Freeman's Chronicle

For the Chronicle.

Who is Gustavus Swan?

When any man permits his name to go to the public as a candidate for an office of trust or profit, he thereby gives to his fellow-citizens the privilege of examining his moral and political character, as well as his qualifications to sustain the station to which he aspires. The people have an unquestionable right to make themselves acquainted with the general tenor of his conduct through life, and to ascertain whether he is honest, whether he is capable, and whether he is a friend to the fundamental interests of his country.

It happens, however, very fortunately for the writer of this fragment, that the subject of his present notice, is one of those few characters, against whom neither malice nor envy have ever dared to point the finger of reproach. In the whole course of a life of 26 years, the slightest stain has never lit upon his character. No man has ever accused him of wilful misconduct—no man has ever avowed himself his enemy—no man, either here or elsewhere, who was well acquainted with him, has ever failed to speak in his praise.

But to descend to particulars—It may be some satisfaction to the citizens of this county, before whom Mr. Swan now stands as a candidate for their suffrages, to say something more than the above general outlines convey.

Mr. Swan was born in the state of New Hampshire. He is the son of a very respectable farmer in the town of Petersborough, who spared no pains to instil into the youthful mind of his son the soundest principles of virtue and morality, and to give him an education suited to the genius which his juvenile years appeared to evince.

He received an excellent English and classical education, with less difficulty than youths generally experience, owing to his unusually studious and sedate habits. Early in life he devoted himself to the study of law; and has now become a practitioner of considerable celebrity.

In the course of his studies, he has not been insensible to the necessity of making himself well acquainted with the general history of the world, and particularly of his own country. He has been a careful observer of men and manners, and has seized with avidity every opportunity of adding to his stock of general information.

He removed to this state about three years ago, since which he has travelled considerable, and became as well acquainted with our local interests, as most of those who have resided here for a greater number of years. He is attached to the state and people of Ohio;—he has driven down his stake in our soil, and feels as much for the welfare of this part of the country as any man in it. His home is among us—his interest is among us—his fame and future prospects are incorporated with ours—and while he consults his own advantage, it will stimulate him to exertions for the general good.

It has been said by some, who argue from selfish motives, that Mr. Swan is too young to represent this county in the General Assembly.

Mr. Jefferson was but little older when he penned the Declaration of Independence—Dr. Franklin was about the same age when he astonished the world by the lustre of his mental powers—John Randolph was not so old by three years when his talents and eloquence called forth the admiration of the national Legislature. A hundred similar instances could be mentioned; but the objection is weak and trifling. If talents and worth are to be found only with grey hairs and sanctified looks, then it will be acknowledged that Mr. Swan is ineligible. The framers of our constitution, however, thought that the age of 25 (instead of 26) was sufficient to permit any man to transact business for his fellow citizens in the legislature.

In point of talents and general information, Mr. Swan has few superiors (if any) in the county. As a speaker, he certainly is among the first class. As a citizen he is useful, friendly and hospitable. As a Republican and a supporter of the rights and liberties of his country, he will yield to no man.

On hearing of the late danger on our frontiers, with what cheerfulness and zeal did he step forth to share the fatigues and dangers of the campaign in which he is at present engaged.

Talents are not all that is necessary to make a faithful, worthy public servant. Private virtue and goodness of heart are essential requisites. To those who know Mr. Swan, not one word need be said on this subject. His invariable fidelity—his regard for the sacred principles of religion—his modest, unassuming manners—his open, generous conduct, are known to all who are acquainted with him.

For one, I can truly testify—that I never knew a man, who possessed a more amiable disposition, a more liberal & expanded heart, or a nicer sense of the strictest principles of honor.

He is THE POOR MAN's FRIEND in every respect. The rich he despises, if they are not honest and honourable.

I have known him to flash with manly indignation, at hearing of oppression practiced by the haughty and the wealthy upon the indigent & defenceless. I have known him, in the true spirit of philanthropy and humanity, to enter the dreary abode of poverty, sickness and misery—to contribute to the necessities of the necessitous—to minister to the comfort of the comfortless—to raise the languid head from the pillow of disease—to wipe the trickling tear from the eye of sorrow with the hand of pure benevolence—and to rescue the injured poor from the uplifted arm of ruthless oppression. The sound of distress never reaches his ear, without affecting his heart and opening his hand.

Fellow-Citizens of Franklin County! I have now submitted to you a few remarks, relative to one of the candidates to represent you in the General Assembly. I appeal to Heaven that I have no intention of deceiving you; nor have I written one word but what is strictly true. Enquire of every or any man in the county who knows Mr. Swan; and if you find that I have attributed to him one qualification which he does not possess, I hereby pledge myself to come forward in the public prints, under my proper signature and fully establish every fact here stated.

With respect to the other candidates I shall say nothing—they are known to the most of you—and be assured, that if Mr. Swan were as well known as they are, I never should have troubled you with the above observations.

I will now close, by remarking, that it must be evident to you all, that the next session of the Legislature will be much more important than any former one, since the adoption of our Constitution. The whole country is in an alarming and critical situation—A ferocious and cruel enemy is on our borders. We are at war with the tyrant of the sea and all his savage crew. Our state is young and poor—yet we have our burden to bear, and means must be taken to enable us to sustain the weight. All the resources and energies of the state will be called forth to meet the present emergency.

Let us then, in giving our votes next October, be governed by principles purely Republican. Let us endeavor to select such men as will be the most useful to fill the different offices to be voted for, without fear, favor or affection. Let us throw aside all considerations of private friendships or private connections, if they do not correspond with the sound dictates of our judgment—and let us manifest, that when the good of our common country is at stake; nothing is too much for freemen to sacrifice, except their honour and their consciences. It will require all the ingenuity, all the patriotism, all the talent, and all the energy of the State to plan, adopt and execute such measures as will bring us safely and honorably through our present troubles, and maintain the blood-bought rights which our fathers bequeathed us. Let it not then be said that the county of Franklin has not done honor to itself, or that we have refused to throw our mite into the treasury.

A FRIEND TO THE PEOPLE.