which indicate the by-road
supposed TO be taken by this State, are preserv-
ed and pointed out perpetually by our own cit
Lzens. The good sense and true interest of tie
republican, party are surrendered to the mercy
and disposal of editorial popinjays and other
"ultras," who, in contempt of the example of
the wise and liberal of theirown party in other
places, and of the most respectable portion of
II here, indulge an unnatural mania for run
ntnS down the character OF poor Massachusetts.
These dislnterested persons (apostates and 9TH
ers) nave become so outrageously federal, that
they affect to think the disgrace of the State
promotes the glory OF the nation. BY height
enlng the aspect of the general dcpravity, they
would make more conspicuous the righteous
ness OF the few, for whose sake the city should
be saved. 1t seems to be with them an apho-
rism, that he who humbleth his State shall be
exalted. They are unnatural children who
reverse the story of Saturn and deyour their
own u0.nei' Vhdt weakness not to perceive
that the character of a State is common fran
cnlse, which like its atmosphere, is incapable
OF division, and that whoever goes from dis
trict reported to be infected will be received
win shyness, If he is not summed, though he
carries with him the Doctors certificate of has
personal health! BY reason of this infatuation
which too nearly resembles that which kept
the petty States Of Greece forever divided and
dependent on Athens or Sparta, it has happen
ed that the good people of this State are in a
iar way to part with their self respect. As
with men, so with communities, when the con-
seriousness of dignity of character is no more,
the merited loss of character itself soon follows.
Already ithas come to pass that Massachusetts,,
no longer indeed the tall "anchoring bark''
which bore the Admiral's flag, but shamefully
raced" yet still sound and well manned
vessel, appears from the Capitol-Hill diminish
n Nn hnp L., II. 4