The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-05-17
Tho Hon. Chas. f. Adams's Faro
well Address.
To the People Of The Third Congregational
District OF Massachusetts.

To the People Of he Third Congregational
District Of Massachusetts.
Fellow.C Citizens Having obeycd the call
OF the government OF the United States into
another field of public service, i have this
day resigned the honor Of being your repre-
sentative. How much l have valued IL l
shall not venture to describe. That never
solicited your confidence you all know. But
when you voluntarily offered 1t, you COM
pletely filed the measure OF my ambition.
| trust that need not add leave you with
regret, and in Difference to the opinions OF
Others more than to my own; Whatever
may DO the estimate generally placed upon
the value of different public stations, l know
of none which seems to mo moro useful and
honorable than that Of representative OF tho
people, In that spirit have endcayorcd to
serve you during the term which has just
closed. And II, upon looking back, | be-
come sensible that have not done all tho
good that | might, at least derive some con-
ISOLATION from the belief that have done no.
thing Of (which you will feel ashamed. Tho
period has been one Of the most momentous
In American history, and the record must
for ever stand, either to acquit or condemn
every one ei those who have had any sharo
Of the responsibility In its transactions.
At one time 1t had been my wish to lay
before you, somewhat ut largo, my views OF
the causes which have led the country into
its present painful situation. Circumstances
have changed my position, and have inter-
posed objections ~ such proceeding; but
| cannot take this final leave Of you, with
out presenting, Ms briefly us possible, two or
three considerations which may servo "
guide your opinions through these imPend'
ing trials. + A..
And first of all pray you TO observe ,ho
imminent peril you escaped by your action
of last wear. No rational man can now en-
tertain A doubt OF tho paramount necessity
then existing of q thorough reform In tho
administrative departments OF your govern
nsnt. Great Ms the abuses then seemed TO
be Il NAV be confidently said that not tho
most eItrayacant description Of tho most
violent Republican partizan, In the last can
y-, ever approached tho reality, as 1t has
since been exposed to the public eye. No
body imagined that treason was ncstling in
the very highest pinnacle Of the capitol II
self; that corruption was spreading iu
poisonous influence through the Subordinate
places; and that violence was gravely mcdi-
tatcd against the very organization OF tne
Government, Some OF your own ser'an.s
appear now, by their own admissions 20
have boen laboring TO betray you INTO tno
hands Of your enemies; A delay delay ,sa, .. lou. csa.
years more would probably have leit you
bound hand and foot for ever In tho hands
ola military olig.rchy. You were clearly
II v;,b. Therefore, in the stand you took In Ia
ros Of a general reform. And that portion
Of our fellow citizens which permitted its
~ uoiitical strength for 20 long time 70 10
used IN upholdinga policy which proves to
have been 20 treacherous, must by this time
have become convinced that no security was
ielt but In change Of rulers. And all OF