The New Hampshire Gazette

Political Miscellany

For the N. H. Gazette:

Citizens of New Hampshire.

On the second Tuesday of March, the constitutional power, which we have delegated to our public agents, reverts to us. We shall then have the free uncontrouled and sovereign prerogative, to choose from among ourselves, such men as we may judge most suitable to fill the various offices in the state. In the exercise of this privilege, are contained the elementary principles of pure democracy. * No nation on the face of the whole earth, enjoys the right of suffrage in so great a degree as the people of the United States In New Hampshire this right is universal. Let us cherish the precious boon as a blessing sent from heaven. It is the distinctive mark of a free people ;-a rich legacy bequeathed by renowned sires who fought, who bled, and dying enjoined on us, piously, to transmit the fair inheritance unimpaired to our posterity. With what watchful care should we guard our birth right ! With what resentment should we repel every attempt to violate it. With what indignation and contempt should we spurn those who basely offer to purchase or who threaten to deprive us of it. With what zeal should we support those citizens who are known for their attachment to civil liberty, the rights of conscience, and an elective democracy. Hitherto we have been highly favored, inasmuch as a large majority of the people remain true to the fundamental principles of the constitution.

Who are the men, the loud trumpeters of their own fame, that now come forward with the mask of federal republicans, to demand your suffrages, calling themselves the disciples of Washington ?. Are they not the same men, who in the great struggle for freedom, when this infant nation hurled defiance at an arbitrary tyrant, and his unprincipled ministry; openly and decidedly, opposed their country, and would have hung Washington on the first tree ? Are they not the same men, who in the reign of terror mounted that infamous badge of colonial servitude the black cockade? Are they not the same men who have, on every question, where in Great Britain has been the aggressor against the United States. avowedly, supported her pretensions, and covertly resisted the measures which have been resorted to with the sanction of three fourths of the American people ? Have they not in fine, on all occasions, where the honor, the independence, or the interest of the United States have come in competition with the caprice of Britain. manifested their utter contempt for the government, the laws, and the political institutions of the United States ? These federal partizans must have wandered far into the regions of ignorance and folly, or they must calculate on the absence of all understanding in the minds of those they address : otherwise they could not be guilty of the gross absurdity, to proclaim themselves the exclusive supporters of the federal constitution, whilst they wage war with the principles of Democracy on which that constitution is founded : or assume the name of " the disciples of Washington," although -they are in daily violation of every maxim, precept and example of that immortal patriot ; or claim the suffrages of a free people, or a superannuated, political bigot, who is firmly bound in the ties of brotherly love, with every surviving tory that disgraced the American revolution ! But for the virtuous efforts of the galaxy of worthies who achieved that revolution, and the firm and dignified stand made by the Patriots who have since constantly maintained its principles; we might now, like the nations of the old world, be seeking, through blood and tears, our lost liberties or languishing under the iron sceptre, and within the grasp of tyranny, bigotry and superstition.

Amongst those who in the hour of danger renowned for their attachment to liberty and its principles, have wrought the salvation of their country: the name of Langdon stands conspicuous. This venerable citizen, in full of years and honors retires from the arduous scenes of public life. Like his cotemporaries the immortal Washington, and the illustrious Jefferson, he leaves entire the freedom of his country. This faithful servant of the state, having signified his inclination to pass the evening of life, in the tranquil shades of retirement ; it becomes our indispensable duty to acquiesce.

* The writer of this essay is aware that the doctrines here advanced are not palatable to those who arrogantly claim the imposing title of "men of talents ;" but when he asserts that the federal constitution recognizes the sovereignty of the people; that it is founded on the principles of democracy- and that the public agents appointed by virtue of that instrument are accountable to, and dependent on, their constituents, he stands on a rock that cannot be shaken by artful sophistry or insidious logic.

-In electing another candidate for the chief magistracy, the public voice has been finally pronounced in favor of the HON WILLIAM PLUMER. now President of the Senate. In him, civil liberty has a firm and unshaken friend ; the rights of conscience, a faithful guardian ; and elective democracy an invincible supporter. His ardent zeal in the cause of his greatly insulted and much injured country, have long distinguished him in the public councils. He has repeatedly overthrown the formidable aristocracy of his own district, by the ascendancy of his talents ; and we may, confidently, anticipate under his auspices, a complete victory over the intolerant minions of arbitrary power.

It were superfluous to dwell on the known talents of Mr. Plumer, or his capacity or the station to which he is invited. Suffice it to say, that his abilities, integrity and patriotism. have secured him the high and enviable distinction of being mortally hated by the enemies of freedom and equal rights.

The Tree of Liberty is firmly fixed in the soil of New Hampshire. It has taken deep and lasting root. Tho' assailed and agitated by storms and tempests it stands a shelter and shade for us and ours. It depends on our exertions, whether we shall continue to eat our bread in cheerfulness and contentment, beneath this fair tree; or, whether, a factious crew shall cut down and despoil it. Disclaiming all local and personal considerations, but with a single eye to the public good, let us, one and all, rally round the standard of our country. Here let every citizen, who prefers liberty to bondage. in imitation of the god like patriots of 1776, pledge his life, his fortune, and his sacred honor in its support. The eyes of the Union are now fixed on N Hampshire. Our brethren expect us faithfully to perform our duty. We are placed as the vanguard of the great national family, and shall come first into the contest Let us so demean ourselves that we may command their applause. Union is strength. Let us be firm and united, and triumphantly place WILLIAM PLUMER in the chair of state.

One of the People.