The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1842-10-28
TIE MESSAGE

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ans, upon the subject, Patriot.
TIE MESSAGE
| OfGoyernor Paine is a lengthy dooument, which,
together with legislative proceedings occupy
large portion of our paper to-day,
The only point worthy of particular notice in hi,
ExcelIcncy'y Message. is that part relative 10 r..
Isand affairs. lie has good deal to say on this
subject; and as might be expected, Identifies him
self with the Charter pary-delends their princi-
pIes-nppIauds their measures-complim them
upon their "firmress. wisdom and foIbearaHce;"
and on the other hand, holds up the Free Suffrage
party rs rebels and tral,ors-as men devoid orpat-
rlOlism, who IRE enlisted in the cause Of anarchy
and bloodshed. On this head, the Governor says
great Deal more than is consistent or the circum-
stances Of the case warrant lie endeayors TO
make the whole force of his remarks apply to the
unhappy occurrences which were exhibited in r.
Island last summer. No one pretends to fully JUS
,iiy resort to violence; and majority Of the SUI
irage men both in Rhode Island and hroug hou, tho
country, are in favor of peaceable measures, at
least until decision can be had by the highest ju-
dicial tribunal This is the sentiment of Gov.
Morton, in his admirable letter. this is the opinion
Of Gov. Hubbard, in his able cpise; and his too,
is the principle adopted by the leading Suffrage
men in Rhode Island.
While therefore, the Governor seems to dwell
pathelically on the evils resulting from civil war
while he takes occasion 70 "ihank his stars 'und
congratulate the representatives Of the people that
the andnoders Of Rhode Island are not all ami
haled, he very grayey attempts 10 argue the
queston-to discuss principles, draw comparisons,
&c.-nll to the prejudice of the Suffrage party
But he is very careful to leave the main pon, out
view, viz: whether The people of Rhode Island
are or are not entitlad TO free, written constita.
ton, imposing no restrictions upon the RICH, Of suf-
irage. Here IS the issue. This is the great and
fundamental principle for which the free suffrage
party are con,endlng In Rhode Island, large
proportion ofthe people have for years been groan-
ing under the UNJUST and monarchal restrictions Of
a charter government, They have enjoyed no con-
stitutonal liberty-have had no equality of rights
and privileges. They have pe.nioned the Charter
legislature and endeayored to obtain redress, but
in vain, until 'forbearance ceased TO he virtue"
and at length the people took the matter into their
own hands, and peaceabiy adopted a free cons,-
tuition. But what says his Excellency' In the
first place he asserts, speaking Of Rhode Island
ave heard no complaints Of misgoyernment,
nor of the suffering of any portion OF her people,"
By this, we are left to suppose tina, the troubles
in Rhode Island are of sudden and momentary
growth Such. however, as we have just remarks
ed, is no, the fact Their grievances are oflong
continuance. Gov. Dorr and other distinguished
men, have for years espoused the suffrage cause;'
and public attention has from time to time been
called TO tie subject Col Pane may not have
noticed il; hut a majority Of the we.informed
politicians Ofa' parties, are fully apprsed of tho
fact.
Again the Governor says
"rhey (ihe people Of Rhode Is'nnd) were IT.
full possession of the same free government they
had always enjoyed, and Of the civil rights which
are universal in the country"
"1he sumo FREE gorernmenH" What q
noble defence cf a royal charter! Gov. King
ought to thank the Colonel for informing the Green
Mountain Boys that a kingly charter is synono-'
nous with free equivalent 10
written constitution, and that the people of tina,
State now possess the same rights and privileges
which they ever have enjoyed! A wonderful dis
covery, truly The inference to be drawn
from this quotation, is worthy the bes, days of
colonial vassalage! 1t shows clearly on which side
Gov. Paine is enlistad. lie is with the Charter
party; he would have no change effected the. gov.
eminent of Rhode Island is free enough for land.
holders and their eldest sons; and they have al.