Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

More against Separation.

FOR THE PORTLAND GAZETTE.

A writer in the Gazette of the 9th inst. who signs himself a "Citizen of Maine" says, that "at a numerous collection of the Senators, Representatives, and Citizens of Maine, in the Senate Chamber, on Wednesday the 11th day of February ult the important subject of a Separation of Maine from Massachusetts Proper was taken into consideration." That this meeting took place, is true, that it was "numerous," is not true; that this meeting exhibited any thing like "harmony" or fairness, is not true--were not permitted to state their reasons for those who were opposed to the measure this meeting of worthies, decided that the question should be taken without debate, which was, (contrary to every rule of parliamentary proceedings) the case.--After the business had taken this turn, one of the members of the General Court from this county, came into the senate chamber and requested leave to offer his objections, which after the advocates of it had obtained a vote, were willing to grant; but the gentleman on learning that his colleagues had been refused the liberty of stating their sentiments he declined using a privilege which ought to have been allowed to all.

It will be asked at whose instigation this scheme of separation was originated Were any complaints preferred by the citizens from any quarter of the District of Maine Was a single inhabitant of Maine deprived of any right or protection, which a government can afford? No reasons of this kind have or can be offered. What are the motives, then, that have operated in making this appeal to the people? I answer, it is that a few restless and ambitious persons of both parties, may obtain offices of power and emolument, and which they hope to effect by making the people subservient to their selfish plans.

These would be governors, senators, representatives, Judges, &c. &c. tell you, that the taxes will not be greater than at present, provided we were a separate State. Believe them not, they say this only with a wish to lull you into a compliance with their wishes In addition to the increase of taxes. I stated in a former number, the effect a separation, would have on the commercial interests. I will take, for example, one town, say Freeport, which employs about twenty vessels in the coasting trade, each of these make from fifteen to twenty trips to Boston, Salem, and other neighboring ports, in the course of a year : and whilst we remain connected with Massachusetts Proper. all vessels trading from one port to another are exempt from Custom-house fees, except a yearly licence ; but in case we become separated, every coaster passing from this to Massachusetts, must enter and clear at the custom-house, as tho' coming from a foreign port, and the fees of this will be the smallest part of the inconvenience. Now, it is frequently the case, that vessels pass up the rivers and inlets with the tide, load with wood, and return with the same, and immediately proceed on their passage ; this will apply to the aforementioned town, and many others.

But if they were compelled to stop at Portland, for a clearance, it would cause a delay of a day, or more, with loss of the crews' wages and the run of the vessel Such is the trade and situation of this district, that this regulation will operate more against the interest of it, than any other state in the union. But perhaps it will be said. that Congress may make a law, to favor us ; should such a request be made to the General government, would they not treat it, as you would a child, that should give away its cake, and then cry for it ? They will tell you, that you were free from this expence and trouble when united; why did you separate.

But still the question recurs. are we always to remain connected with Massachusetts ? I answer, No.-We ought to separate when the wealth and population of Maine shall dictate the measure; at the time when our foreign trade shall become so extensive, as not to compel the citizens of Maine, to carry their lumber. wood and other articles, to ports out of this district. for a market. Then, and not till then, should Maine be separated from Massachusetts.

PUBLIC GOOD.