Jenks's Portland Gazette

POLITICAL.

The following is the Farewell Address of the Hon. Samuel Lyman, Esq. of Springfield, to the Electors of the Third Western District. Its sentiments do honor to the man, and may prove beneficial to those who peruse them:

Friends and Fellow Citizens,

I THANK you for your repeated and almost unanimous suffrage, by virtue of which, I have, for a number of years past, held a seat in Congress--this honor, at the ensuing election, I wish to decline; and on this occasion, I think you will indulge me without apologizing, if I take the liberty to make a few remarks, relative to the political state of our country--On this subject, I am sensible you stand in no need of arguments, to confirm your attachment to our country; and I know your character for federalism is high; it is not excelled by that of any other District: but a spirit of surmise and of jealousy has gone forth, and it may even reach you: it is against this spirit I caution you; this is the spirit that can undermine and destroy all kinds of government--it can destroy the Temple of Liberty as well as the Throne of Despotism--

Of what will you be jealous? Of your own power? Will you justify a man who shall be guilty of suicide, because he has no confidence either in his right or left hand? both of which may administer to him poison, or good and wholesome food. Are not all who administer your government, people of your own choice? And at regular periods, do you not possess the darling prerogative of killing and of making alive?

Is it possible for them to lay burdens upon you and exempt themselves? or can you suppose they would be instrumental in establishing a principle, which in its operation would destroy the Constitution, and so entail misery and wretchedness upon their posterity? Certainly you cannot.

When therefore you hear declamations about a standing army, about the Liberty of the Press, and about Executive Power, be not dismayed, but remember that such is the language of those, whose zeal is not always the result of knowledge or of integrity--be not afraid; our first Magistrate is eminent for integrity, talents, and experience; and the Gentlemen who are at the head of the great Departments of State, are all men of integrity and talents: But you will ask me what occasions such extreme party spirit, and why is our Country divided into two great Parties? I answer, it is the consequence of extreme liberty, and a higher degree of liberty cannot exist, without endangering the whole; the reason why it cannot exist, is because the nature of man will not admit of it: his pride and ambition require very powerful restraints; therefore, all those, who teach the doctrine of modern liberty and equality, are false teachers; they are either deceivers or are deceived themselves--A certain French author, very shrewdly and sensibly observes upon this subject, that nothing is more unequal as equality.

I admire the frame and constitution of our Government, because it controls, in some degree, that unequal equality, and at the same time, gives opportunity for the fullest display of all the amiable and excellent attributes, which dignify man as a social being--You also ask, why does there exist such division in our National Councils? I answer, it is because they are composed of men of like passions with yourselves:--If you will consider mankind, as possessing some passion, and a little more selfishness and pride: you will be able, not only to comprehend the varying interests of a great Nation, but you will also understand all the Mysteries of Government--

I know you want to be more particular, and to ask another question, you wish to know how it happens, that the federal interest is divided in the National Councils--This is a delicate question and a short answer is better than a long one: however, I will just observe that the federal interest is not divided in sentiment, or in the principles of administering the Government; but there is a division as to men and to measures, there is a division as to the degree of hatred and animosity, necessary to be used in order to destroy all opposition to Government. A small party I suppose sincerely believe, that a few bold strokes would silence all opposition. others say no, let it be done by civility and good argument; so here they are at issue; but their ultimate views are the same, they all wish for peace and tranquility.

This discord is favorable to the opposition; they act in perfect union, and if they are fortunate as to become the Majority.--we shall be so unfortunate as to be called a Faction and Disorganizers, and it is probable, that thus alternately, two great parties will administer the Government, and it is not altogether improbable, but they will administer it upon nearly the same principles, not altogether for conscience sake, but because their interest will compel them. Thus there will be a perpetual struggle for power-- the great object, of ambition will be authority and fame--Such is Mazzey's "tempestuous sea of liberty." and nothing can hush its tumultuous waves, excepting that Spirit, which "rested upon the face of the great deep;" but it is the duty of all men to divest themselves of party animosity, and live together like Brethren.

Having passed through a great variety of public scenes, and shared liberally in the honors of the State, I now bid you an affectionate farewell, and shall bear about in my retirement, a most grateful remembrance of your favors; and may you and our Nation at large "be blessed with the blessings of Heaven above, and of the Earth beneath."

SAMUEL LYMAN.