Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

The Argus in the Suds:
OR,
Democrats condemning their own principles and conduct.

The democrats have set up a terrible howl because this town, at their meeting for the choice of town officers, did not elect democrats to the most profitable offices. But the rule that works both ways will not answer the purpose of these office seekers. Have the democrats forgot their exultations two years since, when they turned out a federal Town Clerk, federal Selectmen and Assessors, and their boasting, that another year, not a single federalist should hold a town office? Have they not openly applauded Mr. Jefferson for turning-out of office the war-worn soldier and the heroes of our independence, and depriving them of the means of support for themselves and families, merely because they were federalists and friends to Washington, and appointed democrats in their room, when their only qualifications were, that they were violent democratic partizans, and supporters of embargoes & the destruction of Commerce? Do they not know that Levi Lincoln has recommended the removal of federalists, and the exclusive appointment of democrats? Yes, they know all this, and act upon the same principles whenever they have the power. But when federalists elect federalists the democrats are raving and bawling at the corner of every street. If there was the least sense of shame or consistency about these gentry, they would acknowledge that it was just and right to treat them in the same manner they have treated their betters.

During the reign of tyranny and oppression, the year past, when almost every citizen of this town was suffering severely the distress, loss, and ruin brought upon them by the arbitrary and unnecessary stoppage of business, they humbly stated their embarrassments to Mr. Jefferson, and petitioned for relief—The lovers of the embargo and foes of commerce, opposed this measure, and did every thing in their power to prolong our sufferings by remonstrating to the President against the proceedings of the town, and beseeching him to continue his philosophical experiment of starvation.

But when the federalists, by the firm stand they made in support of our just rights and privileges, have obtained permission to send a few thousands of lumber to Cuba and St. Bartholomews, the signers and advocates for the continuance of the embargo, are in a rage, because they have not the exclusive right of sharing it. Whine and grumble 'till you are satisfied.

Pied.