The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1871-03-16
aisqellanleo,pa.
AneedOte OF william L. marcy

AneedOte of william L. Marcy
Proctor's Bench and Bar contains the
following aneedote of William L. Mar
cy:
There was debating society connected
with the Adams academy, in Leicester,
Massachusetts,, to which young Marcy be-
lOnged.i Though very young, he was one
Of the chief disputants, but the partisan
sentiments of the principal (Mr. Adams1
prevailed in the society. In the discus
sions, Jefferson and his principles were
often assailed with great bitterness. The
young student admired the rising states
man, ard he repeled these attacks single
handed and alone. The ability which he
displayed in his defence began to exert an
influence IN the Institution. At length
several of the students united with him
and Marcy found himself the centre of
a small but increasing party. DR.. Adams
saw this and deemed 1t his duty to inter-
fere. Accordingly, he summoned the
young man before him for the purpose Of
oxpostulating with him upon the course
he was pursuing, IN advancing his danger
ous;political sentiments. Tohls surprise, he
found the young Democrat as firm and
unhinchlng in his presence as he was IN
the debate
It was in vain that the good doctor
reasoned, threatened and cajo1ed, He
wasmet with arguments which puzzled
him to answer, and which were firmly but
modestly maintained At length Mr.. Ad-
ans saw that matters must be brought to
decided answer.
Am to understand, then, said he,
that you are determined to openly advo-
cate the cause and principles of that inh-
del, Jefferson, here in this inEtitution 2
IF hear him sr his principles openly
attacked l shall certainly defend him. II;
however yoa will forbid all allusion to
politics here l will most cheerfully sub
scribe to the rules" said Marcy.
1T is my duty, sir, to expose error and
Wickedness IN all ways, and in every man
ner, and to teach my pupils to do the same
and therefor, cannot t establish such rale,
said the doctor.
Then, sir, if you allow one class of
students to discuss politics, You should
give others the same privilege said the
young man.
No, sir not when one side proposes to
advocate infdelity and ali manner of evil,
said the doctor.
Who is to be the Judge as to what po-
ftical principles are erroneous 2 asked
Marcy. .--.- j.
4 am, sir and to be plain, you must
abandon all public utteranee Of your sem
timents here
And if 1 do not obey this order what is
to be the consequence z
You viii be expelled from the institu-
ton, sir said the doctor, with some
warmth. e7a'a saal E
This is bigotry and injustice, Dr. Ad-
ans, and shall leave your institution
Ny father will sustain me in refusing to
remain where free discussion is not tolera-
ted-Yhere narrow, bigoted sentiments
can be advanced in the hearing of those
who differ from them, and where the PRIV
ilege of replying is forbidden and as for
Mr.. Jefferson, his memory viii be yenera-
ted long after his traducersare forgotten
said the student, theldeep glow upon bis
cheek and the fire II his eyes eVincfng the
depth ,ofthe feelings which prompted this
answer. The next day he returned home
and faithfully related to hisfather all that
occurred between him and Dr. Adams.
.Yon did right. Just right, my boy, said
the father. Never furl your banner to
the enemies of Thomas Jefferson, and
never turn your back on the Democratic
ship, which under his command is bound
on long and prosperous voyage.
Marcy soon after entered another acadz
emy, where he completed mis- preparatory
course. and then entered Browns Uni
versity at Providence Rhode Island, where
he graduated