Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Mass.) 1828-1830, 1829-03-10

been led TO measure the same kind of pro-
ceedings. when adopted in different States.
No pretence is urged that any actual re-
sistance to the laws, or forcible violation
of the constitutional compact, has ever
happened in Massachusetts. Constitu-
tional questions have arisen here as well
as in other States. 1t is surprising and
consoIatory that the number has not been
greater, and that the termination of them
has not been amicable. To the discus
sion of some of them great excitement was
unavoidably incident; but in comparing
cases with causes and effects, the Impair
tial observer will perceive nothing to au-
thorize any disparagement of this State,
to the advantage of the pretensions of 9TH
er members of the confederacy.
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,
surprising the tone of resolutions adopted
in other States in reprobation Of the alien
and sedition laws. In one State, opposi-
ton to the execution of a treaty, in others,
to the laws instituting the bank, has sound
ed the note of preparation for resistance
in more imprisoned 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
found in Massachusetts, are ushered into
the halls of Congress under the most SOL
emn and imposing forms of State authori-
ty. 1t is not our part to censure or to APP
prove these proceedings. Massachusetts
has done nothing at any time in opposi-
ton to the national government, and she
has said nothing in deregation of its pow
ers, that is not fully justified by the con-
stitution 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 loss to account for the prev
alence of these prejudices against this part
of the Union, since they can now be trac-
ed, not only to calumnies openly propa-
gated in the season of bitter contention,
by irritated opponents, but to the secret
and hitherto unknown aspersions Of Mr..
Adams.
Mr.. Jefferson, then at the head of gov
eminent declares that the effect of Mr..
Adams communication to him at their
interview in March, 1908, was such on
his mind, as to induce change in the
system of his administration. Like inn
pressions were doubtless made on Mr..
Giles and others, who then gave direction
to the publick sentiment. Notwithstand-
ing these disadvantages, if Mr.. Adams
had not seen fit to proclaim to the world
his former secret denunciation, there had
still been room to hope that those impress
sions would be speedily obliterated that
odious distinction between the people of
different States would be abolished and
that all would come to feel common in
terest in referring symptoms Of excite
ment against the procedure of the nation
al government, which have been nantes
ted successfully on so many occasions,
and in SO many States, to the feelings,
which in free governments, are always
reused by like causes, and are character
istick, not of factious but generous
sensibility to real or supposed usurpatiun.
But Mr.. Adams returns to the charge
with new animation ; and by his political
legacy to the people of Massachusetts,,
undertakes to entail upon them lasting
dishonour. He re-afirms his convictions
of the reality ofthe old project, persits in
connecting it with later events, and dooms
himself to the vocation of proving that
the federal party were either traitors or
.dupes. Thus he has again (but not like
"a healing angeD troubled the pool, and we
know not when the turbid waters will SUBJ
side.
1t must be apparent, that we have not
sought, but have been driven into this I'M
expected and unwelcome controversy.
On the restoration of peace in 1915, the
federal party felt like men, who as by
miracle, find themselves safe from the
most appalling peril Their Joy was too
engrossing to permit vindictive recur-
renee to the causes of that peril. Every
emotion of animosity was permitted to sub
side. From that time till the appearance
of Mr.. Adams publication, they had corr
daily joined in the general graduation on
the prosperity of their country, and the
security of its institutions. They were.
conscious of no deviation from patriotick
duty, in any measure wherein they had
acted, or which had passed with their ap-
probation: They were not only content
ed, but grateful, in the prospect of the du-
ration of civil liberty, according to the
forms which the people had deliberately
sanctioned. These objects being secur-
ed, they cheerfully acquiesced in the adj
ministration of government, by whomsoev-
er the people might call to places of trust,
and of honour.