Lincoln telegraph. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1836-1846, 1840-10-29

doned. SO much far the illustration OF
this "simple financial measure" But this
bill has another and still more dangerous
operation. Specie being the acknowledge
ed foundation of our mixed currency,
which consists of specie, and bank bills re-
deemabIe in specie on demand. whoever
is the holder or has the control of the lar
oest portion of the specie of the country,
holds in his hands the money power OF the
nation: This bill places that power in the
Executive. His agents, the receivers,
hold the specie, and they are under the
control of the Executive. 1t is true, the
law places restraints upon the Executive;
but there is a power above the law, ana
where that is the case, the people may well
fear that it may be abused. Men may be
Jealous of their liberties without imputing
an immediate design to destroy Them
An opportunity opened is sufficient cause
for awakening distrust. This is the reason
of the alarm which spread through the
country when the standing army bill was
promulgated. 1t is an indirect attack that
endangers the constitution. Wherever 1t
is publicly avowed, the danger is over
1t is masked design, under plausible pre-
fences, which will destroy our Liberties by
gradually undermining their support, if we
ever loose them.
The Importance Of the bject alluded
to in the address of the Van Buren, mem
bers of the Legislature, and the extraordin-
airy manner in which it was got up and
sent forth. will be an apology for the
length of this appeal The comment oc-
cupies more space than the text. But
the subjects are not exhausted. 1t would
have been interesting to refer more fully
to the principles which will guide the ad-
minsration of Gen. Harrison. But we
must refer to his own writingsand speech
es--rarticularly to the one recently deliv-
cred At Dayton. He is honest-whatever
he promises he will pra ctlce. Of one thing,
the people may rest assured, that he will
not copy The example Of the present ad-
ministration. He will not indulge in ex-
travagant furniture, purchased at the pub
lie expense, he will not ape the measures
or habits of foreign courts; and last of all
will be consult and quote for our example
the monarches of Europe in their finan-
poisn by which they hold in thraIl their
miserable subjects. 1t will be glory enough
for him not TO walk in the footsteps of his
predecessor.
If what these gentlemen had seen fit to
address to the public had been piece of
argument, it would matter little to the pub
lie whose argument il was. If it WAS a
statement of facts, supported by proof, it
would be equally immaterial what form it
assumed But as this document is neither
a course of argument, nor a statement of
facts supported by proof, the proceeding
looks like a political stratagem, adopted
first by few Of the INSCRIPTIONS, and then
by caucus drilling, aided by party denun-
ciaion, the more moderate were forced to
give their signatures, and thus lend fic-
ticious Importance to an eiiuson, which
otherwise would be unworthy Of serious
notice. Many who have read this docu- /
ment, consider it such an insult to the I'M
of those to whom it is address,
ed, that it would carry with it its own cure
that any man to whom copy was sent
with a view of is influencing his opinions
would consider it reproach upon fins in
tellgence. This may be a correct view !
but still the pe:nicious example itself would
deserve apprehension. If the prudence of
reserve and decorum dictates silence in
some circumstances, in others, prudence
of higher order demands of MS to speak.
II what has been said in this appeal has
reason and truth for foundation, let rea-
son and truth have their proper influence.
This is addressed to the candid and think
ing part of the community. To the drum
mers and tynmpeters of The party this is not
addressed. They would drown with their
voice the dying groans Of the freedom of
their country, so long as their own selfish
schemes were accomplished.
In taking leave of the gentlemen who
signed this address, they will pardon us, if
in commenting upon this document, we
have been constrained in self defence to
use language, which will not commend it.
self to their feelings. They must reflect
that when they descended from the dignity
of the Legislature to act the part of
political partizan, they forfeited portion
of the respect which attaches to the for
mer character. That respect can be re-
covered. Come out boldly, and say that
your judgments were not in the act. That
the signing of it was made test of party
allegiance, and you dared not refuse.
Discard the leaders who have placed you
in this position before the public, and let it
appear that you are determined to act for
Yourselves; and then if injustice has been
done you, there are none who will be
more ready to make you amends than