The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1829-03-11

tinue to throw obstacles IN the way TO
this harmonious reaction Of public opinion.
1t has been q source of wonder and per-
plexity to many in our community, to OBJ
serve the immense difference in the stand
ards by which public opinion has been led
to measure the same kind OF proceedings,
when adopted in different States. No pre-
tence is urged that any actual resistance to
the laws, or forcible violation of the con-
stitItional compact, has ever happened in
Massachusetts. Constitutional questions
have arisen here as well as in other states.
1t is surprising and consolatory that the
number has not been greater, and that the
termination of them has not been less ami
cable. To the discussion OF some OF them
great excitement was unavoldably incident:
but in comparing cases with causes and eff
fects, the impartial observer will perceive
nothing to authorize any disparagement to
this state. to the advantage of the preten-
sions of other members OF the conlederacy.
On this subject we disclaim the purpose
of instituting invidious comparisons but
every one knows that Massachusetts has
not been alone in complaints and remon-
strances against the acts OF the national
government. Nothing can be found on the
records of her Legislative proceedings, sur
passing the tone of resolutions adopted in
other states in Reproduction of the alien and
sedition laws. In one state opposition to
the execution of treaty, in others to the
laws instituting the bank, has sounded the
note of preparation for resistance in more
impassioned strains than were ever adopted
here-And at this moment, claims of State
rights, and protests against the measures of
the national government, in terms, for
which no parallel can be fonLd in Massa-
chusetts, are ushered into the halls of Con-
gress, under the most solemn and imposing
forms of State authority. 1t is not our part
to censure OF to approve these proceedings.
Massachusetts has done nothing at any
time, in opposition to the national govern
ment, and she has said nothing in deroga-
ton OF its powers, that is not fully justified
by the constitution; and not so much as
other States have said. with more decided
emphasis and, as it is believed. without
the stimulus of the same actual grievances
We are no longer at a loss to account for
the prevalence of these preludices against
this part Of the Union, since they can now
be traced, not only to calumnies openly pro-
pagated in the season of bitter contention
by irrltated opponents, but to the secret and
hitherto unknown aspersons of Mr.. Adams.
Mr.. Jefferson, then at the head of govern
ment, declares that the effect of Mr.. Adams's
communication to him at their interview
in March, 1908, was such on his mind, as to
induce a change in the system of his adj
ministration. Like impressions were doubt
less made on Mr.. Giles and others who then
gave direction to the public sentiment.
Notwithstanding these disadvantages, if
Mr.. Adams had not seen fit to proclaim to
the world his former secret denunciations,
there had still been room to hope that those
impressions would be speedily obliterated
that odions distinctions between the people
of different States would be abolished, and
that all would come to feel common inter-
est in fnrriHo- sIrnlni1s--; >c----iSS ms
against the procedure of the national gov
eminent, which have been manifested sue
cessively on so many occasions, and in so
many States, to the feelings, which in free
governments, are always reused by like
causes, and are characteristic, not of fac
tious but a generous sensibility to real or
supposed usurpation. But Mr.. Adams re-
turns to the charge with new animation
and by his political legacy to the people of
Massachusetts, undertakes to entail upon
them lasting dishonor. He re-afirms his
convictions of the reality of the old project,
persists in connecting it with later events,
and dooms himself to the vocation of prov
ing that the federal party were either trail
tors or dupes. Thus he has again (but not
like healing angel troubled the pool, and
we know not when the turpid waters will
subside.
1t must be apparent, that we have not
sought, but have been driven into this un-
expected and unwelcome controversy. On
the restoration of peace in 1915, the federal
party felt like men, who, as by n miracle
find themselves safe from the most appalling
peril. Their Joy was too engrossing to
permit vindictive recurrence to the causes
of that peril. Every emotion of luminosity
was permitted 20 subside.
From that time until the appearance of
Mr.. Adams's publication, they had cordial
ly joined in the general graduation on the
prosperity of their country, and security of
its institutions. They were conscious of no
deviation from patriotic duty IN any meas
ure wherein they had acted, or which had
passed with their appreciation. They were
noI ohly conlenteu, ouC GRATEFUL, IN the
prospect of the duration of civil liberty, &C
cording to the forms which the people had
deliberately sanctioned. These objects be-
ing secured, they cheerfuly acquiesced in
the administration ofgovernment, by whom
soever the people might call to places of
trust and of honor.
With such sentiments and feelings, the
public cannot but participate in the aston
ishment of the undersigned, at the time, the
manner and the nature, Of Mr.. Adams
publication. We make no attempt to as
sign motives to him, nor to comment on such
as may be imagined.
The causes of past controversies passing
as they were, to oblivion among. existing
generations, and arranging themselves, as
they must do, for the impartial scrutiny of
future historians, the revival Of them can be
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