The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1850-08-06
Fifty-Five Years Ago.

We have had much pleasure in looking
over an old paper, dated August 10, 1895,
and particularly in comparing the state OF
public feeling then and now. Europe was
then in the midst Of revolution and agitation
of which Paris was the centre--as for two
or three years past. Napoleon had not yet
been heard Of, and the Committee of Public
Safety was still doing its work of death.
We can imagine with what eager interest
these stirring events, then as now, were
watched.
The leading subject of domestic interest is
Jays treaty, and the intense excitement
growing out of it, in various parts of the
Union. From Charleston, $. c., under
date of July 30, we have Tie following in
telligcncc
- Friday morning, paper was stuck up
at the market inviting the citizens 10 meet
at the Court House, to burn the eiligy OF
John Jay, on Saturday afternoon at six o.
clock. At the time appointed, u number Of
people assembled at the above named place,
where was exhibited in cart, John Jay and
General James Gum; they were carried
through several streets and along the Bay,
and then TO tho Court House, from thence
TO the South Common, 10 the gallows that
was erected some time past after they were
there some time they had haltcrs put round
their necks and then Jays accusation was
read TO them in little while they were
both hung up, and afterwards a fire made
under them, which soon consumed them in
the presence Of a numerous company Of
spectators"
On the other hand, we find the Chamber
of Commerce at Boston passing resolution
approving (''wth one dissenticnt only') the
Senates recommendation to the President
to ratify the treaty and letter of Presi-
dent WAsuINGToN to the authorities oi
Boston on the subject, simply laying down
the general principles that would guide hi:
action in the premises, without forestaling
his ultimate decision, by an explicit avowal
of what it would be. The letter strongly
reminds us of the lamented TAYLOR, whose
administration was worthy of the great cx-
cmplar he professcd TO follow. We are sure
our readers will be glad to see this lctter-on
subject at the time as intensely exciting as
any now under agitation, and which threat
ened, perhaps, still more the harmony of the
recently formed Union. We give it entire
GENTLEMEN
In every act of my administra-
tor, have sought the happiness of my fel-
low citizens. My system for the attainment
OF this object has uniformly been, to over.
look all personal, local and partial con sidera-
lions to contemplate the United States Il,
one great whole to consider that sudden
impressions. when erroneous, would Weld to
candid reflection; and TO consult only the
substantial and permanent interests Of our
country.
Nor have | departed from this line OF
conducI. on the occasion which has produced
the resolutions contained in your letter OF
| the 18th inst.
Without prediction for my own jndg-
ment, | have weighed with attention every al
eument which has at any time been brought
into view. But the Constitution is the guide
which never can abandon. 1t has assigned
to the President the power of making trea.
ties, with the advice and consent of the SEN
ate. 1t was doubtless supposed that these
two branches Of government would combine,
without passion, and with the best means Of
information, those facts and principles, upon
which the success Of our foreign relations
will always depcnd: That they ought not TO
substitute for their own conviction the opn-
IONS Of others, or to seek truth through any
channel but that Of a temperate and well
informed investigation.
.'Under this persuasion have resolved
on the manner of executing the duty now
before me. To the high responsibility, at
tached to it, freely submit and you, gen
tlemen. are at liberty TO make these senii-
mcnts known. as the grounds Of my proceed
ure. While feel the most lively gratitude
for the many instances Of appreciation from
my country ] can no olhcrwiIe deserve It,