Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1824-06-02

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| ly served their country in the field, have giver
proofs OF patri 'tism and attachment to free
government, that entitle them to the highest
confidence. In deciding, however, how new
administration ought to he formed, admitting
the result to correspond with the wishes of my
friends, many considerations claim attention.
as on proper estimate Of them much may de-
pend of the success of that administration, and
| even a the republican cause. We have heen
heretofore divided INTO two great parties. THAI
some OF the leaders of the federal party enter
tanned principles unfriendly to our system OF
government, ! have been thoroughly convirl-
ced; ana that they meant 10 work a change
III it, by taking advantage Of favorable circum-
Pstancrs, | an, equally satisfied. II happened
that was a member OF Congress under the
confederation, Just before the change made by
the adoption OF the present constitution, and
afterwards of the Senate, beginning shortly at
ter its adoption. In the former served three
years, and in the latter rather longer term
In these stations saw indications of the kind
suggested. twas an epoch at which the views
OF men were most likely to unfold themselves,
as if any thing favorable to a higher toned gov.
eminent was TO be obtained, that was the time.
The movement in France, tended also, Their,
10 test the opinions and principles of men,
which were disclosed IN manner TO leave no
doubt on my mind, Of what have suggested
No daring attempt was ever made, because
there was no opportunity for it. ] thought that
Washington was opposed TO their schemes, and
not being able to take him with them, that
they were forced in regard TO him to work un-
derhanded, using his name and standing with
the nation, as far as circumstances permitted
to serve their purposes. The opposition, which
was carried on with great 6rmness, checked
the cause of this party, and kept it within mod
crate limits. Many Of the circumstances OH
which my opinion is founded, took place in de.
bate and in society, and therefore find no place
in any public document. | am satisfied, how
ever, that sufficient proof exists, founded on
facts and opinions OF distinguished individuals,
which became public, to justify that which
had formed.
The contest between the parties never ceas-
ed from its commandments the present time,
nor do think that it can be said now to have
ceased. You saw the height to which the OPP
position was carried in the late war; the en-
barrassment it gave the government the aid
it gave the enemy. The victory at New-Or-
leans, for which we owe you so much, and the
gallant freemen who fought under you, and the
honourable peace which took place at that
time, have checked that opposition, if they
have not overwhelmed it. may add, that the
daring measure of the Hartford Convention,
which unfolded views which had long been en-
terfained, but never so fully understood, con-
tributed also, in an eminent degree, to reduce
| the opposition to its present stale. It's under
such circumstances, that the election of sue
cessor to Mr.. Madison has taken place, and
! that new administration is to commence its
service. The election has been made by the
republican party, suppospg hat it has sue
! ceeded, and OF a person, known to be devoted
TO that cause. How shall he act How or
ganize the administration, so far as is depend
ent on him, when in that station? How FIJI the
vacancies existing at the time? -
| My candid opinion is, that the~;lanSerous
purposes, which have adverted to, were new
er adopted, if they were known, especially in
their full extent. by any large portion OF the
| federal party, but were confined to certain
leaders, and they principally to the eastward.
| The manly and patriotic conduct Of a great
proportion Of that party in the other States,
fuight, perhaps, say OF all who had an oppor-
tunity of displaying it, is a convincing proof OF
this fact. But still, southern aud eastern fed
eraliFts have been connected together as a
party; having acted together heretofore, and
although their conduct has been different, OF
late especially, yet the distinction between re-
publicans and iederalists, even in the southern
and middle and western states, has not been
fully done away. TO give effect to free GOV
eminent, and secure it from future danger,
ought not its decided friends, who stood firm
in the day of trial, to be principally relied on
Would not the association of any Of their OPP
ponsnts, in the administration itself, wound
tneirfeellngs, or at least OF very many OF them
to the injury Of the republican cause Might
it not be considered bi the other party, as an
offer of compromise with them, which would
lessen the iyAoniiy, due to the Council, which
produced the Hartford Convention, and there
! by have tendency to revive that party on il:
tormer principles My impression is, that the
administration should rest strongly on The re.
publican party, indulging towards the other, a
spirit OF moderation, and cyincing a desire Il
discriminate between its members, and to brinl
the whole into the republican fold, as quick
"a possible. Many men, very distinguished
for their talents, are OF opinion, that the exist
ence OF the federal party is necessary to keel
| union and order in the republican ranks, thai
rs, that free government cannot exist without
parties. This is not my opinion. That the
ancient republics were always divided into
| parties; that the English government is main.
tanned by an opposition, that is, by the exit
ence OF a party in opposition TO the ministry
well know.--But think that the cause o
those divisions is TO be found in certain defect;
OF those governments, rather than in human
nature; and that we have happily avoided thost
defects in our system. The first object is &c
learn the cause, which can be done by those
who are devoted to it only, and of course by
keeping them together, or in other words, b,
not disgusting them by too hasty an act OF lib
crafty tothc other party, thereby breaking the
generous spirit of the republican party, and
Keeping alive that of the federal. The SECOND
IS, to prevent the organization, and revival o
the federal party, which, if my hypothesis il
true, that the existence OF parties is not neces
sary to free government, and the other opinion
which have advanced, is well founded, thai
. H.. 1