Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1856-08-08

gratitude. In the bitterness of his
soul he complained that he had been
abused, 10 use his own emphntical
language, in such exaggerated and
indecen, terms as could scarcely be
applied TO a Nero--a notorious de-
laulter-or even a common pick
pocket"
What must be our opinion Of an
opposition whose passions were so
dark aud malignant as TO be grau6ed
IN endeavoring to blast the character
and embitter the old age of WASH
ington After thus prosecuting the
saviour Of his country, how can the
Democratic party dare to call them
selves his disciples Z
But no opposition could divert the
steady soul OF Washington from his
purpose He had dlgeslcd system
of policy which he steadily pursued
amid the storms of faction. His
successor in office, for the most part,
walked ia his footsteps To con-
tlnue at peace nation must be
ready for war, was a maxim by
which the federal administration were
constantly directed Under their
auspices, therefore, public credit was
well established, as the best means of
public defense.
The debt of the Revolution was
funded, and moderate taxes were
imposed. A navy was built tor the
protection of our commerce. We
considered all nations equally-iu
war, as enemies IN peace, as
I friends aud therefore a strlct neu-
tralily towards all nations was pre-
served. 1t would be impossible TO
enumerate every wise measure OF the
Washlngtonian administrator sui.
flee it to say, that during their con-
tlnuance the prosperity Of the conn-
Try was unexampled IN the annals of
time. The dreams of fancy were
almost realized. Cities rose up as If
by magic throughout our country
aud wealth flowed IN upon US from
all nations. The wilderness yielded
10 the hand Of agriculture, and fields
loaded with the richest haryesls, COW
cred those gloomy forests where
wild beasts but few years before
had used to roam. Happy, indeed,
were those people, had they but
known their own happiness. Not
wilhsIandIug their prosperity, fac
tion sill continued 10 rage and in
crease.
The possession of power was the
end OF the opposition; about the
means they were regardless. Their
leaders pretended tender solcltude
Tor the " cir4.- . .l.- ,.-~-la Their
voices wore loud IN favor of public
economy, and against navy, an al
my and taxes. Although France had
wanionly captured a number OF our
vessels without cause, had actually
demanded tribute from US, and had
threatened our country with inya-
sion, aud with the dreadful fate ol
Venice, if it was not paid aItho'
she had twice refused 10 recognize
our ministers, who went supphcaung
for peace, they were opposed to
raising an army or a navy tor our
defense.
After an army had been raised,
Notwithstanding 1t was commanded
by Washington, and destined to act
against foreign enemy, they loudly
expressed their apprehension that 1t
was intended 10 destroy our republ-
can form of government, and subst-
tute monarchy in its stead. The
taxes necessary for lis support al
fcrded them a fresh theme OF decla-
nation. BY means such us these
they succeeded so well in their en-
deavors that they at length became
the majority of the nation, and got
ITS destlnles placed in their hands
How they have used their power, IT
will now be my endeavor 10 show.
They began with the destruction
of the navy. 1t had been supposed
by the federal administrations, that a
navy was our best defense From
the locality OF our country, and from
the nature of such force, they knew
that it weuld be peculiarly calculated
TO protect our shores from foreign
invasions, and TO make us respected
by the nations of the world, with
out, like.a standing army, endanger-
ing our liberties. II was also ioreseen
by them, that without navy, our
commerce would be exposed, as a
rich temptation, to tie ayarce oil all
nations and, in consequence OF our
weakness, we would be subject TO
constant insults aud Injuries upon the
ocean, without the power Of resist
ance. 1t had therefore been their
policy gradually to erect navy, and
had built a great number OF vessels
at the time when the first Democrat
ic administration came into power.
At that momen; the scene chang
ed They had promised the people
an exemption from taxes, and unless
they could perform, their popularity
was in danger. They did not hesi-
tate what course 10 pursue. They
Immediately sold our national ships
they dlsarmed the country, and
invited insult and injustice from a
broad, that they might not be under
the necessity OF imposing a trtlIng
tax, and thereby lnIurIng their pop
ularity at home.
Thanks be TO Providence, the de-
usion upon this subject has vanish