The Rhode Island Republican

On our first page will be found an address to the people of the United States, written with the simplicity of honesty, and the earnestness of truth. Unlike the manifestos of the opposition, it is firm and moderate; and free from anything like artifice, or personal abuse. It is an appeal to the understanding of every American, without attempting to persuade him through the treacherous medium of his passions. It is a requisition upon the republican principles of every friend to his country. The mind of its author, in the sufficiency of conscious rectitude, appears to have scorned all rhetorical aid, contenting itself with a clear and candid exhibition of the power of reason alone. While we read this address, we feel additional pride in finding ourselves associated, even as humble instruments, with a mind of such political purity and strength—and we thank heaven that we are not of the number who are blind to the consequences of General Jackson's success: or who tired of the good that God has given us, seek for excitement in a change, at the risk of their country's ruin. If the principles of the first days of this republic are still generally cherished, Andrew Jackson can never reach that point of greatness to which he aspires.

His imperfections have been at last discovered, even through the splendor of his victories. If he is commended as a valiant and successful warrior, he is also denounced as one whose age has not subdued the fiery passions of his youth—as one from whose despotic temper there is much to fear. While he remained content with the honors of victory, his errors were forgotten in the brilliancy of his services—but when he placed himself before the people as a candidate for the highest office in civil life, it became the duty of every honest man to revive the recollection of his faults, and to show the danger to which we might be exposed by his eventual success. That man should surely be able to govern himself, who would be a ruler over others. He to whom the interests of a nation are entrusted, who holds the welfare of millions in his hand should be one of whom wise men could learn, and for whom the most illustrious would feel profound respect. No one can deny that he has fought well for his country—but who will assert that her freedom must be endangered to reward him. The hand of destiny is indeed against us if "counsel sage and patriotic zeal" are to be in vain exerted against the vaulting ambition of this unwholesome man.