Rhode Island Republican

For the Rhode-Island Republican.

TO "VERITAS."

It is to be regretted for the little remaining honor of Anti-Federalism,--and even for that of the writer of "Veritas," that his obstinacy in support of absurd falsehoods, should have outlived his reason. But as a principle of their political creed is, "a lie being once told, and well stuck to, is as good as the truth," I have less inclination to wonder at this time, when the election of our Electors for the choice of President, takes place this month; and in order to promote the election of four anti-federalists it is absolutely necessary for them to deceive the citizens of this State, with respect to the true character of Mr. Jefferson, and the real benefits America has already derived from the last four years Administration of a man, who, according to the declaiming cant of "Veritas," is at the head of that party which he is pleased to call the curse of the country--a party which comprises at least two thirds of the citizens of the United States--two thirds of both Houses of Congress--and two thirds of the several State Legislatures. This is the party so honorably distinguished by "Veritas." For this good opinion of Mr. Jefferson and the party, no doubt the people feel infinitely indebted to Mr. "Veritas:" and I will tender him as one of them, the homage of my high respect and consideration for his impudence. I pass over the preface to his answer--his accusations of misrepresentation, depravity of mind &c. &c. as matters of course--salutations commonly expected from such writers, renowned for their veracity of character, and decency of behaviour, to the point in dispute, which still remains unanswered: That is, if General Washington conceived this hatred of Mr. Jefferson, how is it, that he was the first to nominate and appoint him secretary of State? Is it probable he would have acted so inconsistent as to have placed a man in so elevated and honorable a station, whom he conceived to be a "curse of the country?" No--This inconsistency is only manifest in the writings of Veritas, who talks of Mr. Jefferson's justifying French aggressions, and involving us in a war with Great-Britain, "in order to effect that revolution in our country, which has since taken place." True it is, that the conduct of the Executive at the time he has reference to, was such as to merit not only the disapprobation of Mr. Jefferson, but the majority of the Citizens of the U. States, which caused that "revolution in our Country" as he styles it, but which was a revolution only of the minds of the people, and a displacing of our Executive, which no doubt, to "Veritas" and some others, was equally as disagreeable. In this expression of the public will has originated that rancorous spirit of opposition, and that thirst of revenge which is manifest in their conversations as well as writings against Mr. Jefferson and our republican government. It is unfortunate perhaps for "Veritas" that Mr. Jefferson with two thirds of the citizens of the United States are republicans, because he forsooth is an aristocrat, leagued with noble junto--to establish a royal government of their own. But "Veritas" is assured, that the undertaking is full as impracticable as that of proving satisfactorily to the citizens of the United States, that "Mr. Jefferson is a curse to his country."

CASTIGATOR.