North American. [volume] (Swanton, Vt.) 1839-1841, 1840-08-19

wv tNF ANEttNE VI 1&1NIfAn taAffAtHs
that q the friebds IF Brtsin's friends are
exceedingly joyful that Mr.. Drojet, a Ca
madam Exile. has come ont boldly as a
Supporter, nay an sdmifer OF Mstun Van
Buren," The article goes on then TO ae-
cnse that gentleman Of a +" mischievous
alienation AZ judgement" and calls TO "his
~evanescent mind, a few Of the very many
eiaring proofs Of Martin Van Bufcn's hos
tility to a csnse which tie holds or pre-
tends TO hold SO dear and SO sacred"
We know not, whether the allegations
agains; Mr.. Drolet are true or false. II is
to us perfectly immaterial, 10 what politi-
cal party in the Union, a brother exile
may attach himself. This paper is Meth
er the a~poIogist Of one political party, nor
is il the aecuser Of the other. And we
had not noticed the article, were il not To
repel The base ~insinua,ion that he pretends
only 10 hold the cause OF his Country dear
and sacred, and that in bis present position
his future services in the cause Of Canadi-
an liberty are not To be depended on. This
inference, which we consider fairly dedu-
chile from the foregoing extracts, we wish
to repel. We know that gentleman's mo-
raj worth, his incorruptihle integrity and
unaiuching devotion To his Country's
cause these have been satisfactorily
proved, not by profession merely, but by
deeds. His actions while in Canada,
were such as to win the applause and es-
teen OF his Countrymen, and place his
patriotism above the suspicion of ''pre-
tence." As a gentleman, scholar, and con-
%sisient; persevering patriot, not a Canadi-
an, who has had the honor Of his %acquaint-
ance, but would cheerfully bear honorable
testimony.
Admit for the moment, that it were true
that Mr.. Drolet was friendly 10 the pre-
sent administration what follows ? Is he
to be thus traduced, 10 be accused Of ga
mischievous alienation of Judgment, &c.
&C." and why? because, forsooih be differ
in opinion from the Editor Of the " whig.',
Because he exercises the right guaranteed
to all by our constitution, the liberty o.
speech--the inaIienable right Of all hmeri-
can citizens whether native or adopted.
Out upon such a construction Of Out glori-
Gus privileges ! such meetings. out Of liber-
,y are incompatible with America n
principles, they occupy the whole fabric of
human rights and scof at the idea OF mans
responsiveness for the conscientious express
sions Of opinions upon any speculative
subjects whether political or religious.
The gist OF the matter is this-that there
is a mere difference Of opinion.beiween the
two gentlemen, who have both in thel'
several capacities done the cause Of Cana
da good service and that one through
party zeal and excitement has pursued to-
wards the otheran Liberal, u~ucalled for,
and very reprehensible course in question
ing his honesty as "A man, his fidelity 10
his country and attachment 10 the princi-
ples of Canadian and American freedom.
The Editor is pleased to Jay the Cana
adian Exiies in this village a compliment,
by contrasting their s'noble'' conduct, with
that Of Mr.. ID. We are at a loss to con-
lecture what has elected from him this
complimens. II canno proceed from the
adlunction 10 his political party Of any Of
the Refugees here. Their conduct proves
them anxious to avoid the accusation Of.
becoming the partisans of either political
party inthe Union.
Mr.. Fl. J. Thomas formerly Editor Of
fhn M;rsissknni Post and whn gifted the