Rhode Island Republican

A GOOD EXAMPLE.

From the Trenton True American.

Honorable Sir,--A Mr. J. Hathaway, of Oneida County, New-York, who is represented to be a respectable and influential Lawyer, has lately addressed two letters "to the Federalists" of that County through the medium of the Colombian Gazette. In commencing his first letter he declares, that he has served (the federal party) faithfully--has at all times stood at his post--nor has ever deviated to the right hand or to the left. But here says he, I halt: I can proceed with you no further. To remain any longer in opposition to the regular and constituted authorities of our land, appears to me a crime, and upon a general scale, the consequences are fatal to a nation. After stating the pernicious effects that must result from the system of opposition, abuse and slander, practiced by the Federalists, he adds, "These reasons have led me to the following resolutions: That I will no more speak evil of the rulers of our People; that if in the present or in the future administration, it should appear to me that a change should be necessary; I will seek it in no other than a constitutional way; that I will at all times bow before the Sovereign People."

It appears to me the best way to keep bad men out of office, and to correct the errors (if there are any) of those in office, is to come under the standard of those who are in power, and let our exertions be to build up and not to destroy. I am fully confident if this line of conduct should be adopted, every imaginary evil would soon vanish, and that we should be a happy and flourishing people under the present administration, many hard sayings to the contrary notwithstanding.

The manly and candid manner in which Mr. Hathaway avows the change in his opinions, does great honor to his heart.--We would recommend to every honest Federalist "to go and do likewise."

The Federalists pretend that they have not helped Burr. They are ashamed of defeat, Had Burr succeeded would they have claimed no obligation to themselves for their exertions? The New-York papers say the Federalists did their utmost, not from love to Mr. Burr, but to create division and confusion, and to profit from the public misery. This may serve as a proper explanation of principles. And yet some men pretend that the federalists are men of honor, and friends only to good government.