The Ohio Democrat. [volume] (Canal Dover, Ohio) 1840-1900, 1844-07-25
From The Bay ISiats Democrat.
MORE CHANGES.
RHODE ISLAND CoMINGn

The following correspondence sufficiently explains
itself without comment upon our part. We have taken
some pains 10 procure the testimony of the gentlemen
whose names appear below as to the fact OF their deser
ting the Of whiggey for Democracy and the rea
sons that have impeed them to that change They are
all gentlemen of standing and fespecabiity in Rhode
Island, and took prominent part ia the election Of
Harrison. in 1910. The Hon. Wager Weeden, was one
Of the Harrison Electors and the Hon. John Paine has
for number of years been member Of the Legisla-
rure from Smi,hfeld. The names here presented are
but sample Of the changes nat have taken place in
that State are assured by persons upon whom the
mest implicit reliance may be placed, that least 1000
citizens oflha State have left the cause of federalism
since 1870, and Joined the democratic ranks.
PsevDENcE, June %, 1874
7StH Editors Of tie Bay State Deme0at:
GENTLEMEN: Your letter of the 18th instant asking
Of Us "a statement OF the causes wch led to the change
in our political opinions" has been duly received Be-
fore complying directly with your request which we do
with the utmost eheeHuness permit rs TO offer few
marks in exculpaon in the part we took with ia party
who, in 1910, notOriousy carried the election by the
flowing Of hard cider rather than the puer streams of
argument and eloquence."
When, in 1910, we gave cur "our influence, our ex-
eEtions and our votes" 10 assist in the ascendency ofhe
whig party and the election Of "Tippecanoe and Tyler
TOO" "a confession which we now make with sincere
humiliation we did it under the undoubting belief that
whatever might be their views in relation 10 the minor
subjects State policy, they yet held opinions similar
to our own. and those ofthe great body Of our $emo
tn Nal
ciples Of the American Government For, we wish il
TO be distinctly understood that far asthose principles
aSeconcerne eur opinions have under gone no change
We believed then, we believe now that 'a men art
created equal that they endowed by their Creato
with certain [inhcrant and] inaenable rights; that
noug these are life, liberty and the pursuit Of happi
ness" andas necessary corollay from these first prin
cples, we believed moreover thatevery man has righ
to participate in the election Of those who form or ad
ministerthe government that The people, including il
that term all who ara capable Of entering into the ciF
compact, are the only legitimate sovereign power ant
that consequently "they have at all times an indubita
ble and ndefeasble right to ahe reform or abolish lhe
form Of government in such manner as they. may SCI
proper" In short, we believed most relgiously tha
the doctrines contained in the Declaration Of lndepen
dence and the Bill Of Rights Of several States, are
cred and immutabe truths-truhs too which not only
worthy to be cherished but which capable Of benS
reduced practice But these great and glorious prin
cpes though sealed with ibe blood Of fathers anC
paramount in importance to all possibly al
tectthe political condition Of man our former whg allies
(and here commences our difficulty with whigism )hav
utterly, openly and unblushingly ds:aCded, as mer
rhetorical hourishes" The recent popular maYemen
in this State has completely torn the mask from thes
pretended lovers ei freedom ond ihccntesbly prove
10 Ns, as will to all who faithfully study its history
fhat si5ihc whg party in this country are the deter
mined enemies Of equal rights and of all rational lii
erly, ,-.t.
But five are compelled to dissent from their princi
PIES deem still more our duty protest against thei
practices Without going at this time, into particulars
we feel bound TO declare, in general terms that view
ingihe leading measutesof that party by the light
those great first principles to which we have alluded
no attachment 10 party shdl ever force us to surrender
we nov perceive that they are utterly destructive to III
rights Of the people, and in the highest degree delrmen
.al 70 the true prosperity Of the nation The shamefu
acts prescription lately prac,ised BY toe wings Of hi
State taken 10 connection with The aefs and speeches
leading wings every where, evidently evince desig
onshe panoi that party 10 Deprive the Iaboring man
sl participation in public affairs and 10 reduce them