The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1835-08-26
SIGNS OF THE TINES

listened with great pleasure, to alnppy flow of
eloquence from a Mechanic of this town, at the
State-House, last Saturday evening. say with
great pleasure, Mr.. Editor, although you arc aware
that differ entirely in my political notions from tho
speaker alluded to, because it is among tho
many proofs which daily exhibited, that the
working classes, investigating subjects deep
y interesting to themselves and equally interesting
to our Republican Governments because on their
intelligence that Government depends. 1t matters
little to the great cause that this talented young
mechanic be roU wrong in the views he may have
taken, his example and success will inspire others
and they to shine must investigate for themselves;
and having done so, will be likely to discovc, the
truth; especially when prompted by their interest,
as well as their ambition. IfI had the presumptios
to offer advice to the young orator alluded to- could
say no more, than to advise him to pursue seadft-
ly his own interest weH understood for this is the
basis of republicanism. Ifevery ono would consul.
and follow his own interest ,oeH understood, THE
would lead to the perfection of Government. Then
indeed would the laborng, middling and most rner-
ltorious classes of society," have reason to com.
plain; because they being the vast majority, and in
seeking each their own interest, would be obliged
to respect the interest Of their fellows; and would
most certainly feel a common interest in opposing
all laws systems and usages which would be inlu-
rious to the whole class of workinrmen.
Here, at least, would be one sacred combnatlcn
of men, acting from interest,--the most powerful of
human motives, to establish the very principle which
VIC dHpretend to be the basis of Government
Such combination, enlightened by that light
which is now finding its way into the industrious
classes, would prove match for all the learn
ing, and sophistry Of any other class of men, who
would presume to mystify it, and lead it away from
its true interest, by specous and deceptive language
We must not despair of the of Repubcanism,
when we display of talents, where they were
supposed not to exist and hear daily discussions OF
deep import in every Mechanics shop. little
more daily light is all we want to finish the great
battle of principle, in victory.
Our enemies must 60 back, and start on different
grounds, or they conquered they must put out
the light, for it is too late to hide it. The peo-
pie have found out that deception, and legal fraud
lie at the foundation of all their legislation, and
tend to the cmpovershment, and degradation of the
Farmers and Mechanics, and all but few favored
ones.
When the emigrant Priests returned from their
exile with the Bourbons to Frances they found
many talented young officers, who were dismissed
from the service, teaching schools in the villages
and apprehendng that republican notions might DC
too much dffused by these military teachers they
too began to open schools, gratis thus double the
number of common people were taught to write and
read The Priests had not the wit to forsee, that
all these men, when taught. would use their learn
ing for their o,en advantage. And it he's turned
out, republicanism has made daily progress in
France ever since.
So it will be in our happy country; the power Of
deception is decreasing daily and the greatest
a,ors are listened to by the people with caution, il
no, with distrust And newspapers, aud all other
things in type are read with scru,nizing ey-.
GO AREAo.