The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1835-07-22
WHY AM l A DEMOCRAT.
Secretaries,


Why are we Federalists, and why Democrats /
cali Federas,s, all those who are not Democratic
Republicans; and they should be so considered, un-
til all partzans, whatever may be their names,
shallopeny admit, that they abure federal doctrines
and declare that they will never act on them. 1t is
beneath gentleman, to call political opponents by
opprobrious naues and shows weak ness in the cause
which uses such means. Federalist, is the name
sumed, and gored in by the old opponents Of De-
mocracy. They however, now call Democrats, To-
ries, and are much annoyed at the sound of their
old name. If they would have the honesty to ad-
nit that they had forsaken their old tenets, we might
cordially agree with them, and form but single
band of patriotic brethren. But this they cannot do
for SO soon they would have secured the reins of
Government they should have occasion for all their
old policy the establishment. of which is their prin-
ciple motive for action.
But why is the great mass of the people Demo-
cratic 1t cannot be for the name or for fancy
There is some substantial reason forit; although
every voter cannot reduce to pords his reasons for
being so. 1t is a pity that every voter should not
oftcncr question himself on this subject 1t would
lead to happy consequences. 1t would teach him
how to vote according to his own permanent interest
and not for the interest of moment for the interest
of others, and against his own best interest.
We are Democrats because it is our interest to be
SO; ana that interest is strong, that large por-
on OF the community continue to act on these prn-
cpeS and thus to balance the federal policy, under
all Its DISCUSSES, and in spite of the stupendous in
fiuence OF the three learned professions the power
OF wealth, and our foolish veneration for old laws,
without understanding their effects on ourselves
Under all these disadvantages VIC remain Democrats,
although we are told in the schools, and unversi-
nos; from the Bar, the Forum and the Pulpit, that
Democracy is the reign of anarchy, and disorder
and that strong laws, severe punishments, and the
control of seciey by the clcarned and the wealthy or
the tec, is the only means Of maintaining good or
der. The newspapers are toeming with this doc
TRUE, and they almost exclusively in the federal
interest Still does majority Of the people remain
Democratic; although many dare not act, or vote
on these principles, for fear Of some mmediate in
jury from their employers, on whom they depend
Now is 1t not very strange, that the larger portion
OF mankind should be blind and recreant to their
own interest, as to resist the kind, and benevolent
and ehrtstnn efforts of their best friends and act
diamStricaly opposite their own interests Is this
natural' DO not all men seek after happiness
We cannot imputo this conduct to their perverseness
of human natures this would be profanity, it would
be to impench, the wisdom of God.
1t must be ignorance then, alone, which makes
man act agnins, their own interest. And if federal
policy, which is European policy, and tends to make
the teT very rich, and the many very poor, be really
for our interest, they cannot be worldly interest;
must be some interest in another world. Now fifth,
fcderasts would be honest, and tell u.s. that this il
their meaning we nigh, aid them in their abors
(after having calculated the cost and accclerat,