Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-10-11
kFor the Literary Csdr.l
RHODE-ISLAND ARIsTOCRACY.
NO. Nv.
NATHAN B. SPRAGUE.

NATHAN B. sPRAGUE.
political character Of one, who though not tho
least among those who ccntrbute largely to
keep . corne: Of Our little State in constant
fermentation. demands perhaps far less atten-
ton than severa. others.-One who is not in
the strict sense Of tho word, an Arisiocrat, but
from motives that boar about them a singular
suspicion, has suffered himself to become what
b worse and moro degrading if possible, ar
SgsWt Of Aristocraoy. Considering the mate
sials Of which mankind is composed, we may
sometimes be induced in a measure, to forgive
The undue exercise Of power, Of which some
7nen 6nd themselves possessed: but who will
not look with unminglod feelings Of contempt,
upon him who condescends to become a pot-
isal Lazarus, Tor the purpose Of enjoying the
crumbs that fall from tn. gilded ucncher Of
Aristocracy! This was not whlom the char
ac,sr Of Nathan B. Sprague. With private
reputation which for aught that Know pos
sssses no blcmshss 10 this day-a respectable
farmer--a republican, man of moderate tai
snis and common education, with a disposition
10 inform himself in the science Of politicks, he
acquired a fair influence among his fellow
townsmen and generally in the State, which all
could have wished lie might uninterruptedly
enjoy through life. Among the ruin already
made by tho unprincipled conspiracy of nabobs,
We have to lamont their successful attempt to
bring over to their cause the gentleman now
before US. 1t was however, not effected by
storm. but by q regular sege. Finding in him
IN unusual propensity for Office which he has
asvsr failed to betray on all occasions, It was
point, and arrangements were made accord
ingly. There are men now in Rhode Island
who can we'll trace tho movements Of the Ars-
tocracy in this particular matter, as far back
(oW years ago, on the arrival Of one Mr.. Early
from Georgia, an smisssry Of Mr.. Crawford.
Here lot ms pause for a moment, TO furnish
my readers with q sketch Of one Of the most
spiendid and what was then meant to be, the
most effective operations Of this august body.
All Of us we'll remember the Crawford Aristo-
craticaI conclave, which was made an open
matter afterwards before tho public and Great
ID mach boastng on the part Of those who
composed il, as a measure that was fatal to tie
cause ol Mr.. Adame in Rhode Island Should
any one inquire what personages are intended
10 bs designated by the Aristocracy, lei them
procure a catalogue Of those who met in SOL
smn divan with the said Early, TO make "A
positive sale Of all the freemen and the votes
IN the State to the Crawford party. Never was
the strength Of that worthy band when acting
openly, more thoroughly tested. Never was
the nans-the deathless name Of Ophir's Gold
bsttsr sustained. and the intrinsic value Of
Spanish silver found moro efficient. Those
whs have attended Pa,oturet Fair, may be
able 10 form some just idea Of what took place
% this occasion. Men Of influence were set
up u Eve hundred dollars a head and some
vsrs struck Off for 4 thousand, warranted
ssuRd." Others who were found pertinacious
IN refusing to become subjects Of bargain and
sais, were prescribed when further promises
and threats proved to be unavailing. Against
thk torrent Of corruption, it required ali the
Grmaen Of principle and patriotism 10 stand,
and II 10 little matter Of wonder, that few
vsss overwhelmed and finally borne down in
~ sss1ict. A few days subsequent to this
srssd ssnvscs,ion. you might have seen sevs-
nj whs bod pIaddsd thar way unnoted through
~. but xhs bad hitherto maintained honest
sspssssisns enough. sudden'y wheeling like a
ssssss that has approached sufficiently near
shs sun. and nstrscing their path with nigh
~ Isminsss trail. hsviaeibssn INFLATED into the
mysteries ed received the light Of Crawford
-. For he credit Of ths citizens Of Rhode
Nod, hswsvsr. this number wss found eI-
lpsusiy limited ! might mention the names