Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1839-10-31
Ifrom the n. Y. Commercial Advertiser.
Address
OF THE WING DISTRICT CONvENs
TION,

Senatorial District -
We are fast approaching the close Of
great political epoch. A course OF
conduct originally suggested by accident
il not by mere caprice, has gradually
been developed into a systematic attack
ag ainst the liberties of our tountry, aim.
ed in most vital direction. Justly ap-
precialing tho true position Of this nation,
and sensible that it tho Constitution is
to be undermined, the surest and most
fatal method Of approach is by sapping
the foundations OF Our commercial pros
perity, and controlling our monetary at-
fairs, the administration are rapidly ad-
vancing 10 the consummaiion Of that
plan, which, If 1t result successfully,
must, al the same time, perpetuate their
power and destroy our liberties.
Ii ID needless to point you 10 the indi-
cations OF this project, as they have BEEN
displayed in successive detail, for they
have been too glaring to escape your
anxious attention, and too notorious and
pernlcious to escape your vigorous oppo-
silion.
Had we reason TO trust, with unlinited
confidence, in the hands which now bold
the rens of the General Government
were the purity of their motives demon
strated by long and unimpeachable
course OF patriotic acts (; we're the theory
of this change 10 our national finances
sanctioned by all the conclusions Of
speculative reasoning, sound patriot
might well start back in doubt from the
contemplation Of that long series Of CON-
mercial disasters which the present par
tial operation of the sub treasury scheme
has already produced.
But when those calamitous consequent
ces are connected with the ambitious
character Of the authors Of this project,
with their political profeacy, and their
eager thirst for perpetuhy OF power;
when the plan itself is abhorrent TO ren-
son and commercial experience, and di-
rectly hostile to that public financial sys-
tenn under which our country has advan.
ced and fourished into opulence and
strength, none who have not already
succumbed to its influence, can hesitate
to pronounce it political stratagcm,
whose successful prosecution will plant
our present rulers firmly upon the neeks
of fallen nation.
! Specious and plausible theories may
lead away the chimericnl and visionary,
but the judgment Of true reason abidrs
by results. Ii the decision Of the ublic
mind is TO be determined thus, surely no
measure ever advanced in periods Of the
warmest party conflicts, deserves greater
reproba'tn. Residing as you do, with
in OF in the immediute vicinity Of tho
commercial metropolis, abundant oppof-
tunity has been afforded for the obserya-
tion Of those results. New York, and,
through those channels Of trade, which,
as if by arteries, connect her with dis
tant quarters, all the cities Of the Union
have been paralyzed.
Instead Of being fostered by the pro-
tccting care Of the Government, which
should watch with paternal soIicitude
over the interests of all, the mercantile
community, finding nothing but opposi-
,ion, and that disordcred, unsettled state
uf the public finances, which is produc.
tive Of mutual distrust, have been coi6.
PEELED to move on unaided and sef-sus-
tanned, against the unrelenting hostility
OF our political opponents. Truly, the
sub-treasury scheme has here been rife
with ruin-smiting both friend and foe
alike the rich and the poor, and en'bar-
RAISING, if not arresting, those noble pub
lie improvements for which our state has
been so dpservedly distinguished.
And yet this was the spot selected for
new edict, when it was hoped that re-
peated defeat had cut short the farther
prosec ution Of this measure. When upoh
late occasion, there came among us
The author Of this commercial convulsion,
rejoicing in the partial success Of his
plans, and at the very moment he touch.
ed our shores, proclaiming his unaltera-
bic determination to persevere, amid the
sound Of cannon and martial display, we
might have been reminded Of an ancient
tyran,, who marched his army into the
hostile territory, devastating and destroy
ing o the music Of The pastoral pipe, harp
and flute.
But this is not the only blow aimed at
your rights by the present administra-
iion. Trusting to retain some Of The
older states, and relying there upon tho
passive, uon-rosisting tools Of their arbi.
trary power, and on the enormous infu-
ence OF Executive patronage, the West
Is to be conciliated by another aitifice +,
aud the public lands are offered as tho
bait TO lure her TO political apostacy.--
Thus, not only is that vast territory,
purchased by the blood aud the treasure
/ OF our ancestors, and generously surrsn-
dcrcd for the general welfare Of the
/ Union, TO be denied TO US in equal and
Just proportion, but il is to be made tho
price Of our liberties. Upon this ques-
ton there is no room for argument. -
| The case is VI one so clear and definite q
n nature, Tint 10 reason upon il is an in
suit to the understanding. These lands
have been ceded or purchased for the
public benefit only they belong 10 the
whole people Of the United States, and
cannot be aliensied for the benefit Of q
portion. Ia truth, as we'll might the
revenue OF the Government, derives
from imports aud other sources, be sow
broad cast over the West, ss the pro-
cecds Of this national domain.