The Rhode Island Republican

THE PROSPECT BEFORE US.

At the close of another political year, we are reminded that the blessings of civil and religious freedom, which we have enjoyed, and of which we are now in full possession, were acquired in a struggle against the violence of power, and the artifice of corruption; and that they can only be perpetuated by a cordial co-operation of the friends of liberty, and an undiminished zeal, in the cause of Republicanism.

I wish not to arouse party feelings, to excite jealousy, or to encourage divisions, by a retrospection of events, which are recorded in the history of our common Country. If it be possible the transactions of our last war, and the conduct of some men, shall be forgotten.

"Infirmi est animi exiguique voluptas ultio."

Let it only be remembered, that the administration of President Monroe has put down all opposition, and we now are, in the emphatic language of Mr. Jefferson, "all Federalists--all Republicans"

The incredulous may doubt the sincerity of an attachment, where a once powerful party has suddenly transferred to a government, purely and practically Republican.

Let us give them full credit for a political sagacity, which can discern the only "path to honor and to safety"; and in good faith extend the hand of fellowship to those, who are disposed to be Americans.

And if, in this section of our Country, the talents and the integrity of Governor Knight, has conciliated those, who were his political enemies: if that harmony, which we observe on every side, is not a deception; if state managers are disposed to consult the good of their Fellow Citizens, rather than the dictates of ambition and of revenge: then has the legitimate principles of Republicanism gloriously triumphed in Rhode-Island. Whatever may be said of other candidates, who are offered for your suffrages, however much it may be deprecated that democracy should have all weight in the scale of office; every man, to whatsoever party he may have adhered, must acknowledge, that a more judicious selection could not have been made, to supply the place of Mr. Bowen, than has been made in the nomination of Dutee J. Pearce, Esq. as Attorney-General. We sincerely wish that every department of our State, may long be filled by men, who are "capable, who are honest," who are universally esteemed.

Fellow Citizens,

Fail not to exercise a privilege the most valuable, the most important of all others. On the Third Wednesday of this present month, attend the polls; and rather trust to your own exertions, than to a supposed security, which may be deceptive; forget not the obligations which you owe to society and to yourselves, and you are safe.

The period approaches when the Freemen of this State have long been accustomed to assemble and to elect such persons as they think proper to manage their public concerns.

On this occasion, several questions naturally arise for their consideration. What has been the public conduct of those who served the people the last year? Have they been honest? Have they been faithful? Are they worthy to be trusted again? Or does the public interest require a change of men and measures? It belongs to the Freemen to answer these queries for themselves, and we have no doubt they will answer them correctly. They know their own interest, and are fully competent to decide whether the public conduct of their public servants merits their approbation or not. We think it will bear the strictest examination, and requires neither recommendation nor defence.

To doubt the success of the Republican Ticket, therefore, would be a reflection upon the good-sense of the people of this State.

The present Secretary of State having been called to employ his talents in the councils of the nation, a slight change in the nomination of State officers became necessary. The selection of Mr. Bowen as a proper person for his successor, by a respectable portion of his fellow citizens, is an unequivocal expression of their approbation.

He cannot be better recommended than by a reference to the manner in which he has discharged his official duties as Attorney-General of the State.

Mr. Pearce is probably less generally known in this part of the State, than the last mentioned gentleman. Those who know him best agree, that he is a man of unexceptionable character, of handsome legal acquirements and solid talents.

R.

Prov. Pat.