Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1824-05-12

suCn conventions Tor political OBJECTS
1t is of no consequence IN this Oiev, by
what means. Future Conventions inust
be accompanied by general sensation
of Jealousy and aversion, which would
divest them of the faculty of doing good
This is an all-important consideration
1t is the duty Of every independent citi,
zen employed in the public Councils
first, to attempt fearlessly by his talents
and influence to guide public opinion
and next, to conform to that public opin-
ion which he fails to lead No terrors
ofunpopularity should deter him in the
first case, and no pride of opinion make
him inhexibIe in the last. 1t is the
part of Timepleaser to hesitate in
great emergencies until he knows the
people are with him and of a head
strong bigot 10 persevere, when he finds
they are fixed against him. To decide,
therefore, upon this question of expedi-
ency, OF indeed 10 form a Judgment in
what degree, if any, the measure were
ineXpedien:, and of consequence how
far It's promoters are cnipable for def
cheney Of political wisdom and foresight,
1t becomes indispensable TO take a rapid
view of the posture of affairs, at the
time when the measure was proposed.
1t would only obscure this view to
connect with ii any examination Of The
merits Of the policy by which affairs
were brought TO their actual condition,
Whether that was a pernicous and err
roneous course or otherwise is an in
quiry foreign to this subject, One which
in its proper place am willing 10 meet.
But the present question is whether a
cf;sis had crri0ed ~ the ctairs Of this
State demanding recourse to be had to er-
traoro'innfy means for its snlrat;on, and
avfetter 1t aGs expedient to look for such
means to q Observation-Disclosures the
ship was running on to breakers and
proper means were taken TO keep her
away, not whe Their there had been a de-
Walton, Or bad reckoning kept in any
former stage of the voyage.-With re-
spect to the existence of such a crisis
there can he but one opinion. Our
prospects were shrouded in clouds and
darkness. We were exposed 10 the
calamities which threaten people vul-
nerahie by foreign hostility, unprotect-
ed by their Government, fettered by
constitutional restraints from using their
own resources to protect themselves,
and embittered against each other by
feelings Of party rancor. The storm
ct war was gathering on the sea coast
and frontier of the State.--1he territory
had been invaded, and part of i. remain
ed in the occupation Of the enemy A
hostile fleet lowered near our harbors,
menacing descent, and procIaiming the
intention to pursue system Of conha-
grafton and plumber. The Treasury
had been declared bankrupt ''de fac
TO ;"-Stocks were at discount of so
per cent No means were possessed
by the National Government (if inclina-
ton were not wanting) of terrifying
posts and harbors, or of furnishing
troops for their defence. To crown
these misiOrtunes, misunderstanding
had pre- vailed between the President of
the United States and the Governor of
Massachusetts respecting the concur
rent authorities of the National and
State Governments over the militia.
And although the Governor in ii spirit
Of accommodation had actually receded
from his objections SO far as to place a
detachment at the disposal ofth Presi-
Dental Project, yet such were the in
conVeniences, jealousies. and heart
burnings among the officers d I'd men them
sc!0es, without regard 10 party distinc-
ton. from this arrangement, and so in
viDcible their apprehension Of being
marched off to Canada, leaving defence
less their own homes, that the Cover
nor zros compelled to revert TO the orig
inal plan of retaining them under the
command of their own officers. Thus
arose distressing dilemma ito sur
mount the repugnance of the militia TO
be turned over to the Project was i'm
possible. Unless this could be done, the
National Executive refused to assume
the payment of the troops. A million
had already been disbursed from the
State Treasury in military expendi-
lures ALI the sources of revenue were
occupied by the General Government !;
and the acquisitions for another cam
paign must have drained the State
Treasury Gifts last cent. No augury
favorable 10 peace appeared in any
quarter, and no expectation was cher
ished hut of a protracted and arduous
contest. Constitutional difficulties and
embarrassments from the same causes,
in greater or lees degree, were felt 10
all the New England States.- Without
the aid of their own militia, they had
nothing to save their towns and villages
(pear the coast esDeciallv\ from nronniS-