Piney Woods planter., 1839-04-13
CRITTRNDEN,S GAG BILL.


We g.ve this bill below, 1t has been with
much propriety classed with the Alien and Sc
dtion Laws, against which Jefferson contended,
and eventually overcame And if any thing was
still wanting to identify the principles of mod
orn Whiggery with old federalism, it is to be
found in this bill. We call it Gag Law, be
cause its aim and object is to take away the most
estimable rights Of every American citizen, Sc.
cured by the constitution Of which he is so lust.
ly proud Who but a modern Wing would at,
tempt to take away tho liberty of speech and
the prcss' To write, print, speak, &C., all OPT
MONS are the rights of freemsn; being at the
same time accountable TO tho laws for the abus
of the same. Had this bill passed. all the officers
therein named, would have been robbed of these
-dsfranchiscd. This would be rlori.
Gus state of things Because free man accents
petty office he must not open his mouth, no
matter what he hears or secs, thinks or fcels,-
No matter what advantage the election of man
might be--no matter what corvico his talents or
virtues might be to his country, those men mn.
med IN the bill, dare net, "by word, message,
or writing, or in any manner Whatsoever, endca.
vor to persuade friend to give him vote"
Those who fill offices are, or ought to be, men
of both talents and virtue, and would it not be
much to be regretted that they should be muz.
zled2 These men have at least equal interest
with other members of society, and have an Q.
quail interest in all public concerns. Then why
should they bo gagcd1 II is their right; nay it
ia thait Au}v 20 L n
are to make and administer the laws by which
they arc governed and by which their privileges
are secured Why should men be forbidden to
give or to receive information-to lend or to
borrow light in relation to subjects in which
they arc all equally, and in the highest degree
interested.
Wallis report on this bill throws flood of
light on this subject, and we regret much that
its length prevents us from giving it entire. The
extracts will be read with much interest.
The author of this bill is the colleague Of II.
Clay and his bosom friend, and knew, no doubt.
of its preparation and principles; yet this same
Clay is to receive the support of his party for
Presidency. The Federal National Republican
Wings supported this bill! The people thus can
see who are the friends of liberty. But read
these extracts of the hill;
"a BILL TO prevent the interference of
certain Federal officers in elections.
To the end that the great powers given
to the officers Of the Federal Govern
ment. and other persons employed in
its service, may not be used for the in
fuencing of elections, which ought to
be free and incorrupt:
BE it enacted in the Senate and House
Of Representatives. Of the United States ofl
America in Congress assembled. Thai
from and after the first day of April, in
the year one thousand eight hundred and
thlrty'nine, no marshall or deputy mar
shal, no postmaster or deputy postmaster.
no receiver or register ofa land Office. or
any of their deputies or clerks, nor survey
for general of the public lands, or any Of
his deputies or assistants, no collector.
surveyor, naval officer, weigher, guager,
appraiser, or other officer or person what.
soeyer concerned or employed in charging.
collecting, levying, or managing the Gus.
toms, or any branch or part thereof. no
'S, onSoib VI agent employed or
concerned in the execution or supe rintend.
ence ofany of the public works, shall, by
word, message, or writing, or in any man.
ler whatsoever, endeavor to persuade anv {
olector to give, or dissuade any elector
rom giving, bis vote for the choice Of anv
person to be elector of President and Vice {
President of these United States. or for '
he choice Of any person to be a Senator :
n Representative in the Congress Of the |
aid United States, or the choice Of anv a
'erson to be Governor or Lieutenant Gov. n
rnor ofany State, or of any person 10 he f
representative or member in the Leeis. v
atlVe department of any State in the In. c
On, or for the choice Of any person N
ervs IN any public Office established bv !.
ne law OF any said States; nor shall any : !"
Icn officers orperson intermed ddIo in any Z
the elections above mentioned, or use e. e.
ny means with intent to influence or con. . :
'ol the same, otherwise than by giyinr % .