Rhode Island Republican

For the Republican.

ONCE more, Fellow-Citizens, I summon you as a brother Centinel, to attend to the arduous but necessary duty, which semi-annually devolves upon you. It is no less than the appointment of inflexible Republicans to guard your rights and preserve liberty and order. We are now in the full trial of republicanism ; and it is left for you to decide whether we shall be successful or not in the experiment. Nothing will be wanting on your part but a resolute determination to support its cause, and rally round the standard of freedom. You must before now be convinced of the necessity of this ; for although we have nothing to fear under the administration of a JEFFERSON, your opponents leave no method unpursued to batter down the high fortresses of republicanism. As yet, however, every attempt of theirs has proved ineffectual. Louisiana was their last grand intrenchment; here they consolidated as well as consoled themselves--the muster-roll of federalism was overhauled, and the valiant band with one voice declared for war. "What with the Canadians, the Indians and a few apostates" say they "with a loan of five millions, (for it is our policy, and we cannot overcome by force of arms; we must bribe--true English system) we shall make a noise." But here, alas! poor fellows! they have again been defeated. What will be their next effort, or where they will be enabled again to intrench themselves, satan only knows, for he alone it would seem guides and governs them in their different pursuits. We however need not fear their movements, provided we remain united. The vast phalanx of republicans will detect their plots, and prostrate their idols in the dust.

Let us then, Citizens, again assemble at the returning meeting ; there fairly and honourably to contest for our freedom, if contest is necessary : if not, we can perform the duty with a grateful satisfaction that we are preserving inviolable for our children that which our fathers bled for and left unimpaired to us. Recollect that Europe is now bleeding at every vein for the same rights, that we now enjoy. She is at this moment pregnant with events of important in the history of future ages; her governments in wild disorder, yet struggling inwardly to throw off the load of despots which threaten to extinguish the small spark of liberty which exists. But overpowered with such enormous loads, they must sink, for tyranny can no longer survive ; and liberty--yes, Citizens, that amiable Goddess which directed WASHINGTON in the field, and which now directs a JEFFERSON in the chair, & which delights to erect her banners on the ruins of tyrants, will seize the standard and lead those worthy heroes whose hearts still bleed for the liberty of their country. to victory and peace; and the now haughty and insulting pride of Britain which spreads its influence over half the Globe, will then vanish before them as nauseous vapour before the meridian Sun,--

I speak from reason, and the appearance of things as they are--not as a Prophet. Delay not, be early at your post, and victory is ours.

A CENTINEL of '75