The Rhode Island Republican

Peace and Free Trade!

THE LIBERTIES OF AMERICA
SECURED BY
REPUBLICAN ENERGY.

To the People of Massachusetts.

Fellow-Citizens,

The wonderful interpositions of Providence in behalf of this country since our last year's address, demand our reverence and gratitude. The Almighty Disposer of events has espoused our cause, "taught our hands to war and our fingers to fight:" given us repeated and unparalleled victories and triumphs over our enemies, and enabled us to close a glorious war by an Honourable PEACE.

When we take a retrospective view of the last year, and compare the past with the present, we are sensibly and solemnly impressed with sentiments of adoration for Him, who hath again "made bare his arm" for the preservation of our Union and Liberty -

The wrongs of Britain had driven us into a war in defence of the dearest rights of Freemen. While Great Britain was engaged in her schemes of power and projects of ambition in Europe, it was expected that she might be made to feel the effects of her injustice to America. We charitably hoped, that her friends among us, still entertained some patriotic feelings, and that they would sacrifice their ambition to their love of country. But, by the unexpected events of Europe, she was left at once at liberty to exert her power, direct her resources, indulge her jealousy, and gratify her revenge against the United States. The veil was removed; the ancient grudge was revived; the natural hatred awakened, and chastisement and subjugation were confidently expected. Inflated with pride at her success over a dangerous and powerful rival, with a veteran army and most ample means, she vainly expected that America would become an easy victim.

It was at this time when the friends of Republican liberty had so much to apprehend, when many patriotic hearts trembled with doubt, and the tongues of many began to falter, that a desperate and wicked faction in Massachusetts, united in the most wanton exultations at British triumphs, and encouraged our enemies to victory and conquest. These, with their coadjutors in other States, were incessant and indefatigable in inculcating British doctrines, magnifying British power, and eulogizing British justice, magnanimity and mercy.

From abusing and scandalizing the general government and denouncing its measures, they proceeded to excite distrust and jealousy of the Constitution itself, and at length to condemn it as "unfit for peace or war." They denounced it as broken in pieces, "food for worms," and no longer binding. A separation of the New-England States from the rest of the Union was openly threatened and unblushingly advocated.

A Convention of malcontents was appointed at Hartford, where a representation of all the New-England States was expected, and active and unanimous resistance of federal authority was confidently anticipated. A small British force was permitted to take quiet possession of a large portion of the District of Maine, and every attempt to dislodge them was discouraged and opposed. All exertions to aid the nation with men or money were resisted, and a scandalous traffic was carried on with the enemy to drain the country of specie, and place the means of prosecuting the war beyond the reach of the government. At these prospects, some began to despond. The love of many was waxing cold. We saw a storm gathering which might overwhelm our country. -Liberty wept at the perils which threatened her favorite land. But Heaven interposed and we were saved. The souls of our countrymen rose with the danger. The naval pride of Britain was humbled in every contest. Her veteran invaders, "the conquerors of the conquerors of Europe" were defeated and disgraced by young officers, new troops and undiciplined militia. She, everywhere, met defeat, disaster and destruction. The choicest troops of the most efficient army, led by the most gallant and accomplished officers, have, with their leaders, fallen before the patriotic ardour and unconquerable bravery of the American soldiery.

Long will Britain mourn her loss, and curse the folly and infatuation which led her to attempt to inflict a wound upon the nation which had never injured her.

Nor were our domestic foes more successful. All attempts to engage the people of New-England in opposition to the General Government, were unavailing. Three States only, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island and Connecticut, were represented in Convention. The latter, from principle or fear, discountenanced violent measures, and the Convention broke up after recommending several inconsistent alterations of the Constitution, which they never could expect would be adopted.

The war was commenced to repel aggressions which had become intolerable. The object of the Administration Was an HONOURABLE PEACE. The original causes of the war being removed, their constant aim has been a Peace consistent with our interest, honor, and future safety. By their justice and fortitude, by the wisdom and firmness of our ministers, the valor of our navy, army and militia, the patriotism of the Republicans, and the interposition of Heaven, this Peace has been obtained!

How stands the American Republic, at the close of this war? Confident in her strength, strong in her government, and honored and respected by every nation in Europe. How stands Great-Britain? Beaten, humbled, disgraced! Distinguished only by savage cruelties, petty plunderings, and wanton conflagations. How stands the party, who have opposed their own government and aided the enemy in this contest! Degraded, debased, despised? What share of the glory of the war and the honor of the peace belongs to that party in Massachusetts? They are entitled to the detestation of Britain, the contempt of America,-and the derision of the world!

This party were the cause of the war-have prolonged it, and would, if they could, have prevented Peace. They have loaded your State with debt. They refused to assume the direct tax of last year, which would have saved you Fifty Thousand Dollars. They refused to put the militia under the General Government, whereby the State has incurred an expense of about one million of dollars. They have called the militia from the remotest parts of the Commonwealth to defend the town of Boston. They have appointed useless officers, to drain the Treasury. A Counsellor and Senators, now receiving pay as such, have been appointed by the Governor and Council to important offices, with large salaries!

An extra session of the Legislature was held in October-and for what purpose! Let their doings answer the question-"By their works ye shall know them." They appointed Convention. They passed a law to raise ten thousand men, not one of whom was raised. And at this session, they reduced the number to be raised to one thousand. The object, therefore, of this extra session, must have been exclusively, the appointment of the Convention. The expense of the session, the pay of the delegates, and of the ridiculous mission to Washington, cannot be less than fifty thousand Dollars,

At this time and under these circumstances, you are called upon to select your candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. It is not so much a question of men as of principle.

The orders in council and impressment have ceased, and the sufferings of the enemy in this war are a better pledge against their revival, than the most definite and explicit relinquishment on parchment.-

The losses of Great Britain in officers, men, and commerce, are incalculable-we need no better security for Free Trade and Sailors Rights, than that we are able and willing to defend them.

This war has ended, if possible, more gloriously than that of the revolution, and the opposition have been more active and undisguised than the tories, and with much less excuse. But their prophecies have been falsified, their exertions defeated, their hopes disappointed and their prospects blasted.

This is a proud day for Republicans. Foreign and domestic enemies vanquished, and the world applauding our valor and patriotism. Let us, then, be true to ourselves-Let no British councils disgrace this Commonwealth. Discard the men who have hung like a mill-stone about our necks, and supply their places by those who, in the midst of a malignant faction, have boldly dared to defend American honor and American rights.

Massachusetts, though degraded, may yet be redeemed. Let no one say her cause is hopeless. The disorder is not radical, but has been caused by bad management. Political quacks and mountebanks practised upon her, until her constitution was impaired and her situation alarming. But let her dismiss those unskilful and infatuated men, who were seeking their own profit at her expense, and she will rise, refreshed, restored and invigorated.

Your present Chief Magistrate has experienced two wars with Great Britain. In the former, his antipathy against the "mother country" was not over strong; in the latter, he has been most explicit. Has he in any instance justified his country, or condemned the enemy? It is not recollected that he has even doubted the rectitude of intention or correctness of conduct of his country's foe. We forbear to enquire his motives--Possibly in his dotage, he may have been deceived by evil-minded advisers: If so, animadversion would be unfair,

To cure the disorder of the State, to wipe off the stain of disaffection to the Union, and predilection for England, and to raise Massachusetts to that proud eminence which she once occupied, it is indispensable that the first and second magistrates should be changed. The Republicans have discussed and considered this subject with all the attention which its magnitude demands, and at a large and respectable meeting from all parts of the Commonwealth, it was unanimously agreed to support the

HON. SAMUEL DEXTER, ESQ.
For GOVERNOR-and the
HON. WILLIAM GRAY,
ESQ.
For Lieut. GOVERNOR;

and to recommend them to our fellow-citizens as deserving their confidence and support. The talents, integrity and respectability of these gentlemen require no comment or eulogy. Suffice it to say, that in times of darkness, danger and dismay, they stood forth the defenders of their country's cause, and the opposers of faction and rebellion. With proper exertions, we have no doubt of their election, and we hope and believe that such a Governor and Lt. Governor will retrieve the reputation of this Commonwealth.

Hitherto we have struggled with many disadvantages. While many of our friends were absent fighting the battles of their country, while others were intimidated by the dangers of a protracted war, our opposers have remained at home, fomenting discord, and electing disorganizers. But now our prospect is bright, and our duty plain. Let us, then, with zeal and spirit, join in support of those principles which have so signally triumphed. Let us evince our attachment to a Republican Government, by driving from our councils its professed enemies.

When we approach the polls, let us remember who are the men who have aided a foreign enemy to destroy our right of suffrage, and subject us to a master. And above all, let us keep constantly in view the wonderful interposition of an ALMIGHTY Friend, to save us from subjugation, and guide us to Victory, Glory and Peace.

BENJAMIN GREENE, President.
ALBION K. PARRUS. SECRETARY