New Hampshire Statesman And Concord Register

We insert the following Communications from a respected correspondent, without being understood as adopting, in their full extent, all the positions which he has assumed—or subscribing to the policy of reviving, at this hour of the political day, certain old, and now unmeaning, party distinctions and differences.

[For the Statesman & Register.]

"JEFFERSONIAN POLICY."

MR. Kent:

In a communication inserted in your paper of the 23d of May, I intimated that when I should find leisure, you would hear from me again.

It is now my purpose to enter my protest against certain political cant, which is prevalent at the present day. There are numerous editors of papers, who when they would extol a measure to the skies, immediately pronounce it "Jeffersonian policy." Every thing correct in theory, or praiseworthy in practice, must be Jeffersonian. If, by their everlasting sing-song and wholesale commendation of "Jeffersonian policy," they would express the belief or give us to understand, that Jefferson's administration is a safe and proper model or directory for all other administrations, I cannot subscribe to the doctrine. Mr. Jefferson was a fine scholar, but a man inclined to visionary projects. What citizen of this country, unless insane, would wish the gun boat system substituted for a navy of frigates and seventy-fours? or who would justify the recommending of a perpetual embargo on account of British Orders in Council not known to exist at the time of the recommendation?—and who indeed would applaud the conduct of a member of Congress, however distinguished he might be, in voting in favor of such a measure, merely from its being recommended by the President upon his "high responsibility"?

Who at the present day would sacrifice the United States Bank? I see no reason why we should not hear something of Washington policy. Although Washington was by some demagogues, denounced as a hypocrite for expressing diffidence in his abilities and reluctance at entering upon the duties of office, his administration was nevertheless generally approved. And even John Adams—with all his faults, a patriot—performed some good deeds. He encouraged commerce and cherished our infant navy; and, with the consent of his constitutional advisers, appointed John Marshall, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—a highly important appointment, which no one to my knowledge ever disapproved. The Administration of Monroe too was certainly more generally approved than that of Mr. Jefferson. More than nine tenths of the people throughout the union, on a moment's reflection, would prefer the Washington and Monroe policy to the "Jeffersonian policy." I am aware that it may be deemed almost sacrilege by some to call in question any thing to which Mr. Jefferson's name is attached; but it is for the interest of our common country, that the truth should be spoken boldly, freely, and without disguise, cut where it may.

It is the proper business of a free press, not to mislead the people, but to correct and enlighten public opinion.

A Federalist of the Washington School.