The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1827-03-21
ADDRESS
To the Citizens Of the County Of
Worcester.

Worcester.
The period will soon arrive, when we
shall be called upon to exercise the high
prerogative of selecting our rulers, to adj
minister the Government of Massachusetts
for the ensuing political year.
The divisions, which formerly separated
many who were actuated by good motives
for the interests of the community, now as
sumo no definite shape, and, in truth, may
be said no longer to exist. All who wish
well to public happiness and prosperity,
may now meet on common ground, and
unite their exertions with the single pur-
pose of promoting the general good.
1t gives US pleasure, fellow citizens, un-
der these circumstances, to address you,
and invite your aid in calling those to our
councils on whose wisdom, talents, private
virtue, and public integrity, we can rely
for devising and carrying into effect every
measure that will tend to the welfare of
the people.
If spirit of quiet and cancellation exists,
it is no reason that we should be needless
in the selection of public officers. Let 1t
not be said that vigilance and effort are
exercised only in times of high political ex-
element, when the bitterness of passion
and strong feeling spreads thick cloud
over she dictates of judgment, discretion,
and good sense. 1t is not at such times
| that the greatest danger is to be feared
| Tor all are then Watchtul, and are ready to
raise the alarm, and to interpose a barrier,
that has, thus far, proved an effectual bar
rler, to the constitution and laws. If our
rights are to be invaded, if the eternal prin-
ciples of justice are to be called in ques-
! ton, and all that we look to for protection
and security is to become the subject of a
jealous and wanton caprice, the opportuni-
| ty will be seized when vigilance is relaxed,
when the great body of the people are
found reposing in a state of confding Sc
curity. Then you may expect, that men
of doubtful character, of ordinary intellect,
and low cunning, will use their arts to sup
plant the high minded and honest, and bar
| ter the reputation and integrity of the State
to promote their own unprincipled views.
Let it not be said that these remarks are
groundless-that our fears are mere illu-
sions all history and experience bear
testimony to their truth, and conviction
must follow, however unwilling we may
be to yield to it.
We offer to you, as candidates for the
offices of Governor, Lieutenant Governor
and Senators, individuals of high conside-
ration in the community. Some of them
have long been before the public, and have
received distinguished tokens of your re-
gard. In presenting for reelection the
present Chief Magistrate of Massachusetts,
State distinguished for its intelligence
and wealth, for its literary, religious, and
charitable institutions, and for the glorious
associations connected with every period
of its history, we should do injustice to our
own feelings, and to the favorable and de-
cided sentiment of the people, did we not
express our appreciation of the frmness, in
dependence and dignity that have marked
his political course during the last year,
These are no trifiing virtues at any time.
and especially in this age when so many
are found to cater for their own popularity,
and under the name of policy and prudence
to efface the dividing line of right and
wrong, and sacrifice duty, justice and prin-
ciple to the poor lust of office. The gene
raj measures of the chief magistrate have
received the sanction of the people but
those were measures in the ordinary course
of duty, such as all naturally expect, and
surprize would only be felt were they not
pursued. When, however, an unusual
course is adopted, and decided stand is
taken against encroachments upon the con-
stitution and observation-disclosures urged
with vehemence, and supported by ma
jority in the Legislature it is then that
the people should come forth in their might,
and sustain the efforts of the individual
who interposes his authority to protect the
rights of the community. The negative of
the chief magistrate to the bill granting
free bridge over Charles rivera bill de-
structive of private property and vested
rights, and in violation of the good faith of
the government pledged to the protection
of the privileges secured by charter to the
proprietors of Charles River bridge, and
bound to enforce the obligations contained
in the charter, has placed him on high
ground, and should draw to his support
every honest man in the Commonwealth.
It may not, perhaps, be proper to impeach
the motives of those in the Legislature
who have given the sanction of their names
to contrary doctrine but, it is confident
ly believed, that, when the excitement OF
the moment has passed away, when the in
saAgE