Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1824-03-24

ally passed with careless acquiesence but
now that the President & his Excellency have
sanctioned the notion and have found in it a
restoration of Massachusetts &c to the Ameri.
can family" and political qualification to
the payment of demand which accrued
| from services which ase admitted to have
been spontaneous, patriotick, proper and
necessary for self-defence," it becomes inter-
esting to inquire what was this Federal con-
tamination, who were infected by it and how
was it so suddenly got rid of?
The name Federalist was first assumed by
those, who devised and established the
scheme Of National Confederation. under
which our republic has attained its present
greatness. The efforts of an opposition, &C
tive and powerful in mischief, made it neces-
sary that there should be combination of
the friends of good order to counterfeit them;
and this name, which naturally suggested it
self, united the wisest and best men of the
country. The complete success of their ex-
ertion made the whole nation converts to
their principles, and the organization of the
Federalsts as national party was suspend
ed by disuse, though for time the highest
honours were still confined bya grateful peo-
pie, on those who had been foremost among
| lAC AOuuhCLS vi liz SldlSs uc IuuuGuC6 Oh
Federalists and Federal principles was again
exerted, with success, TO save the infant Re-
publick from the miseries of infdelity and
anarchy, which threatened its very existence
in the preferred alliance with France and
again the goice of Federalism mas the usice of
the people. In this instance, the opposition
first assumed regular form, as the, promo
tiers of ultra Democracy. The advancement
of Mr.. Jefferson to the Presidency, gave the
alarm to the old friends of the confederation,
who feared that his visionary speculations and
uncertain principles, would lead to danger
Gus measures, and their warning was not dis
regarded; the wisdom OF the Statesman so
prevailed over the imagination of the theorist,
that the prosperity Of the nationwas advanc-
ed during his administration.
In many States the name and services Of
Federalism were soon lost sight of, as they
l gave place to more recent causes OF party di-
vision but as Massachusetts was Grst in her
efforts to establish the Union, so has she been
most uniform and persevering in her watch
fulness to preserve 1t, and in her grateful res
pect for the principles and men to whose
agency the existence of the State must be at
tributed. The spirit of early Federalism
manifested itself in New England during the
late war, which was deprecated and opposed
as being unnecessary, Improbable, and dan
gerous to the Union, in its design and in its
execution, an illconcerted waste OF life and
treasure. With these views, the majority O.
the people declared their opposition, and
withheld their assistance, except in an un.
resisting submission to grievous Taxes, and
when selt-detence required their exertlon,
and then, as the President admits, s. essen
tal service was rendered, from the most pa
triotic motives" 1t was the Federal doctrlae
that the objects ofthe war were unatta Unable,
or to be acquired with greater certainty and
economy in another way. After much ex,
pense, and some actual suffering, our Rulers
were glad to attain an honorable peace, with
out gaining any equivalent tor the lahors and
sacrifices of the contest. As to the glory of
our arms, acquired in such partial and re-
: luctant exertion of the military power of our
Country, it is held not worthy to be named in
comparison with the imposing grandeur of a
Naval Peace Establishment, which might be
supported by smaller expenditure, to facili-
tate, instead of Embarrassing the progress OF
National greatness.
The Hartford Convention is too important
a measure to be passed by. without notice in
this brief history OF Federalism; yet the at.
tempt, to add any thing 10 what is already be
fore the public, would he foolish presumption
in the writer. The letters of Mr. OTIS deserve
the perusal of every citizen, who desires to
have correct views OF the history OF his coun.
try, as a glorious vindicatioD OF the honor Of
the State, and the wisdom and integrity Of
\ himself, and his illustrious compatriots.
The accusation of Treason has been urged
against this Convention SO constantly. ard
with such variety of allegation, and ineen.
uous confusion OF well known facts. that the
good people Of our Commonwealth were
in danger of being self condemned of un-
intended and unconscious completely, IN
Treason. The large votes, given T. dis
tinguished iederalsts during the war. and
the continued confidence of the people is
) the best evidence that in those measures aIsn
the people were all Federaists.
Such is the history Of FEEDER tLISM.
Though the facts are within the knowledge
OF every Citizen, it is not amiss thus briefly 10
recapitulate them, since wise men have begun
already so grossly to rnisremember them. The
attempt will be made, next week, to convince
Federalists of their existence, to prove tina,
the ruins Of the Republic alone will survive
! them, Il to offer some reasons for an uncuuivo.
cal manifestation of Federal principles on the
first Monday in April. s.
We hope that S. will furnish us with his
next, day or two earlier in the week, than
this was received; or all our room may be
pre-occupied.
DEMOCRATIC CONSISTENCY.
1t is not little amusing to find the Demo.
Gratis urging the reelection of Gov. Eustis. on
the ground that the tranquility and harn,onv
Icfhe STATE will thereby be preserved. In or