Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1854-11-24

Political and Popular Ercitemenis. The
attentive reader Of American history can
not fail to observe, with what serenity the
great men Of the country have met the pop
ular commotion which has often times been
excited against some of the measures which
they have regarded Of vital importance TO
the future welfare Of the nation. Washing
ton encountered one Of the most violent pop
ular ferments Of any Of our public men,
during the discussion of Jays Treaty, in
l59j. Pending the ratification Of that trea-
", Mr.. Mason of Virginia, one Of the op.
position senators, violated the injunction Of
secrecy, took copy of the treaty, and caus-
ed its publication. The whole country was
at once IN flame. A large portion of the
political friends Of the administration joined
with all its opponents IN opposition to the
ratification Of the treaty. The reader
would scarcely credit the hard sayings ut
tered against Washington during this popu
lar excitement. lie was denied all the quail
lhcations Of statesman, aud men did not
hesitate to charge him with being the tool
Of England, and with having fraudulenily
drawn money from the treasury. lE Boston,
a town meeting was held in Faneuil Hall,
and So great was the excitement, that not
one hearty word IN favor Of the Father of
his Country" found utterance. Political
friends and opponents made what Is now call
ed a fusion IN opposition to jays Treaty,
and the selectmen Of Boston were instruct
ed 10 send a letter. which was prepared by
a committee, and adopted by the citizens,
to the President.
Washngton's answer TO this address from
The citizens Of Boston, reveals the wonder
fol power Of his character. and shows his
self reliance and native dignity. lie stood
unmoyej amid the surges Of popular pas
sion. consc ious that when the heats and hates
of the times had passed away, rs record
would do justice to his patriotism. Nearly
three generations of men have lived sine e
the date Of this noble letter; and how does
the brightness Of Washington's character
appear at this interval OF timc2 As we
have never seen this communication In a
newspaper, we publish It entire. 1t has
been well said that tins document shows
the serenity OF a great and good mind under
as trying circumstances as can occur TO any
man.
] To N, Ssisoimen Of Boston: Gentlemen
In every act of my administration have
sought the happiness Of my fellow citizens
NV system has been, 20 overlook all per
sonal, local aud partial considerations Il
contemplate the United States as one grea
whole; to contide, that sudden impression,
when erroneous, would yield to candid re
fecuon and 20 consult only the permaneu
and substantial interests Of the country
Nor have departed from this line OF con
duct on the occasion which has produce,
the resolutions contained IN your letter o
the 18th inst.
Without a prediction for my own judg
meut. have weighed with attention ever
argument which has at any time beef
hrouah; into view. But the Constitution /
the guide which never can abandon. !
has assigned 10 the President the power O
making treaties, with the advice and consen
Of the Senate. II was doubtless suppose
that these two branches would combn
without passion, and with the best mean
of information. those facts and principle
on which the success Of our foreign rcla
tons viii always depend; that they ough
not 20 substitute, for their own convictions
I, the opinions of others; or to seek trut
through any channe, but that of a temper
ate and weli-iniormed investigation.
Under this persuasion ! have resolved o
the manner Of executing the duty before N,
: To the high responsibility attached to It,
submit; and you, gentlemen, are at lbert
= TO make these sentiments known, as IN
grounds of my procedure While | fe,
the most lively gratitude for the many ia
stances of appreciation from my country,
can no otherwise deserve il than by obey
ing the dictates Of my conscience.
With due respect, ! am,
Gentlemen, Your ob't,
. Gro. WAsHINGroN.