Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-04-21

can Convenfioa" aud joined the ranks ofNfho
opposition. Finding it impossible TO get into
the Senate again, Mr.. Waterman, turned his
attention to the House, and in consequence Of
the resignation Of the then incumbent Mr.
Spencer, no was returned 10 the House Of
of Representatives, by lean majority Of vo-
ters To effect his election the next year, he
raised an, out-cry about the disparity Of public
burthcns, ,avowed that the landholders and the
country interest, were taxed without mercy,
and in manner, that bore no proportion to
the monied capital Of the State. a song like
this, for while was listened to by the yeornan-
ry; and believing the singer oft TO be sincere,
they gave him their suffrages. and elected him
a member Of the State Legislature. But Mr..
Waterman, cared but little about the interests
Of the !. ndhoden, and if he escaped nordi-
nate taxation, he would not have cared fig
if his neighbours were sunk beneath a load
Of burthens. He had an object in view: and
whilst he spoke word for his neighbour,
he uttered live and twenty for himself;--his ca
ger eye. was fixed on the UHIrED STATES
SENATE, and some one, tickling him with
straw, made him believe that be could success
fully oppose Mr.. Robbins. He made the at
tempt;--it was desperate one; and finding
that his supporters would desert him in the
hour Of trial, and that the Hon. Elisha r.
Potter, would not stick to his bargain, he very
modesIy declined being candidatc!! Find
ing himself unable to get into the United
States Senate, Mr. Waterman next turned his
attention to the Congress Of the country, and
began to figure for popularity. by attempting
to oppose the new judiciary. This was done
under an expectation that the people could be
made to believe, that our old eystem is good
enough, and needs no reformation; if that fail
ed, they were to be attacked in tender point,
and made to believe. that new Court would
need new salaries, and that exhorbitant taxa
tion would be the inevitable result of reforma-
tion. To carry this scheme into execution,
Mr.. Waterman, in conjunction with few chos-
en- spirits, got up new prox, addressed to the
passions and projudices Of the people, which
has been tried and defeated. Had he been
successful in the game, the next step would
have announced him a candidate for Con-
gress. in opposition to Mr.. Burgess, or Mr..
Pearce or perhaps in opposition to both and the
prox, he was certain would secure his success
and electons Beside the influence he expect
cd to gnin By the success of the prox, he
was prepared, cooked and primcd' for the
aiiray, and confidently calculated to carry the
votes Of Kent and Bristol, to dead certainty,
BY crying up to them that the middle section
Of the State had not had fair participation in
the loaves and fishes, and that the northern |
and southern counties, had enjoyed all the ben
Gifts of the peoples patronage.
Mr.. Wateman's schemes have been we'll de-
vised; but his late discontinue, has most prob
ably caused his political sun to sit forever;-l
he has committed political suicide ;--and with
others. is nsw at liberty, to enjoy the sweets
Of the domestic yfre-side.
We speak Of Mr.. Waterman as a politician
only; and would certainly be far from violating
his private feelings. We regard him too high
ly as member of society, to suffer us to offer
him any indignty He is a man of very con-
siderable talents, but as politician he is a bad
manager.