Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1848-07-20
THE FREEMAN.
For the Green Mountain freeman.
Parties in the United States, No, |,

discussion of all important principles and measures
drawn into the administration of the government
How, ese can the people, who are the government,
and on whom rest the responsibilities of good or bad
measures, or the adoption of correct or erroneous
principles, act judciousy in appointing their agents.
Or in other Words electng to Office, the men, who are
to be trusted by them, to manage the affairs of the
government?
In our representative government it is possible,
that the people may fall, rum into or the other
of two extremes, either of which may endanger our
Liberties, by suffering designing men, possessing no
good principle to go ahead undsturbod in their COURSE
till our republican government becomes practical
despotism.
One ofthose extremes is, a confidence in the fdel-
y and wisdom of the powers that be- that settles down
into dead cam and continues until the political at
mostphere stagnates, so that nothing but despotsm
can breathe in it.
The other extreme is, when party becomes every
thing and party feelings are so virulent, that all
did discussion is stifed; and the mental powers are
engaged in producing arguments to support party
measures regardless of all opposing considerations
This last extreme is peculaly deleterous when is
not based upon any great principle, inherent in our
constitution and government, but merely on some
measure, or measures of temporary nature, perhaps
chosen by the party as the connecting link of their
party movements The two great parties in the u.
States had, at one time something Of principle about
their party contests though the other, or both,
may, in their party ZEAL have overleaped the bounds
necessity and propriey, even. During the project
of forming our United States Constitution there was
difference opinion, and probably an honest differ
ence with regard to the degree of energy necessary
in our frame of government to guard against any in
vason from foreign Nations, and any undue excite
ment among our people at home and also, how much
might be trusted to the patriotism and intelligence OF
our own citizens This Of course, placed the people,
who investigated the subject, in two classes; one in
favor of increasing, and the other in favor of diminish
ing, the energy of our frame of government This
difference of opinion in all its practical effects pass
ed along into the administration of the government,
Those who were in favor of more energetic govern
ment were anxious for such men in office, as they
believed would not let government lose any of its en-
ergy. While those who wished the government far
Their removed from all semblance of Monarchical pow
ers were anxious for men in Office, who, they belev
ed, would administer the government upon liberia
scale as would meet their views of truly republic
an government.
The first class assumed the name of federalists
which name, in itself, signfed nothing but being il
favor of the federal Union but, in its application,
meant that party, who desired more energetic govern
ment and more energetic administration of the gov
eminent. The other class assumed the name of Re
publican; this not signying any opposition to the fed
eral Union; but meaning that party who wished TOR
government and administration, savoring of Republic
an principles as opposed to those which were monal
chca 1t is believed, that the nominations for Office
and the zeal in elections, for number Of years. had
special regard to the different views in principle, her
suggested. In the election of John Adams, as sue
cessor to President Washington, the federasts sue
ceeded After four years, the Republicans succeed
1 ed in the election of Thomas Jefferson to the Pre-
: idency So also in the election of Messfs Madison
a Munroe Mr. Munroe, as to the then existing parte
= became so much ali things to all men, that both
It those parties ceased to retain their distinctive organ
Il cations; and Mr. ]. @. Adams was elected by mike
y vote from both the old parties.
The party that nominated and elected Gen Jacksc
to the Presidency, was formed after the election
= John @. Adams, but before his Inauguration into
n flee, and the ralying point of that party was o
e position to the administration of Mr. Adams, and tn
Is literally was begun before his administration begun.
y That party assumed the name of democratic part
- and composed promscuously, of many of Il
- most unbending of the former federal party, al
y whatever else would join them. That has been the
= name to this time, while their opponents have go
le by the title of nationals wings &c.
e There has probably, never been more imparti
strait forward administration of the general Cover
ID ment than while administered by John @. Adam
and no other could have equalled his equanimi
~ and dignifed disregard of the unfounded attacks
" ON him and his administration all aimed at the ele
alton of another upon his ruins That success of his
A. al did not obiterate his comprehensive knowledge
tn governments and of men, and things, nor bury
IS desire to act for the public good nor, in any degr
If sweve his integrity nor abate his zeal for usefune
IN The end of his Honorable, and honored, useful
IT has left void in the political arena. By whom sh
81 this be filled? Can the whole wing party fill it?
VI Never, unless they first shake off and wholly repu
-, ate, that portion of their party which keeps them
m the support of slavery. Can the whole democra
or party fill it? Never, unless they first abjure all pc
ira teal association with shareholders.
What kind, condescending set of men the VIII
and democrats are, when acting as members Of tn
p- respective partes The shareholders of each pa
say to them, "Ony elect for us President and VI
ne President, who will support our peculiar insttuo
&C. and extend slavery over newly acquired terrific
r. and secure to us all the important Offices and saari
10 through the Presidential Patronage and pay all de
created in the extension and support of slavery, O
we will 90 on tremendously with you Otherwise
'n- leave you and take care of ourselves" Oh! say
North, "you must not leave us. Only name your CT
So ddates and we will join in their nomination and ell
ton" The wheels roll, and out come Taylor g
of Cass. Now we ask the freemen of the North, 6
all every where, who prefer freedom to slavery, '