Litchfield enquirer., 1840-03-05
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FOR TIE LTTcHFTTID ENQUIRER.
Mr.. EditOr-The experiment and progress of this
Republic in its past history must be most convinc-
ing proof of the tendency of the human heart to self
Hggrandizenlent and love of power. We have seen
how SOON after noble fabric of constitutional iber-
ty had been erected and put in motion by the immor-
tai Washington, there designing and despotic
olgarchy under the elder Adams, which threatened
the speedy downfall Of our citadel Of freedom. But a
redeeming spirit was found in the virtue, intelligence,
and patriotism of our nation That Apostle ofiber-
ty," the viruous jefferson, in this hour Of gloom and
Darkness stepped forth the champion ofhuman rights,
and surrounded by a choice band Of devoted patriots,
restored government to its original republican pu-
rity. Immediately after taking the helm OF state,
we find him enforcing the most rigid retrenchment in
all departments Of national government.
That bane of all republics, standing army was re-
duced to troops barely sufficient to guard our frontier
settlements from the ruthless savage. A host Of
"mldnight Judges" which had been spread through
the land as the closing act of the "reign of terror"
were Immediately discharged. A circular emanating
from the executive department issued, directing
all officers of the federal government TO strict per-
Torrance of official duties, and in way to interfere
with the elections of the country farther than to give
their individual suffrage. Our intercourse with for
eipn nations was confined to four five of the most
commercial governments. Every part of this infant
republic soon resounded with Joy, peace and prosper
ity. The savage tribes of our western forests were
kindly induced to barter their lands for the necessa
ries of life, and enterprise, stimulated by free and
wholesome protection, every where put forth bloom
and vigor never before witnessed in any country under
the sun. Alas! how soon has the oppressor's rod
waxed strong and mighty over our heads! Which
way shall we look to find confidence and prosperity
Without a cent of national debt and with revenue
four times large in those days, we see our admin
istration crippled for want OF means to carry on the
ordinary operations of government. Let me ask, is 1t
because the Loco Focos resolve that their party have
all the democracy that distress and ruin are staring us
all in the face Does the opposition. denounced as
federalists, preduce bankruptcy and dismay?
But sir, think see redeemng spiritin the land.
A light has sprung up from the and patriotic as
sembage at Harrisburg last December. which will ex-
tend its warmth and lustre every cottage in the
land William Henry Harrison have been fully
persuaded for the past two years was the man to cause
as entire sauary and happy revolution in s4l in the
administration of our government as was effected in
1901.
These being my views. and feelings, and under
standing Harrison meeting was called in Cornwall
on the 18th inst thought it duty and privilege to
attend The hall early hour was filled to over
flowing. There was not fppant lawyer or an anx-
ious oce-holder present to make play of words and
exhibit selfish zeal. Without an exception, the
meeting was composed of practical opera;ives-those
who gain livelihood by hard-earned industry.
committee had been previously appointed to
draft resolutions, and as soon the meeting was or
ganized. several spirited reported, testing
the merits of Van Buren, and Harrison. Among 9th
ers, resolution was offered condemnng the Sub
Treasury project, setting forth facts on that subject
true to the record-its conception, progress and final
termination. When this was read, thrilling indg-
nation ran through the assembly. This opened an
ample field for thorough and lucid investigation of
the measures of the administration. Had the poet
been present, he might have discovered "thonghts
which breathe, and words which burn" The ardor
and zeal of the speakers gave them pathos and elo
ouence which studied elocution can never mpart.-
Van Buren, DEMOCRACY was scorchingly scanned. His
administration dsseced, analysed, and compar-
ed with that of Jefferson His army of dipomatists to
every petty government, from Texas upwards was
contrasted with the host Of Judges discharged by the
latter.
The Seminole war, to feed hungry expectants, call
ed to mind the peaceahle acquisition of Louisiana
Allusions were happily made TO the economy Of the
two administrations and the reckless squandering Of
the government for the las. two wears truly APP
palling 1t was confidently asserted that the contn-
gent expenses for that time amounted in the executive
o1o tn tho
sum of FIVE MILLIONS of dollars, and that one
item alone amounting to FIFTY THOUSAND dol
lars was added the appropriation bill at the close Of
the last session but one to purchase library for the
use of the members without recording the yeas and
nays whereby eight frugal democrats from this State
put in, grace their shelves, three hundred and
fifty dollars each The official espionage Of Van Blu
rem and the subservient report of his suppiant Wall,
served to illustrate the above mentioned Office circu-
lar from Jefferson.
1t would exhaust your patience for me more minute
" to detail the enthusiastic ardor in which the subject
was pursued, and will hasten to close, by briefly
mentioning the comparisons made between the two
presidential candidates. 1t was urged that Van Blu
rem was bred to profession which is not calculated
to foster sympathy for the laboring poor man: that
successful practice soon gained him opuence, which
always genders oppression that he had by turns been
both the friend and enemy Of all the great Of every
name and party that he made selection for all i'm
portant offices from the most reckless members Of
Congress as reward for their zeal in supporting par
ty measures: that he pretended to be the poor mans
friend. whilst he saving more from the exchange
of his specie salary than the most lucrative Office in
this State is worth; that after boastng Of being the
~ 10
system in his own State and the father of the safety
n L. IL of