Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Mass.) 1828-1830, 1828-12-23
LANCASTER.
TUESDAY. DECEMBER Is, 1928.
MASSACHUSETTS CLAIM. We notice

MASSACHUSETTS CLAIM. We notice
that this subject has been called up in Con-
gress by Mr.. Dwight, of Berkshire. We
hope that no efforts will be wanting on the
part of the delegates from this State and
from Maine to place this claim on the true
ground, and to press it upon Congress in a
way that cannot be resisted unless by cor
shutting that body a wrong doer.
We have been shamefully abused in this
thing. That honorable body is, NOT with
out reason, subject to censure for shutting
their ears to the voice of truth. But the
unkindest cut has come from amongst our
selves--our own familiar has planted the
dagger in our bosom, and declared us unde-
serving and criminal And many have in
consequence been fearful to uphold the
truth and to do battle ON the field of debate
for this poor abused claim.
For long time the friends of the cl&Im
in Congress, those principally from this
State we mean, were encountered by the
charge that we had been recreant to our
constitutional trust, and that the Claim was
therefore without the shadow of merit.
Thus strangely thought Mr.. Madison, and
the reluctance of portion of the delegates
from the States interested, to consent to
any view of the subject that should not
cast ignominy upon our own State govern
ment, does but confirm the impression. Mr..
Monroe had q more correct view of the
claim but instead of deciding upon it,
turned it over to Congress.
All who have examined the merits of the
claim, know that it is one Of the most de-
serving nature, and that 1t IS not, nor ,cas
ever, liable to objection from any difference
on constitutional question between the
State and national executives during the
war. But there was an old Glamour in our
own State that if we ever received back the
money we had expended in defence of our
own fresides-expended too because the
Union had not provided for our defence,
as solemnly bound-we must first confess
our political sins, humble ourselves before
the nation, and in the dust beg from the
charity of Congress, what had been denied
to our more independent requests. Yes, this
in substance was required of US by those
from among ourselves. You must fawn,
truckle, and cringe, and then perhaps you
may receive sop. What! Massachusetts,
the ancient and proud Commonw ealth-dis-
tinguished in every period for her glorious
love ofiberty; full of population and wealth;
of physical and intellectual strength of
noble institutions for religion, letters, be-
nevolence, and for all that constitutes a re-
spectacle and high minded people. Shall
she whine like a crduen and become a con-
temptiOle suppliant to the General Govern
ment?
We bowed the knee to Baal, at home, and
BY singular process were "restored to the
American family" What have we gained
by the change? Nothing, absolutely moth
ing, though several years have since passed.
But this is matter of history.
Now indeed the tables are turned: those
who were for humbling us have changed
ground, and have come over to the true
faith and join in urging our claim upon the
consideration of Congsess.
If the. claim shall ever be obtained. it
must not be from any ignominious conces-
sions on our part. If such are made, we
hope to be spurned with contempt from the
threshold of Congress. We hope, further,
to be spared from this disgrace the claim is
just and righteous, and it must be demanded
as SUCH Rather than it should be demanded
on any other ground, better that it we're
abandoned at once. The money is nothing
LESS than nothing-in comparison with the
honour and dignity of the commonwealth.
Let the delegations ofMaine and Massachu-
sets unite vigorously, at this session, and
urge home upon Congress this abused claim,
In all its length and breadth. Let it be dis
,cussed by them only upon the ground of
absolute right, with moderation, but with
earnest and unyielding frmness. If they
are unsuccessful, the sin will not then lie At
their door, but with those who from bitter
prejudice may compose the majority.
90, it is excellent
To use it like giant"
MAYOR OF BosToN. The second cleo
ton has, like the first, proved unsuccessful.
Mr. Quincy, and several other gentlemen