Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1840-09-12

from the many to the few. Bcware.how you trust
your rights TO the keeping Of any man. They are
never so secure as when protected nv your own
shield, and defended by yourselves with your OWL
weapons
General Harrison adverted to the interference OF
the officers Of Government with elections, and
pointed out its improperly in clear manner. "lf
(said he in conclusion upon that subect) should
be so fortunate as to be elected President, would
deem it my duty TO prevent, as Tar possible the
practice of Government officers using their official
influence and patronage for electioneeTing purposes
but at the same time, those officers should be al
lowed the freest exercise Of the elective franchise
at perfect liberty to vote for and against whonlso-
ever they please, without fear Of being prescribed
or removed from Office on account OF their political
preferences"
In conclusion feow-citizens. indulge me in a
few remarks in regard to my old fellow-soldiers.
a small number of them here by nv side -
They stood by me in battle, firm and invincible, iss
by-gone days. Some of them remnants of the
revoutOn-solders with whom served under Tho
gallant Wayne. Where, my brethren, are onr
companions in danger on the field of strife? A',sl
many of them are taking their final reposo in the
calm and peace Of death!
Let them sleep on, sleep on,
In the grave to which kindred have borne them,
And best be the Braves who are gone,
And thetriends who survive but to mourn them!"
ne Olu SOlOleTS, OUe Oy UUef dEe uWiHuliHR
away--.ghding as it were down the river of Time
into the haven of ong-sought rest. But few
even now remaining to sorrow in gladness for
the ingratitude of their country. When this coun-
try a dismal bowling wilderness, those war
riorS were exposing themselves to danger and dis
ease in the unwhosome swamps and morasses OF
the West, by guarding and defending our frontiers.
many of them became present victims to the mala
ria of the marshes and he insaubry OF the cli-
mate; others returned to their houses with disease
engendered in their systems, but to linger for
while and perhaps waste away with consumption;
while yet smaller portion still remain among Us,
though generally shattered in constitution and
feeble in health. Why is it, fellow citizens, that
these old soldiers of Gen. Wayne's army have
never been repaid for their services or been allowed
pensions br our Government! The nation is much
indebted to them, and justice requires that the debt
should be paid. and could never die in peace and
feel no sting of remorse, if were to permit their
claims to pass unnotlced, and without making eff
fort, when opportunity offered, to have them salts
/ fed.
Fellow-citizens my character has been most
grossly and wantonly assailed bv the demagoues
of the Administration party. They have falsely
charged me with the commission of almost every
crime, which is den0mnated such, that man could
be guilty Of. My character, which I had fondly
hoped to preserve unsued as boon and an exam
pie for my family, has been much traduced and be-
lied within few months past, and, for this reason,
| have sometimes regretted that your prediction
had made me candidate for Office; but, neYerthe-
less, calm no sympathy of the public on this
score. | only desire you to examine my past con-
duct, to read the history Of your country, and
| certain my political course heretoiere and the
prime pies on which have ever acted, and If you
find that my doctrines are unsound and unworthy Of
your support it is your red duty reject them.
| ask not your sympathy or favor. / want but COM
mon Justice. Let me have fair trial, and, what
| ava bp | nj he Sntis fiad In
yestagte matters fairly and honestly, compare the
doctrine and practice of my aJversaries with mine,
and then decide you shall think right and proper.
Cast aside your prHjudices and predictions, and
voteionly from principle. 1t is your duty to do SO.
Heed not the ccnsure Of knnvish politicians who
reproach yon with the name of 'turncoat," &c.
1t is not Opprobious to turn from party to your
country. We should despise the odium sought
TO be heaped upon US by designing men, from their
selfish motives as they despise truth and honesty.
Hoping that the .;ght may prevail and make our
country prosperous, will only add the wish that
you may long enjoy its blessings, and maintain its
free institutions and rejoice in the independence
Of happy ireemen.