Rhode Island Republican

NEWPORT

Saturday, June 5, 1802.

In 'a View of the Proceedings of the last Session of Congress.' (commenced in this day's paper) will be found a correct and lucid analysis of all the measures recommended by the President, in his communication, and of those which have been adopted in the progress of the session.

The utility of these measures will be best established by experience. It is, however, highly important that at an early period, the people should have a correct understanding of the objects and motives by which the administration had been guided, in accomplishing the work of reform. This is rendered the more important by the incessant exertions which have been made to deceive them, and by the powerful and dangerous influence which is directed against the government. There is not a single solitary measure, on the whole list here brought into review, which has not been made the subject of violent and systematic opposition in Congress; of intemperate and clamorous abuse in the news-papers devoted to the service of this party.

While such efforts are made to deceive the people; while so much strength is brought into exercise to counteract the operations of the government, it is impossible that a fair experiment should be made. A government when thus assailed, may be compared to an army, whose strength and skill in military tactics, would ensure a victory in the open field: but which unaccustomed to random skirmishing, may be defeated by a weaker enemy, who continually harasses them by scouting parties, annoy them from their ambushes, and practice all the insidious art of an Indian warfare. With all these disadvantages, we yet confidently hope, that the four years campaign will be glorious and triumphant.

With this malignant and inveterate hostility against them, the leaders of the Republican party are to consider themselves as in the heart of an enemy's country; in the midst of an enemy, treacherous, vindictive, sanguinary and unrelenting. They are surrounded on all sides with secret and hidden destruction. In case of a defeat, no quarters are to be expected. The tomahawk and the scalping knife, are whetted up for the purpose of vengeance. The pine knots are prepared, and the fire is already lighted for the dance of victory. The warwhoop, which resounded at the commencement of the conflict, has proclaimed to them that victory or torture are the only alternatives, It is then, of the last importance, that we should be vigilant, alert, and active. The artifices of the enemy, are to be defeated, only by constant circumspection.

With these impressions, we are much gratified by the able and masterly manner in which the writer of the remarks alluded to, has explained and vindicated the measures of the last session of Congress. He cannot fail to convince every unprejudiced reader, that the government are industriously pursuing the great and important objects of a prudent policy. by which they have professed to be directed, and that nothing but an obstinate and inflexible spirit of opposition, will prevent the successful accomplishment of their designs.