The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1840-03-04
FEDERAL TACTICS.

Inc Suppoftcfs VI oth. Sft pidsluR
then old game of brsg, and are earnestly striv-
( ing TO Greats the impression that he will be e.
Iected President. BY this course they hope TO
influence the many who are always weighing
the relative strength Of candidates for office,
and are always ready. without regard to prnci-
pie, to support those who have apparently the
best chance Of success. IL would seem almost
impossible that this plan Of operious should
meet with any favor. when it has so often been
attempted by the Federal party, and invariably
resulted in proving their estimates Of political
maiorities TO be false, and their mos, positive
assertions unfounded. Never have they gone
into an election without proclsiming. as they
now do, their entire confidence OF success: and
history bears record, that seldom if ever have
their predictions been realized. Will the peo-
pie again be misled Can they forget how Of
ten they have been humbugg ged by similar proc
lsmations Of political strength Do not the
elections of the past year prove an unexarp pied
accession Of numbers to The cause Of the Admin.
isration Is there single State in the Union /
tested by its last elections, that has not exhibi
then. is tho evidence Of any change? Is there
any thing supernatural in the character of Gen I
eral Harrison. to produce this pretended revo
luton in political opinion! Is he SO distin- !
gulshed as statesman, as entirely TO eclipse
the universally acknowledged abilities of Mr.
Van Buren,! Or is his military reputation of
so high grade. as to make mp for his deficieu-
cy in every other qualiicatienl
The only explanation VIII cb can be given OF
this extraordinary effort of The Federal party to
impose upon the credulity Of the people is,
that they are fully sensible If their toeakneSs,
and convinced that ii is necessary. if they would
come into the field with even the appearance of
strength, to open the campaign by the qfeeta-
ton of it.
This system Of policy was undoubtedly de-
which have since rranspired. show conclusyely Z
the plan of the campaign, andtbo means to be
adopted for carrying it into efbct.
Mr.. Clay and his friends wee first to be SAT-
islied and brought into the traces. by tickling I
him and them with the prome Of the success
sion-a mere straw. Hence The Washington {
dinner Immediately after he Convention.
where he was brought out, the herald Of his
own disgrace, aud forced to pledge his support
TO the nomination. He did il with toIerable ;
grace, though he made some wry faces in swa-
lowing the bitter pill, or medicine" as he
deIicateIy termed it.
lhe next step was for each delegate to re-
turn to his constituents, call them together,
endeavor to reconcile their conflicting interests
and get up system OF organization. Hence
the Federal meetings which have been held in !
different parts Of the country, ostensbly for the
purpose Of hearing the reports OF their dele |
gates, but really 10 effect an organization, BY !
which the discordsnt materials Of the univer- |
sal Wing party" might be brought into united |
action.
Another step was for the letter writers and |
Federal editors to publish, simultaneously, in
various parts fthe Union, exaggerated accounts
OF the numbers attending these preliminary
meetngs-the wonderful effects produced by |
them, and Justify to proclaim, with united voice,
IA tremendous change in popular opinion.
Thus far they have practised their lesson to
the letter; aud if low cunning. gross deception.
and unblushing falsehood, could insure them
success. they would not 20 unrewarded for
their efforts. But the people are too intell- |
gen, not 10 see through the design, and too
cautions again to be deceived by Federal pre-
dctions and aSsertions.-G Globe.