The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1835-07-22
NATIONAL POLICY.

MIR. EDIToR,-fou are aware, Sir, that your cor
respondent is Radical. He is radical in his views
on existing abuses because he believes that they lie
much below the surface He would be radical in
his remedies also because he has no faith in topi-
cal appliances where the disorder lies so Deep Yet
would he blend, in the application of his radical
remedies the ezpectant process, of the French with
the anticipant process of the English doctors. He
would by anticipation, avoid the causes of existing
abuses; and thus prevent increase and by
waiting for that Slow but safe curative process which
the surgeons call the first intention, he would allow
the ris medieatriI of the body polite to throw off,
gradually, the moral fungus which now disfgures,
and preys upon it. He had rather endure the abus-
es, under which the public mind seems now SO res
tive than take the risk OF entaing them, by precp
itate, and palliating remedies.
There is no reason why that should not be probed,
and exposed to public view, in all their hideous
proportions. 1t is even desirable, that the whole
people should understand, that much of this polish
ed edifce, which we call civilized society, rests on
false basis, and be perfected, in Just and
lasting proportions, and with harmony among its
parts, without first improving the foundation. If
statesmen were sincere in their professions for the
improvement of society, they would not seize every
opportunity to throw ridicule others who may be
seeking the same end by different means; or cast
odium appropriate words, such as Radical, which
is innocent in itself, and significant, of audabe, and
wise intentions.
If the world could be governed, as it has been
governed heretofore, by deception, there might be
some ,oorldy wisdom, in keeping out of sight, the
fragrant abuses which have crept into our laws, and
usages. But that is no longer possible. We must
now take society, and men they arc and deal
with them in conformity. Tricks hich were once
considered wise, have lost their
power, and can no longer be used with any chance
of success. And here seems to be the error of old
fashioned Politicians. They are behind the age !;
their learning is of date, and younger Doctors
doubt their nfalbility, dispute their philosophy,
and practice on different principles.
These old fashioned politicians call them fsder-
alists or wings if you please, may be very sincere in
the opinions which they have gathered from old
countries and believe that mankind must now, rs
in all past time; be cheated to be ruled. They have
high authority for this belief, admit in Church and
in State. Pious frauds have been considered as ex-
pedient and even justfabe, political frauds But
that was when men were supersttious, ignorant,
and easy dupes. We read of lands being given for
pous purposes piou fraternities in exchange for
positive assurances, and written deeds for an
equa! quantity of better land, in better world.
We read, also and kno,c Of laws, which are said
to be just, and equal between man, and man class
and class, which take two dollars out of the poor
mans pockct while they take but one from, ,bo