Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1837-11-01
ADDRESS.
FELLow-C CITIZENS

Fellow. CITIZENS
In government, embracing the wide ex.
tent Of country, now included in our confed-
Grated states, il is not singular, that collision
of interests, discrepancy ofopinion, and po-
litical faction, should occasionally mar the
peace and tranquility, of the best and hap
.piest people. But SO long as virtue and
intelligence, are the basis Of Our Republic,
honesty and integrity its safeguards, so long
will il stand the assaults of depraved ambi-
tion--and while the glory of our free and
independent Government, is the happiness
of its constituents, its genius will never e.
wade an open public, and scrutniz.ny IN.
vestigation. And although the present.
may be period Of the most alarming en-
element, still the firm foundation of our
political editice defes the sweeping gales of
infuriated passion. True, the most ANNA.
ting prospects Of a furnishing country, may
by the blighting Influence Of anarchy, be
changed to scenes Of The most distressing
character, and The feelings of the popuace
be aroused to the highest point OF political
enthusiasm. Such seems to be the present
state of our own affairs-and although
Michigan, has but recently been permitted
TO shine as star of the first magnitude in
the bright constellation Of states, still a
cloud Of discussion begins to dim the spen.
dor of her brilliant rays.
With constitution framed by those. who
deem democratic principles the Only sccu.
rity to the full emo yrneni of the unaienable
rights Of man, and guided by the principles
which they had embraced, the acts Of hen
leaders, we're appauded with voice of the
most enthusiastic delight. The wisdom Of
her policy, and the sagacty of her rulers
alike elected sentiments of respect aad
though a struggling contest with sister
state sti1ed for time her progressive
growth, still she mounted her opposing
difficulties, and was received by the Union
with the most cordial welcome. Since that
critical period, at which she disenthsalled
herself from clashing contest. she has dis.
tinguished her name for enterprise and frli.
gality, and now stands admired by the nation
as prodigy among the new and thriving
states.
With laws based upon principles Of dem.
ocrntIc equality, mo opolIes rejected, in
dustry and honesty at once encouraged
and protecied.a system Of internal improve
meni sustained by the wises, measures oi
political economy, her laws esteemed and
regarded, she presented prospects, that an.
mated the heart of every citizen, and a.
reused an emotion of delight. in The bosom,
Of every philanthropist. of f;aIng,
and unison Of action combined with a
pleasing prosperity found in every hamlet.
town and city throughout the State, caused
animation TO beam from every countenancc
and while ambition inflmcd every breast,
peace and tranquility cheered alike the cot.
tage Of the peasant, and mansion of the op.
ulent.
But in the midst Of these aluring pros.
poets, a dark cloud Is seen rising from the
mist Of Of a chaotic party, the beginnings of
dissention fash, the ihunders of demagoguc-
ism are heard, and storm of political
faction threatens to nund1ic the country,
and plunge our blooming anticipations into
the abyss Of party strife.
Men and principles, that have raised
Michigan to her present pre-eminencc, laid
the foundation for the most liberal literary
scientific institutions, developed the best
schemes for public wealth and prosperity,
are now assailed by party, famous for
cunning and cupidiiy in sheir designs, and
almost invincible in their war of conquest.
They must either contend against the
measures, or those who adopted them, in
this bitter contest for the right to sway the
ecePtre over state government. Aud if
the measures have secured peace and pros.
perity, why change the system Of Legisla-
toni II no change Of principles be sought
why this parade, this combination, these
powerful exertions to usurp the reins of
government, from the hands that now hold
them1 Or why change the administration
Of the laws, that have already secured pros.
peri.y 70 the people. and popularity 10 the
10 he ststef viii il be denied that
eur Legislative policy is quite sound, and
that our laws are just and equal in their OPP
erationl
AN Of this is acknowledged, but still, tho
ehasacters Of our most worthy and virtuous
rulers are traduced, personal abuse $ Law.
ished upon them with the greatest profusion,
nnd The viIo~t voeans ,,.od lx, 49,, 49,,