The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1872-07-19
Anecdote of William L.. Marcy.


the following anedote of William L.
Marcy: There was debating society
connected with the Adams academy, in
Leicester, Massachusetts, to which young
Marcy belonged. Though very young
he was one of the chief disputants, but
the partisan sentiments of the principal
(Mr. Adams) prevailed in thesociety. In
the discussions, Jefferson and his princi'
Piles were often assailed with great bitter.
ness. The young student admired the
rising statesman, and he repelled their
attacks single-handed and alone. The
ability which he displayed in his de-
fence 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. DIR. Adams saw this
and deemed il his duty to interfere.
Accordingly, he summoned the young
man before him for the purpose Of ex-
postulating with him upon the course
he was pursuing, in advancing his dan
gerous political sentiments. To his sur
prise, he found the young Democrat as
firm and unflinching in his presence as
he was in the debate. 1t was in vain
that the good doctor reasoned, threat.
ened and cajoled. He was met with ar
guments which puzzled him to answer,
and which were firmly but modestly
maintained. AT length Mr.. Adams saw
that matters must be brought to de-
cided point.
"Am I to understand, then," said he, ,
"that you are determined to openly adj
vocate the cause and principles of that
infdel, Jefferson, here in this institu-
tion?"
"If l hear him or his principles OPEN
ly attacked shall certainly defend him.
If, however, you will forbid all allusion
to politics here, will most cheerfully
subscribe to the rules" said Marcy.
sit is my duty, sir, to expose error
and winkedness in all ways and in every
manner, and to teach my pupils to do
the same, and, therefore, cannot estab-
lish rule" 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.
mo, sir; not when one side proposes
to advocate infidelity and all manner of
evil" said the doctor.
"Who Is to be the Judge as to what
political principles are erroneous p"
asked Marcy.
I am, sir; and to be plain, you must
abandon all public utterance of your SEN
timents here"
"AndifI do not obey this order, what
is to be the consequence ?"
"You will be expelled from the insti-
tuition, sir" said the doctor, with some
warmth.
"This Is bigotry and injustice, DR..
Adams, and 1 shall leave your institu-
tion. My father will sustain me in re-
fusing to remain where free discussion
is not tolerated-where narrow, bigoted
sentiments can be advanced in the hear
ing of those who differ from them, ard
where the privilege of replying is for
bidden; 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 eyes evincing the depth
of the feelings which prompted this
answer. The next day he returned home
and faithfully related to his father all
that occurred between himself and DR..
Adams.
"You did right, just right, my boy"
said the father. "Never furl your ban.
ner to tho enemies OF Thomas Jefferson,
and nevor turn your back on the Demo.
cratic ship, which under his command
is bound on long and prosperous voy-
age"
Marcy soon after entered another
academy, where he completed his pre-
paratory course, and then entered
Brown University at Providence,
Rhode Island, where in July, 1908, he
graduated.