The Placer herald., 1871-03-11
Anecd0te Of william l.. Marcy.

Proctor's Bench and Bar contains the
following anecdote Of William l.. Marcy:
There was debating society connect,
with the Adams Academy, in Leicester,
Massachusetts, to which young Marcy be-
longed. Though very yeung he was one of
the chief disputante, but the partisan senti-
ments Of the principal (Mr. Adams) prevailed
in the society. In the discussion, Jefferson
and his principles were often assailed with
great bitterness. The young student admir-
ed the rising statesman, and he replied to
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 CEN
ter Of a small but increasing party. DIR.
Adams saw this, and deemed it his duty to
interfere. Accordingly he summoned the
young man before him for the purpose Of
expostulating with him upon the course he
was pursuing, in advancing his dangerous
political sentiments. To this surprise he
found the young Democrat firm and unhinch-
ing in his presence as he was in the debate.
1t was in vain that the good doctor reasoned,
threatened, and cajoled. lie was met with
arguments which puzzled him to answer, and
which were firmly but modestly maintained.
At length Mr.. Adams saw that matters
must be brought to a decided point.
"Am to understand, then," said he,
that you are determined to openly advocate
the cause and the principles Of that infdel,
Jefferson, here in this institution?'
"If l hear him or bis principles openly at
tackled l shall certainly defend him. If,
however you will forbid all allusion to poll
tics here, will most cheerfully subscribe 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, therefore, cannet establish such rule, ="
said the doctor.
"Then, sir, if you allow one class Of stu
dents to discuss politics, you should give
others the same privilege" said the young
man.
"No sir; not when one side proposes to
advocate nfidelity and all manner of evil"
said the doctor.
"Who is to be the judge as to what po-
is'Soi Pii"S'PaCe oiC CiiVhCouS anhCu MAJ
cy.
II am, sir; and to be plain, you must
abandon all public utterance of your senti-
ments here.
"And if l do not obey this order, what is
to be the consequence ?"
"You will be expelled from the institution
sir, said the doctor with some warmth.
"This is bigotry and injustice, DR.. Adams,
and shall leave your institution. My faith
er will sustain me in refusing to remain
where free discussion is not tolerated-where
narrow, bigoted sentiments can be advanced
in the hearing of those who differ from them,
and where the privilege of replying is forbid
den, and as for Mr. Jefferson, his memory
will be venerated long after his traducers
are forgotten" said the student, the deep
glow on his cheek and the fire in his eye
evincing the depth of the feelings which
prompted bis answer. The next day he re-
turned home and faithfully related to his
father all that had occurred between himself
and DIR. Adams.
"You 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 academy,
where he completed his preparatory course,
and then entered Browns University at
Providence, Rhode Island, where in July,
1908, he graduated.