The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1837-03-15

"
prcssion, and that the paternal care Of the
over them and protect them.
FIVE turn to our relations with foreign
powers, we find our condition equally graf
flying. Actuated by the sincere desire to
do justice to every nation, and to preserve
the blessings of peace, our intercourse with
them has been conducted on the part of
this Government in the spirit Of frankness
and take pleasure III saying, that it has
generally been met in a corresponding
temper. Difficulties Of old standing have
been surmounted by friendly discussion,
and the mutual desire to be Just ; and the
claims of our citizens, which had been long
withheld, have at length been acknowledged
aud adjusted, and satisfactory arrange
ments made for their final payment and
with limited, and, trust, a temporary sx-
ception, our relations with every foreign
power are now of the m )st friendly charac-
ter---our commerce continually expanding
and our flag respected ia every quarter Of
the wnrld.
These cheering and grateful prospects,
and these multiplied lavors, NC owe, under
Providence, to the adoption oe the Federal
Constlut Oh. 1t is no longer question
whather this great country can remain hap
piy united, aud flourish under our present
form of government. Experience, the un-
erring test of all human undertakings, has
showed the wisdom and foresight of those
who formed it; aud has proved, that in the
union Of these States there is II sure foun-
dation for the brightest hopes of freedom,
and for III. happiness Of the people. At
every hazard, and by every sacrifice, this
Uninn must be preserved.
The necessity of watching with jealous
anxiety for the preservation OF the Union,
was earnestly pres 5ed upon bis fellow-citl-
zens by the Father OF his country, IN his
ftrawel address. lie has there todd us, that
while experience shall not have demon
srdtcd lis impracticability, there will always
be reason to distrust the patriotism ofthoso
who, in any quarter may cndeavor to wcn-
ken lis bonds," and he has cautioned US,
III the strongest terms, against the iorma-
tion of parties, on geographical dIscrlmina-
tious, us oie of the means which might dis
turb our union, and to which designing men
would b. likely to resort
The lessons contained in this invaluable
legacy of Washington to his countrymcn
should be cherished in the heart of every
c.tilen to the latest generation and, per-
haps, AT no period of time could they be
more uscfully remembered Than at The pre-
sent moment. For when we look upon the
scenes that are passing around us, and
dwell upon the pages of his parting address
his patcrna c0unsels would seem to be not
merely the offspring of wisdom and fore
sight, but the voice Of prophecy foretelling
events and warning us of the evil to come.
Forty years have passed since this impcr-
ishable document was given to his country
men. The Federal Constitution was then
regarded by him as an experiment, and he
so speaks Of it in his address but an as
experiment upoa the success of which the
best hopes of his country depended, and we
Nil know that he was prepared to lay down
his life, if necessary, to secure to 1t n full
and fair trial. The trial has been made. |
1t has succeeded beyond the proudest hopes
of thnse who framed it. Every quarter of
this widely extended nation has felt its blcs-
sings, and shared in the general prosperity
produced by its adoption. But amid this
general prosperity and splendid success, the
dangers of which he warncd us are becom-
ing every day more evident, aud the signs
of evil are sufficiently apparent to awaken
the deepest anxiety in the bosom of the
patriot
We belDld systematic efforts publicly
made to SOW the seeds of discord between
diileren, parts of the United States, and to
place party divisions directly upon geo
graphical distinctions to excite the south
against the north, aud the north against the
somta and to force into the controversy the
most delicate aud exciting topics topics
,,,,,;,l, q, -, .,,Dnvs,bla tbaf m lnrup
portion of the Union can ever speak with
cut strong emotion. Appeals, too, arc con-
s;antly rAiie to sectional interests, in or
der To influence the election of the Chief {
Magistrate, as if il were desired that he \
should favor "a particular quarter of the
country, instead of fulfilling the duties of
his station will, impartial justice to all and I
the possible dissolution of the Union has at =
length become an ordinary and familiar sub C
ject of discussion. Has the warning voice I
of Washington been forgotten or have Il
designs already been formed to sever the s.
Union Let it not he supposed that i'm a
pute to all of those who have taken an ac- u
i've part in these unwise and Improbable Il
discussions, a watt of patriotism or of pub o
c virtue. The honorable feeling of State to
pride, and local attachments, find place u
n the bosoms Of the most enlightened and ST
,ure. But while such men are conscious W
,f ,h,ir own integrity and honesty of pur- OF
,osc, they ought never to forget that the cit. 81
zens of other States are their political III
,retllren /; and that, however mistaken they q'
nay be in their views, the great body of p'
hem are equally honest and upright with e'
themselves. Mutual suspicious and re- p,
roacIies may in time create mutual hos OF
lity, and artful and designing men will al FRI
rays be found. who are ready TO foment ar