Providence Patriot, Columbian Phenix

TO THE ELECTORS OF RHODE

In a preceding communication, I proclaimed it as my opinion and belief, that the present opposition to our chief magistrate, and his associates in council, proceeded from a few restless and disappointed politicians, who have their head quarters in Providence.
This declaration may have been considered by some, as harsh, ungenerous, and unsupported by facts. But, fellow citizens, it is otherwise. I am enabled to maintain the ground I occupy. In proportion as the election approaches, the conduct and the movements of the "little knot" are more and more seen, and are now sufficiently developed. To maintain the position taken, in relation to these prominent individuals," and to remove all doubt, if any now exist, in regard to these political characters, their views, and their objects, let us for a moment invite your attention, while we raise the curtain, and look at the characters behind the scene, where they are employed in "their vocation," with as much composure as possible; let us attentively examine the instigators and prime managers, those who touch the wires, sound the tune, and most dexterously and gracefully move in the dance.
The first you see is a gentleman, distinguished in this community, for his zeal in whatever cause he espouses—the champion of every sect, of every party.—You behold him with a label on his forehead, of "total abstinence,"—you see him rise and give orders, with all the assurance and impudence which belongs to his character.—"Let runners be appointed," he says, "of known zeal and fidelity, to prowl about the town, perambulate the streets, the lanes, the alleys, the grog shops, the cellars, at all hours,—and occasionally to be vigilant on the borders of the "City;" let them stump every man to bet, on the pending election, that Arnold will succeed," by more than twelve hundred majority, and let this committee be furnished with money from the sinking fund. This may be the more necessary—for probably this great duty will devolve on some,—I will not call names,—who have but little funds, that they call their own—their effects being, at present, in the hands of their assignees.—Ways and means should be provided to remove all unfavorable appearances in this respect. Let us, for once, be sincere and honest."—The conclave, with one voice, say Amen. Another rises,—you know him; he is not inferior to the one who has just taken his seat, in professions of temperance and honesty.—You see his hand trembles, as he raises it, to request attention.—"This distinguished patriot, (hear him) deserves success. Let meetings be got up immediately in the neighboring towns,—and request those, who feel sufficiently zealous in the great cause, to send out political missionaries, those in whom we have confidence, to stir up and animate the people, (the resolutions, for these meetings, to be not prepared.)—Let a meeting be immediately called in North Providence.—Let our vigilant recruiting serjeant, Luther Woodward, be selected and appointed chairman. for that town," &c.!—A meeting is accordingly held in North Providence, at Horton Grove—Luther Woodward holds a prominent station in this meeting,—resolutions, as pre-prepared, pass, and are given to the public, as the sentiment of the town of North Providence."—How far the inhabitants of that respectable town, may feel under obligations to this gentleman, for his great zeal and anxiety in regard to them, I leave for their decision.—I think, at least, they ought to have the privilege, allowed minors, of choosing their own guardians.—Here again you see, fellow citizens, the finger of the "little knot." Who is Luther Woodward? Lately from Taunton, Massachusetts, a partner in an Iron casting establishment, located near Randall's Bridge, so called, in the northerly part of this town, his residence just over the line, in North Providence,—where he lodges and probably eats on Sundays.—Mr. Woodward is also a sleeping partner, and an honorary member of the "little knot,"—and will, in obedience to their orders, be put in nomination as a representative for the town of North Providence, to the General Assembly,—previous, however, to his name being announced, you will observe two or three puffs in the American and Journal in his favor,—he having performed penance, and made ample atonement, by supporting an anti-masonic candidate for Governor.
We drop the curtain—and turn to the yeomanry of this state, to the cultivators of the soil, to the independent and high minded mechanic and manufacturer, to the enterprising and honest merchant,—and request them to pause and reflect. —Do you not here see a combination of characters, which the whole vocabulary of the English language is inadequate to describe and to portray—organised and united, to put themselves in power,—to take possession of the high places,—partition out the offices,—and on your ruins, erect a most odious oligarchy? Depend upon it, if they succeed, a new system will be introduced,—all laws and resolutions, not in accordance with their views and plans, will be made null and void, and abolished.—If those now in power, in this state. are to be removed, let us have something that we can respect and admire—let those be elevated, who have some claims to discretion, to prudence, to honorable and fair dealing.—Forbid it, fellow citizens, of Rhode Island, that we should ever be called on to witness the disgusting spectacle, that a few individuals, bankrupts in property, and in character,—to whom it would be unsafe to give credit, to the amount of twenty dollars,—should be enabled to direct and to control the affairs of this state,—to seat themselves in usurped power,—to put their feet upon your necks—strut the quarter-deck—owing for the very clothes they have on their backs—and arrogantly and contumeliously hoist their broad pennant over the native born citizens of RHODE ISLAND.