New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1858-05-17
On tho roll Of our Revolutionary patriots, no nan.

On tho roll Of our Revolutionary pstriots, no IA.
stands higher than that Of SAMUEL ADAMS. n.
wm ono of the earliest, most ardent most st.sl
fast of those who counseled and led the resstaa,.
to British tyranny sharing with John Haacscl
alOne the honor Of being excepted BY Gea. Gss,
from bis offer Of pardon to all who would dess
from their rebellion and return to theirformer stsh
Of dociity and loyalty to the British Crown. II.
was member of the Continental Congress tArours.
out the Revolution, and ofoourse signer Of the De
laration of Independence; prominent member a
the Convention which gave (l7SO) Massachuset.
her first State Constitution; also of the Converts,
which (l7SS) ratified the Federal Constituaoa.
Mr. Adams, beiIg of the Jefersonisn or RepusI
can school in politics, acquiesced in the Conssa.
ton with hesitancy and many scruples, and only A.
ter the Convention had agreed to propose severn
amendments, most of which have since been ADOPT
ed. His adhesion may be said to have carried he
Constitution not alone in Massachusetts, but in tis
Union. He was Immediately thereafter chosen
Lieut.. Governor, and annually reelected til l79l;
when, on Gov Hsncock's declining to be Longer
Governor, he was elevated to that post, and ro-
elected annually till 1871, when-partly on account
of bis age and ninnties, but quito 20 much, doubt
less, because of the increasing inteasy Of political
paItisanship-he being Jefersonian or Repub-
lioan, while Massachusetts, was decidedly Federal
he declined being again a candidate, retiring y
private life. We believe he once thereafter ran for
Congress against the eloquent Fisher Ames; but
the decided and jealous Federalism of the District
gave him no chance, and he was beaten, just - tie
Virginia hero, Col. Daniel Morgan, was beaten
about the same time because be was Federalst
Mr. Adams died universally esteemed and hOnored
in 1903, having attained the ripe age Of 81 years.
closing in poverty and independence an eveutfu sad
useful life.
In retiring from the Govsrnorship in 1877, Mr.
Adams addressed the Legislature Of Msssachu-
sets in terms which are still worthy the regard Of
every republican. We extract from that Address
the following, to which We solicit especial atten-
ton:
"In pursuance OF the provision in the Constitutes,
the people have recently their own sovereign
power in the election of another President Elechon
TO Offices even the smallest corporations, are sad
ought TO be deemed highly important Or how much
more Importance is it that elections TO the highest o.
fees in our extensive Republic should be conducted n
q manner and with spirit becoming a free, virtuous
and enlightened people, who justly estimate the value
of their sacred rights. In the late elections the peo-
ole have turned their attention to several citizens
who have rendered eminent services to our Federal
Commonwealth in exalted stations. Upon whichever
of the candidates the lot may have fallen the people
have reason TO expect that his administration wiz DO
strictly conormabe 10 the letter and true intent OF the
Constitution that it may long continue to be the guar
anty of our freely elective republican Governmeaa
On fair and uncontrolled elections depend, under God,
the whole superstructure Of our Government should
corruption ever insert itself in our elections, there
would be great danger of corruption In our Govern.
ments. Although it is not long since the subject OF
elections was under the consideration OF the Lsgso-
ture and a law passed for the purpose Of further
security 10 the people in the free exercise Of this In
vauable right, yet give me leave TO suggest for your
consideration whether still further securities may not
be provided so that the rghtfu electors may mot DO
frustrated in their honest intentions. That elections
may not be contaminated by strangers or unqualified
persons may it not DO necessary that every man may
pe known, as far as possible when he presents him
self to give in vote This may be more especially
important In our seaports and other populous towns
10 which many foreigners Of all sorts frequently reside
would be fer from debating to you, but would
submit to your judgment whether, considering the
lbersity Of this country TO foreigners and the fro
quency Of their naturaiz sbns il may not be eligible
that such foreigners should be required, when they
offer their votes to the selectmen Of the towns TO pro-
duce authentic certificates from the Courts by which
they were endowed with so high privilege. a. tss
OF their citizenship"