Martinsburg Gazette And Public Advertiser

WHAT IS A FEDERALIST.

One of the most singular games that has ever been played by politicians in this country, is in attempting to identify the Jackson party with the old Democratic party, and to fix upon the decided and patriotic opponents of the present administration, the term Federalist. It is absolutely disgusting to hear unprincipled politicians, who would gladly create Andrew Jackson Dictator for life, or invest him with the Imperial purple, if it would contribute to their own importance or aggrandizement, style themselves true blue Democrats: and apply to those who are striving to preserve unimpaired our Republican Institutions, and the power of the people, the epithets, "Federalist," "Tory," "Aristocrat," &c.—We repeat, "how mankind are gulled by words!"

The fact is, the land-marks between the old parties have long since been demolished, and can never be restored. We behold among the most strenuous opponents of Andrew Jackson, many who were violent supporters of Jefferson's and Madison's administrations—and many thorough-going Federalists of the old school, are prominent members of the Jackson ranks! Among others, we may mention Mr. M'Lane, of Delaware, the late Secretary of the Treasury, and Mr. Taney, of Maryland, the present Attorney General of the United States. These distinguished men both grew gray in the Federal ranks!

We are often asked "what is a Federalist? Wherein lies the distinction between a Federalist of the present day, and a Democrat?" We shall accordingly endeavor to explain the meaning of the term, according to the sense in which it is so often used by our political opponents.

1. It matters not how pure and patriotic your principles may be; if you do not zealously support the present administration, join in the slogan "Hurrah for Jackson," and rush into the thickest of the fight, you are a Federalist.

2. If you do not believe General Jackson to be a "hero of three wars," you are a Federalist.

3. If you do not believe that the policy of the present administration has been just, liberal and democratic, you are a Federalist.

4. If you do not believe that justice has been meted out to every talented and worthy man, who has been unceremoniously dismissed from office, because he would not barter his political principles for place, you are a Federalist.

5. If you do not believe that every unprincipled, hireling scribbler, who has been rewarded by office for heaping abuse upon his political opponents, is fully deserving of the "reward" which he may have received, you are a Federalist.

6. If you do not think that the Bank of the United States should be denounced by the President, and a bold and reckless attempt made to destroy the credit and usefulness of that valuable institution, you are a Federalist.

7. If you do not think the long-agitated question concerning the Public Lands should remain unsettled, to furnish an opportunity to the President or his intended successor, to conciliate and gain golden opinions among the people of the West, you are a Federalist.

8. If you do not believe Mr. Van Buren to be a disinterested politician, who scorns intrigue, and loves his country more than his own advancement, you are a Federalist.

9. If you do not believe Mr. Van Buren will make a better President of the United States than either of the gentlemen who have hitherto been elevated to that office, you are a Federalist.

10. If you do not believe that Col. Johnson killed Tecumseh, you are a Federalist.

11. If you do not believe the honorable John Tyler of New Hampshire, is an ornament to the Senate of the United States, and a credit to his native State, you are a Federalist.

12. If you do not believe that MR. WEBSTER'S pretension to grasp of intellect, powerful oratory, and holy patriotism, is unfounded, you are a Federalist.

13. In short, if you would regret to see a "system" adopted, tending to reduce the price of labor, oppress the Farmer, ruin the Mechanic and Manufacturer, and eventually depopulate the fairest portion of New England, you are to all intents and purposes a FEDERALIST.—Lowell Journal.