Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1834-10-16


dies poor. This constitutes the great distinc-
ton between rich and poor in this country
There is no system of laws which secures to
pampered wealth its unearned possessions, or
transmits them by entaiment to idle descend
ants. Here the poor sons of rich sires become
the rich sires of poor sons; and he who is rich
to-day may work tomorrow. There are no
such classes in society as rich and poor, all
our citizens enjoy equal rank and equal BEN
etits. Who raise this cry Are they the
Rich or the Poor? No! neither; but those who
feed upon the property of both-polltlcians
by protession-o office holders by business. ]
first heard it on the floor of the Senate Of the
United States. 1t was proclaimed by a New
York Senator-one, who finding private en-
ployment too poor ard humble, from the mo-
ment he cmigrated from Vermont, sought en-
ployment from the public, and has from that
time forth successfully relied upon the public
patronage and treasury.
Again: what are we to understand as the
Arlstocracy of this country =! Who are they ?
Where are they AT one time when it suits
the view of politicians, our industrious and
prosperous merchants are called the ArlstOc-
racy. What privileges do they enjoy? what
public influence do they exercise? what pa
tronage do they distribute what Offices do
they hold? According to my best recollection
there are in the House of epresentatives, -
from this state, twenty-seven lawyers-not Il
single mechanic or merchant engaged in bu-
siness: and for years past they scarcely par
ticipated in any Offices either of honor or c.
molument; indeed, the Aristocracy Of New
York consists ofpoticians by profession, who
pursue the occupation for support, live upon
the money, aud distribute the patronage of
the state as if it belonged to them by inher-
tance! Look at the effect upon this city and
the whole Southern District. Your present
Governor. the one who preceded him, and his
prcdeces. e., are taken from the North--so
with the Lieutenant Governor; the Judge of
the Supreme Court;-the Characteristic
Comptroller, the Treasurer, the Attorney Ge-
neral, the Secretary of State, the Adjutant
General, the Canal Commissioners, are all
from the interior, and have been selected
from the interior for years past. This city
has no lot or part in the matter; although
through her majorties the elections are car
ried, she is neglected and despised; the great
emporium of American commerce, the Queen
of American cities, exercises no more lnflu-
ence in the affairs of this State, than she
would do if swept into the Atlantic. Her
rights, her interests, her power is disregarded
by the cabal which has long presided over
the destinies fthe Empire State, claiming all
things, and ruling all things!-" WHAT" said
distinguished member of the cabal, ado we
care for the commercial towns !? We look to
the country"
/ say the cry of Aristocracy of Rich and
Poor! is false and wicked; it is raised by those
who live upon the spoils, and govern the
State, to create odous distinctions not found.
ed on fact, except so far as they themselves
constitute the Aristocracy, to- which all must
apply, if they wish to participate in the 60.
vernmental patronage.
| have often been amused in walking through
the streets of Washington, from my lodgings
to the Capitol, seeking my way over the mud.
| dy sidewalks, as my colleagues were drawn
! along in their comfortable carriage, with theil
| high melted steeds, at the thought that they
assumed for themselves the appelation O
| poor and lowly democrats, whilst was num-
| bered by them among the purse proud Aris
tocracy! AS daily witnessed Mr.. Van Blu.
| rem lolling upon his velvet cushions, with hi:
famous English coachman on the box, dres
sed in livery, and his footman holding by the
tassel behind, and dressed in livery, and re
collect this was the man who claimed to bt
| the purest sample of the democratic party! !
Often have asked myself IS it possible the
people can be thus guled and cheated by
hollow pretences would not deny to sucl
men, or to any man, all the comforts and lux
uries which their or his wealth can buy: but
would have the country understand their true
character, that, if it is a misfortune or faul
to be rich, all who participate, should partlci
pate in the consequences.