The New Hampshire Gazette

Massachusetts Legislature.

TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 1802.

Agreeably to assignment, His Excellency The Governor met the two Houses in the Representatives Chamber, at 11 o'clock; and delivered the following

SPEECH;

Gentlemen of the Senate, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives.

THE honour, which my Fellow-Citizens have again conferred upon me demands a repetition of my acknowledgements, and the continued exertions resulting from my abilities to promote their interest. The duties which they have called me to perform, especially those which regard appointments to office, are of a delicate nature; but while I am solicitous to employ the authority with which they have entrusted me, for their benefit, I hope for their candid and favourable acceptance, of my sincere endeavours to serve them.

Our State Constitution declares, that "the end of the institution, maintenance and administration of Government is to secure the existence of the body politic; to protect it; and to furnish the individuals who compose it, with the power of enjoying in safety and tranquillity, their natural rights and the blessings of life." This declaration suggests the importance of Government to the peace of society, and the preservation of that system of morals upon which its happiness depends, and at the same time points out the objects, which every one to whom its administration is confided, should have constantly in view. Mankind have consented in all ages to submit to Government, as the necessary means to prevent perpetual war, and secure their individual rights; without a regulating and controlling power, it is impossible for society to exist; and when that power is employed for the useful purposes of its institution, it affords security to the blessings of life, preserves social order, and induces a compliance with the laws of—that Being whose government is founded in infinite wisdom, and directed in all its operations, by perfect rectitude and goodness.

As the national Constitution unites the people of the several States in the bonds of interest, and entitles them to the common privileges of Citizens; and the national Government undertakes to provide for their defence against foreign enemies, and to insure domestic tranquillity; it is the duty of the several States to support that Constitution and government; to be mutually vigilant for the safety and happiness of each other; to guard their several rights and in conformity to their respective State Constitutions to enact just and equitable laws for the internal regulation and security of the Citizens, and provide for their faithful execution.—The performance of these services, which on the part of this State is now incumbent upon us, is not less a matter of interest than of duty; as the safety of all that is dear to us, depends on the stability of the Constitutions which we have in the most solemn manner engaged to support.

The patriotism of the American People has been manifest in upholding the present system of national Government, and the continuance of our union, is obviously necessary to secure respect from other nations, and preserve tranquillity among ourselves; for unless our views are circumscribed within a narrow circle, we must perceive, that division would lead us to disorder and weakness, and expose us to the loss of national importance, and individual liberty. So long as these States are united, they will continue to increase in power and prosperity; But whenever the ties which connect them are dissolved, they will probably decay and fall to ruin by mutual jealousies and intestine feuds.

There is no evil to which free Governments are more exposed, than the prevalence of party spirit. The extreme violence of this spirit degrades the character of a nation, and vitiates the morals of the people; it has proved fatal to almost every other Republic either by enabling a successful Chief to establish his empire on its ruins, or by weakening its ability to oppose foreign invasion; it tends to pervert the judgment as well as corrupt the heart, and renders the subject of it, unsocial and intolerant. Men who in the ordinary commerce of life would disdain to make use of deception, when actuated by the rage of party, will give currency to reports, which at least they must think doubtful; their pretended patriotism degenerates into an eagerness to support party principles; and in order to influence opinions or measures, or to retaliate supposed injuries, they have no scruple in violating the plainest rules of decency and justice.

Our sentiments on political subjects will be different, but this diversity, if in expressing it we confine ourselves within the limits of truth and candour, will not be injurious, and if it produces an honourable emulation to promote the public good, may even be useful. It is impossible that all should be of one opinion, and it is a reasonable indulgence to suffer every man to enjoy his own; in many cases, however, an open and fair examination of public measures, is necessary, to enable the people to form a correct judgment concerning them; and if the current opinion is different from ours, we may endeavour, by calm discussion, without asperity or personal reproach, to convince them of their error.