Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1844-10-25
DUTY OF GOOD CITIZENS.

The following judcious remarks are copied
from the New England Puran:-
"Our Christian character is not complete if we
neglect 20 render our country the service she de-
mands of us. 1t is not enough Tor Us simply to
condemn the wrong which is confessed to mingle
with the movement of all political parties, and make
an excuse for standing alouf from all political ac-
ton. He who makes his pcty reason for refusing
to vote for rulers, is guilty Of great Inconsistency
Until the world is far better than it is, much Of
wrong, much that is disgusting to the pious mini,
will mingle with the action of the people for the
election of rulers. But the wrong action of our
neighbors does not excuse us from right actlon.-
1t Is every Christian treeuans duty to his priv
ege of voting. aud to use il in such IN way, as
seems to him best calculated to promote the true
interests of his county. Aud not his vote alone,
but also the influence which he holds among his
fellow citizens: yea, and his endelvors, if need be,
to quicken and direct the zeal Of his fellow citizens
in favor of what he conceIves to be sound princi.
pies.
The more attentive you are TO Your duty the
more you will be exposed TO inyidiaus censure but
it is then that you must seek for comfort in your
own mind. Only make point Of doing what You
ought; and then whatever injury you sustain, you
will never be greatly Disconnected, For this also
is proof OF real mlgnanlmlty, to be superior to
all events nay, in some cases, even 10 hazard our
reputation, while are doing what We are con
WINGED is right. 1t was thus that Fabius conduct
ed himself, never altering his measures, notwh
standing murmurs excited by his enemies. 1t is
by nc. means impossible, that caluinny and ingrat-
nds8& uld be the recompcnsa Of your services f.;
but this you wll utterly disregard, whilst your con-
science bears witness that you have discharged
your duty; virtue is equally superior, both to the
smiles and to the lrowns Of lortInc."
Mr. Clay thus writes concerning Texas TO friend
in Ohio.
ASHLAND, Sept, H. lsll.
Dear Sir have received your favor of the glll
inst, and apprecuteanI thank you for the riandy
motives which prompted H. | take pleasure, in
compliance with request, in saying that adj
here to every feeling, sentiment and opinion ex-
pressed in my Raleigh letter upon the subject OF
the Annexation of Texas, and that it was far from
my intention to vary in the smallest degree from
them by either of my two letters addressed to Ala
bama. 1t is only by gross perverslon Of their
contents that any discrepancy with the Raleigh
letter il made out. 1t was my purpose, among
other things, to say in my Alabama letters that
had no private or individual motives to object tC
Annexation; that my opinions were founded alto
gelher upon public and political considerations
aud that ii the United States by common consent
desired Annexation, and it could be effected with.
out national dishonor, without war, and upon ius
terms, | should be glad to see the people of the u
States gretiiied These letters were written il
consequence OF statements at the South being bold
y put forth that would stand out in opposition tC
Annexation, although the whole people Of the Unit
ed States might desire it. Parts ofparagraphs anc
expressions in my Alabama letters have beer
torn from the context and Il color attempted to be
| given to my meaning which | never intended
Some OF our opponents are constantly treating nj
with the greatest unlarness. They have gone the
I length even of forging for mo language which
never used, and of garbling and shameiuly per
verting that which did employ.
am, with great respect your obi sery't,
ii. CLAY
| Edgal Aviator, Esq