Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1838-08-24

COM NJ UNIC IONS.

Some writer lately observed that the
feelings of the man and the duties of the
legislator were different, and might lead in
opposite directions. This remark has grea,
power in it. 1t is founded in the nature OF
man and the duties of governments. The
man may consult his individual feelings
while the legislator is bound to look to the
great interests Of the whole community
The proprieiy Of this distinction has been
exempified during the last six months. by
the strong feeling exhibited on our frontier
and by the action of Congress. Both were
right, and when properly viewed. they are
consistent with each other.
The subject is worthy moments exam
ination. From present appearances the
state of things in Canada will probably re.
main as it now is, until after the commence
ment of the next session Of Congress, and
put this plain question to every freeman in
this district, will you instruct your member
of Congress to vote for declaration Of war!
lfths is answered in the negative, then be
yond all dispute Congress should no: have
declared war last winter, and ifthey did not
intend 10 declare war in fact, nor promote
an actual war, they have done no more
than they were bound to do as a nation in
the passage of the force bill. so called. |
put the question in this form because ]
think the situation of the 9Canadas a thou.
sand times more deplorable now than it was
last winter, and affords now plausible pre-.
texts for national interference. ] do not
intend any minute examination Of the griev.
ances of Canada, they had quite enough
h., bo, n I, al
They had then the semblance Of liberty
the very name and appearance is now taken
away. They had then an executive coun
ell, nominated indeed by Others, but con.
ssl,ng OF men living and residing among
them, having common interest and com
mon feeling, this poor privilege is now Ia
ken awoy. They had provincial parlIa-
ment elected by the SURFACES ofthe people
TO whom they could appeal for redress o.
grievances and on whom they could rely.
In this respect they stood upon par with
the people Of England and France. But
where now is this defence, where this shield
against oppression, this only bulwark oil
their infant Iibertes' Gone, they have
passed under the yoke and the people are
now slaves, slaves in the most AFFECT sense
Of the word. Their voice in the enactng
of laws is hushed, they are poweress,
doomed 10 utter submission. But to return
to the questions Congress declare
war! This question in order to be decided
correctly must be decided on the ground of
the relations between this country and
Great Britain, and nothing else. Peace is
ever 10 be desired, and to be preserved if il
can be done consistently with national hon
or. No two nations ever existed who had
more or stronger reasons for peace. They
will readily occur to every thoughtful man
and ] shall not point them out. This stale
of peace then is 10 be observed, our friend.
" relations maintained, unlesss there are
strong and irresistible reasons for war.
Are there any reasons OF that sort ?
There is but one answer to be given. We
have none. am aware that The north.
eastern boundary question is not settled i;
but as yet there is no good cause of war,
since | have no fears that an American
Congress will give up any thing we have
a right TO claim. Separate from this there
is no. a shadow of complaint except that
which grows out Of the Canada question