Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-09-27
AN HONEST POLITICIAN.

The annexed article is extracted from let
ter ofthe Hon. JAMES WILSON, Zone Of the
from the state Of Pennsyiva-
nia) in answer to an invitation 10 attend n
public dinner, which his enga gasements pre-
vented his dong. Mr.. WILSON voted for
iyss At the last election, and until within
few months supported the Cause Of tho ".Mi
fary ChitJtain." Ie now comes forward
with hanknsss highly honeura blet and con-
fesscs that he was led along" by the blaze"
Of Military glory. Mr. W. says:
AT the time the honor Of a seat in Con
gress was first conferred upon me, from a va
riety of causes not now necessary for me 10
enune rate or refer TO, the voice Of Pennsylva-
pia was decidedly in favor Of General Jack
son for the Presidency. A large portion Of
her citizens believed he had claims iJr that
honor, far SURPRISING thos. of any other can
didate. In that opinion, l am FREQ to confess
| conceded, and on numerous occasions gave
decisive proofs Of my preference for him. 1t
wa, an honest preference, and took pleas
ufo in letting it 10 be known. ] judged from
the best lights could prefer, and # have
SINCE. with moro knowledge and experience
than then possessed, been induced in some
measure to change my views on that subject
| fcel a coniiieIt hope that such OF my fellow
citizens. al least, as have a personal knowl-
edge OF mo, will do me the justice TO believe,
that the change has resulted from an honest
conviction that had been in error. Occupy
ing station which has afforded mo the op.
poriuniiy Of obsc rving for myself, what, with
4 ka,o L.r
PEELED 10 learn from the intssesied and prcin-
diced represent ations OF others, cannot, for
for the mere purpose Of seeming to preserve
a consistency Of opinion, refhsc to do justice
10 men WHO havo been, MS ! am now convin.
ceJ, very unjisly abused. In short, can no
longer listen to tho story Of "bargain and
corruption" because avn fully satisfied that
it is UTTERLY FALsE. and was only used 70,
| unr0rthy purposes. bv such as have had the
! means Of knowing tho facts on which il claim.
ed to rely
! "Tha honesty Of my preference for Genera
Jackson very naturally produced in my MIND
a very deep regret az the failure to elect h'm
by the Ilo lso Of Representatives, and 3, for d
time, listened to the charge Of corruption
DISAPPOINTMENT in regard to a favourite OBJ
| ject is well calculated to make strong impres
sions. and it is quite probable, that, yielding
| 10 the influence Of that DISAPPOINTMENT, ma y
! have expressed my belief in the truth Of tn.
charge. B Be that as it may, have been lon.
convinced TO tho contrary.
| "Tho solitary circumstance, that no testi
mony has been exhibited. after throe years
diecnt search in all quarters of the Union, il
Of itself sufficient 10 acqult all the gentlemen
implicated. leaving entirely out Of the question
the high character which they have ever sus
! tanned.
81 am now fully sensible. .hat. respec ctin.
! General Jackson, I was led away by that blaz,
! Of glory which the peculiar circumstances ant
! feelings Of the moment contributed 10 throw
around ihs successful defence of New Orleans
I had, under the influence Of come Of the bes
feelings Of our nature, fallen into the erronc
Gus be lief common 10 all ages Of the world =
the belief that he who may have conducted
military corps 10 victory, must be possessed o
/ great capacity Of mind, and, consequently
/ Of all the requisite qualifications Of civil rule
! This error was the more likely to prevail il
! this country, because, in the person Of GEN
wAsHIxsroN, the t,co qualities were ad
nsirobIv unifed. But alas how few hav,
been the cl aracters that resemble Washing
ton! Let the history Of all successful soldier
answer the Question. But the causes Of III,
OWLS which have proved fatal - Republics,
! are Of too general and extensive nature I,
be discussed at large in a communication hk,
! this. My object is to draw your attention 4
few things Of more specific character
things involving the political economy OF tb,
country. The public opinion Of our State i
go decidedly in favor Of the protection Of do
mcs,ic mauuia ctures. that no man who look
| to the enjoyment Of public favor, will dare 4
oppose the system, but there are many, who's
connexion with Southern politicians on tb
subject Of the Presidency, induce them TO fal
into course Of conduct, which, if il had sue
ceeded, would certainly have defeated al
hopes Of effecting the passage Of any law cal
culsfed to extend protection 10 our home in
dustry. Ever since the discrimination Of Ger
tain leading politicians o: Pennsylvania to com
bne with the South, We have been continual,
iectured about the danger Of monopolies, ant
persuaded to believe that slI measures for III,
protection Of manufactures, were 10 result {,
The exclusive benefit Of the New Englan,
staies-as though every thing which promo
ted tho prosperity OF Nsw England must ne
csssarily result 10 the injury Of Pennsylvania
And when speaking Of the views entertained
in tho two extremes Of the Union, the Norti
h,s been son,i'ually rspreseatsd - seias u