The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1838-08-25
FOR THE COLUMBIA DEMOCRAT.
Declaration of independence.

S6CIllo lllCOL lOl = COuSubuGlCJ1 W WlblluldW
their support from public servant, who
has once enjoyed their confidence, received
their support, and is again soliciting their,
suffrages, direct regard TO the opinions of
others requires, that the reasons for such
withdrawal should be candidly and unequi-
vocaly expressed (; that all men may have
equal evidence on which to base opinions
respecting the correctness of the secession.
Such reasons, we are aware, should not be
light and trivial; but substantial in their ma
ture, and consequential in their import.
We bold it to be political truth, that in
a representative. democracy, like the govern
ment Of the United States, all servants elect
ed by the people to places Of trust and hon
or, are TO represent, to the fdl!est extent in
their power, the interest Of the great body
of their constituency, without STOPPING to
consult the feelings of selfish popularity,
private pique, or jaundiced animosity. He
who basely bends his mind to the adoption
of feelings, as the governing principles Of
any part Of his Official acts, would possess,
in our opinion, as little of the principles of
Roman virtue as of genuine American de-
mocracy; and though he might possess the
talents and the ambition of a Caesar, should
in Justice, and in all cases, meet the rebuk-
ing spirit of more republican Brutus.-
Though, for short hour, whilst sailing
under so discolored flag, he may arrogant
ly fancy that his frail bark, g carries Cesar
and his fortunes" chill may, neverthe-
less, come over him, and he be induced to
cry, like Cesar, the Tyber, give me a
drink like a sick boy"
Among population so intelligent as that
Of the 18th Congressional District of Penn
sylvania, nothing can be more arrogant, or
betray more misplaced confidence in self,
than for Representative 10 attempt to WELD
proscrlptive weapons, or assume for mo-
ment, the character of Dictator. Though
the prominence of his official station may
suggest the expediency of the creation ol
particular posts, places or offices for the
convenience, of the public, yet justice would
seem to indicate that his response should
always be made, not on the principle o.
submission to the weaker passions of hu
man nature, but with strict regard TO the
best interests of the community, or Of the
individuals in view. A different course is
not only betrayal of private interests
but gross abuse of public confidence
What claims, it may be inquired, can such
a public servant; have upon the future con
fdonce of the people =! Can he,, with pro-
priety plead that he has been betrayed into
error by deceptions practised upon his ere
dulily! We ask in reply, in whom has he
confded To the latter inquiries, no fur
, ther reply can either be required or expect
ed, than that the people, intelligent AMI
honest as they are, expect correspond
ence of qualities on the part of those VIII
q attempt to represent their interests. -
Is this, then, the issue between the peo
pie and their present Representative in Con
gTess? On facts the electors Of the distrc
are to give their verdict on the secon
Tuesday in October next. And facts, i
all the stubbornness of their nature, stan
thus between the people and him VIII
should have been their faithful and undevia
n ing Representative. Doctor Petrikin wa
}. elected by the democracy of the district.
+ But since, the broad folds of his like chris
l. tian charity, have been made to cover
r multitude of sins" Facts clearly show
5, that, have his prepossessious called for
le sacrifice, Democracy has been required
v furnish the victim, Public interest and pr
as vate Inconvenience, have both been mac
nr alike to bend to irrascbility Of feeling whe
e. whetted to excitement, by the prompting
I'd of unchastened Dictators. Mail faciliti
e. and Post Office accommodations, have flu
to nished principal theatre for the display
ls Official influence, and his political int
4i.. -h fn l1oi