Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1824-03-24
WHOLE NO. 1850.

Of their own party, would be glad to harmon
, ize.
5 Although in the foregoing quotation, the
Governor has embodied the substance Of all
the insinuations of hostility to the Govern
ment, on the part Of Massachusetts, and the
= Convention, which have been wire drawn
through endless speeches, essays, and volumes,
} lie has not alleged single fact susceptible Of
direct issue.--His nearest approach 10 preCis-
ion is in the imputation of cerfGtn effect which
he dUers to have been the result OF the Con-
vention. These effects are :--Flrst, en-
enlargement to the enemy. Second, discour-
agement of the country, and impairing ita
means and resources. Third, alternating the
minds ofthe citizens from the unity of govern
ment, &c. Now admit, for moment, (what
shall be disprovod} that these s. effa ote'i had
followed the institution or the proceedings Of
the Hartford Convention, they would not,
unless in cOnnerion Nth its aU0aoed attentions
and actual mtsdeeds, furnish any just ground
for questioning its patriotism and integrity.
On the contrary, its pretensions to these at
tributes are demonstrable beyond all possible
doubt, by those rules of evidence which are
founded in the principles of eternal Justice,
and by which alone we can fairly estimate
the motives of men and the objects of asso-
Citations. Nobody will deny that Consequences
often enable us to form judgment OF intel
lectual endowments, ofthe wisdom oil schemes,
and of the sagacity and foresight of their
projectors. But the only standard of inter-
lions is acords and actions taken together.
1t would be then simple and conclusive
answer to every calnmnious aspersion of the.
Convention, that it was, correctly speaking
acdr measure, rather than peace measure
1t was one OF a series OF propositions for raising
men ind money for public defence. And if its
proceedings were con6i matory of that profess
sion, il is not responsible with its character,
for any sinister consequences which inciden-
tally followed.
Apart from this doctrine, neither individ-
uals, or societies, or governments can find
protection from calumniators in and out CT Of
! fce. He who makes profession Of religion,
and whose whole lite is devoted to the obser-
vance OF its ordinances and the practice of its
du,s , may be branded as hypocrite. He
whose example is a mirror of all the moral viz
tues before men, may be charged with retir-
ing from their busy haunts with purpose of
solitary intemperauce.-- for propa-
eating the gospel may be charged with the
secret design of disseminating the Age OF Rea-
son. Bible societies may be accused of an
intent to bring the Scriptures into disrepute.-
And ,he soiety for Foreign Missions OF aiming
to establish the influence and empire of this
world, like their predecessors the Jesuits.
Just as the early Christians were actually de-
nounced by the Governor of Bythiuia, (whose
| polteness, il he had held his office from their
choice, would probably have spared them the,
outrage) for holding Conventions of the most
dangerous tendency, though the only profess
sions made by them were OF the sublimest mo-
rality, to which their lives were conformabe,
and their only overt acts of treason consisted
IN singing hymns and doing homage to the,
Saviour.
/ 1t seems strange that fundamental rule by
which our conduct in all the ordinary trans
actions OF life is governed, should require IL
lustration THAT in the affair of the Conyen-
ton, their own words and acts, which are the
only test OF character, should be dsregarded.
and that they should be charged with the
promoting tendencies to disunion which il
was their svowed intention to- counteract.
and against which their proceedings are
formal protest.
As disregard Of this plain rule is the cause
OF all the misapprehension let us try it by.
another case.-lt was predicted of Mr.. JEFF
ierson's administration, and conscientiously
believed, that it would prove fatal to the
funding system, and detrimental to our reli-
sious institutions ;4-That il would endanser
the Constitution and sacrifice the public
peace to foreign partialities. But upon his
accession to power he promulgated principles
favorable to the support of public credit and
OF the Constitution, and avowed the strongest
attachmentto system of neutrality. The
measures OF his administration were ostensiblv
adapted, and by him and his friends avowed
to be intended to conform to this exposition OF
ms creed. His opponents however thought.
and probably still think, that the tendency Of
MS system was to an opposite end.-Publc
credit was however cherished-no direct yio-
iatlon OF the Constitution Che repeal of the
JUDICIARY act, concerning which there are
two opinions, excepted) was encouraged, and
the peace OF the country, though often endan-
gered, was preserved during his time. Is il
not then regarded by the friends of that adj
ministration as fragrant injustice. as well as
lndecency, to return to the old CHARGE To
insist that what he said and dad while he was
at the helm shall be accounted for nothing >
That be nevertheless harbored secret nm
inendlmess to the Constitution, and painted
for British war; And in aiEirmance OF these
allegations to adduce the ncautious speeches
and incorporate essays, of anonymous wri.
ters oil his party, aud the violent, indecorous.
and extravagant Language Of the public news.
papers that were enlisted in his support, and
the editors of which were said to be under his
special patronage This is course pursued
by no fair adversary at this day.--A convic-
ton Of the impolicy of that administration i,
still deeply rooted in the minds of many, but
base and unconstitutional views are imputed
to it by none. II stands upon the foundation
OF its own history. Not SO the Hartford Gen.
vention.-ln their case the appesl is made in
vain to profession and practice, to witnesses
and records Of their own transactions. The
least which malignity and credulity are invit-
ed TO make at their expense, is composed Of
scraps from Newspapers, and Olive branches,
and stump orations--a gallimaufry, which,
after feeding multitudes, is simmered down
oy ms Lxceilency, into portable sauce pr