New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-04-08
SAMUEL ADAMS.
II NesC Collection of the Statesman's
Writings.

THE WRITINGS OF SAMUEL ADAMS. Collected
and edited by Harry Alonzo Gushing. Svo. Vol.
I. 17e4-'69 PIP. xiv. Al G. P. Putnam's Sons.
THB WRITINGS OF JAMES MADISON. Edited
By Gaillard Hunt Svo Vol ~, l76i PIP II,
Sons.
Massachusetts, led the agitation which culmi-
mated IN the American Revolution and Samuel
Adams led the agitation OF Massachusetts.
There were times IN the ten years struggle over
taxation when even Boston, appeased by partial
concessions and weary Of strife. might have pre-
ferred peace to the point Of principle. At those
times Adams was the soul Of the evolving revo-
luton. He agitated he intrigued. he yielded
nothing but went on formulating the statement
Of colonial rights and dragooning others into ac-
cepting declarations which were each year more
radical, until they came fatty to dispute the
parliamentary power and royal prerogative that
all America, including Adams himself, would
earlier have acknowledged. Adams was a born
politician and controversialist, though he de-
veloped his powers comparatively late in life.
after unsuccessful business career which
gave him small claim to the consideration Of a
stin aristOcratic society. Save for the issues
precipitated by the Stamp Act. he might have
lived an inconspicuous ne'er-do-well. with a turn
for political debating But while he could hardly
earn living and had aptitude for construc-
tive craftsmanship. as his Revolutionary
career showed. his was the tongue which, above
all others gave voice to American aspirations
and grievances. We heartily welcome the inclu-
sion Of his writings. edited by Harry Alonzo
Gushing, IN the admirable series Of the works of
the great American statesmen which the Messrs.
Putnam have been bringing out for several
years.
The first volume, which deals with the period
from 1764 to 1863 contains many Of the most
~
The earliest Of Adams's writings preserved to
us. and perhaps his first official attempt at
pressing the sentiments Of his townsmen. is
the set Of resolutions which he, as one member
Of a committee OF I D. town meeting drafted.
instructing the Boston representatives in the
General Court. That document itsef would
make him famous. for it contained the first
public denial of the right of Parliament to en-
force Che Stamp Act, then, in May. 1894, just
announced to Massachusetts, and the first sug-
gestion Of colonial union to oppose the home
policy From that time he was constantly en-
plOyed IN formulating patriot grievances and
demands. In September he again prepared Bos-
toms instructions TO its representatives. and
that same month was first elected to fill va
cancy in the Massachusetts Assembly, and
thenceforth in fits chamber and in the town
meeting. which still remained the great source
Of his power. carried on his unceasing warfare
with Bernard and Hutchinson. Adams was a
mastery tactician. Ever on the watch to seize
a point and turn even the we'll meant actions
Of his advsrsaries into popular grounds of Of
fence, he organized and consolidated the dis
affected spirit OF the province. and later was
the prime mover in creating the committees of
correspondence, which secured to the colonies
union in common purpose. Besides the many
letters TO the agents of the colony in England
md fO efa find Ii
writing between 1894 and 1869 a great number
OF newspaper articles. and clerk Of the
Assembly drafting nearly all the official docu-
ments OF the controversy, petitions TO the King
and Ministers. addresses TO the Governor and
manifestoes to the world. In other equal
mass Of writings the spirit and method of the
American patriots so well illustrated. Some of
those methods were not altogether creditable
The petition for the removal of Governor Ber-
nard, for instance. showed a pettiness Of fault
finding which meant either the blind prejudice
which perhaps was inseparable from such q
struggle. or a deliberate effort to build I'D
grievances for home consumption. with the full
understanding that the King would with rea-
son, consider them factious. and determine to
stand more firmly than ever by his servant. It
is evident that Adams. at least after he was
well into the fight, ala not want accommodation.
and he skilfully managed 70 prevent H. with
the able assistance OF George III.
The latest volumes Of Mr.. Gaillard Hunts
scholarly edition OF The Writings OF James
Madison" complete Madison's invaluable Jour
nal OF the Constitutional Convention OF 1887,
and include hts correspondence and speeches
through the formative period of the government
10 the spring Of 1870. AZ this time Washing
ton and Jefferson are his chief correspondents.
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