The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1832-04-03


doings of the general assembly at all
times and more especially in this age
of schemes. The charter or constitution
of our state government has provided
amply for Newport, and it only remains
for her to be true to herself: she has the
right to return six representatives to the
assembly, fright which she always exer-
cises; but with that number appointed,
she rarely has as many at their seats as
either of the towns of Providence, Ports
mouth, or Warwick, which return four
each. Our first representative is but
seldom at his seat in the house, although
believe he always attends the assembly
His various engagements on committees
are great and reasonable excuses Tor
him; besides at this time the political
posture of the state, the high political
standing of that gentleman, and the aid
which he gives our chief magistrate in
the arduous duties that devolve on him,
together with the necessary relaxation
for his own health and comfort, do not
admit of his personal attendance in his
seat more than one hour in day while
the assembly is in session. Our second
representative, to whom the citizens
and freemen have looked, next to our
first, to yindicate their interest in the
general assembly has wholly failed to do
Justice to their high estimation Of his
talents. Since his appointment, in au-
gust last, how has he discharged the inn
portant trust committed to hint Al!
the october session he was absent on a
tour of pleasure to New York, and at
the January session. he must have been
also absent the whole fortnight. or near
ly so, as I saw him i'll the streets Of
Newport nearly every day while the as
sembly were in session. Is this freemen Of
Newport what you had right to expect
of a man of his talents and education
the man whom we had looked up to
to take a lead in the House, to be active,
to be vigilant, to be watchful and faith
full in our cause after we had given him
our suffrages and our confidence and oil
too at his own solicitation J"
Christopher E. Robbins another ofour
Representatives has been absent from
the assembly at least two weeks out of
the three in which the Assembly have set
since his last appointment and how much
of the other week he was absent from
his duty / am not accurately informed
though believe he was present but small
part Of the time.
Freemen of Newport, what avails your
privilege Of ending six Representatives,
unless you appoint such as will give
their attendance and not desert their du-
ty, whenever that duty interferes with
their own amusement Z? In justice to our
other three members ! freely state my.
belief that they have been attentive to
their duty have done all their constituents
expected of them and are entitled to the
thanks of the town.
cannot in justice quit this subject
withou, a passing notice of our fourth
Representative (; though appointed. for
the first time, in August last, he has al
ready in my opinion. given promise of
much future usefulness, by a patient and
faithful discharge ofhis duty. He is a
worthy, Industrious, and intelligent man,
and doubt not, will, with little more
Legislative experience do honor to the
National Republican party in our state.
With hut little advantage from education
he has Huency and confidence in argu-
ment, and from life ofpractical indus
try he has acquired knowledge Of the
world, which added to his native sagaci-
ty renders him in my opinion the bulwark
of our representation.
Ihope my fellow citizens you will a
wake and discover where is your danger,
and where your security. That you will
either insure the future attendance of
your first, second, and fifth representatives
in their seats. mr. elect other sentineIs to