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Editorial
October 20, 1803
Rhode Island Republican
Newport, Newport County, Rhode Island
What is this article about?
This editorial defends Jefferson's repeal of Adams' 1801 Judiciary Act, which created unnecessary judgeships, restoring Washington's 1789 system and saving costs. It accuses Federalists of hypocrisy in invoking Washington while supporting Adams' oppressive policies like sedition laws and taxes.
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THE JUDICIARY
In 1789, the Washington administration formed the Judiciary System of the United States, which experience proves to be good and sufficient.
In 1803, the Adams administration, at the very close of its career, passed a law altering the Washington Judiciary System of 1789, and creating sixteen new and unnecessary Judges, with salaries of 2000 dollars a year each.
When Mr. Jefferson came into office, among other reforms, the new judiciary law of Adams was repealed, and the system of Washington restored, consequently the sixteen new and useless judgeships were abolished and their 32,000 dollars a year salaries saved to the country.
This is a true state of this plain case. Yet the Jefferson administration, which only restored the Washington judiciary system, is accused of destroying the judiciary! -- With what truth, let the candid judge.
The federal party call themselves the disciples of Washington. They use his name, as many use the sacred name of Religion, to cover their iniquity. Did Washington ever gag us with a sedition Law -- oppress and menace us with a standing army -- insult us with an odious stamp act -- load us with taxes on Houses and Lands -- give eight per cent. for millions of money borrowed -- add millions annually to the national debt -- declare that "a republican government was any thing or nothing." and that the "British government was the most stupendous fabric of human wisdom?" -- Mr. Adams did all these, and many other infamous things; and the name of Washington is resorted to to hide the guilt of Adams!
In 1789, the Washington administration formed the Judiciary System of the United States, which experience proves to be good and sufficient.
In 1803, the Adams administration, at the very close of its career, passed a law altering the Washington Judiciary System of 1789, and creating sixteen new and unnecessary Judges, with salaries of 2000 dollars a year each.
When Mr. Jefferson came into office, among other reforms, the new judiciary law of Adams was repealed, and the system of Washington restored, consequently the sixteen new and useless judgeships were abolished and their 32,000 dollars a year salaries saved to the country.
This is a true state of this plain case. Yet the Jefferson administration, which only restored the Washington judiciary system, is accused of destroying the judiciary! -- With what truth, let the candid judge.
The federal party call themselves the disciples of Washington. They use his name, as many use the sacred name of Religion, to cover their iniquity. Did Washington ever gag us with a sedition Law -- oppress and menace us with a standing army -- insult us with an odious stamp act -- load us with taxes on Houses and Lands -- give eight per cent. for millions of money borrowed -- add millions annually to the national debt -- declare that "a republican government was any thing or nothing." and that the "British government was the most stupendous fabric of human wisdom?" -- Mr. Adams did all these, and many other infamous things; and the name of Washington is resorted to to hide the guilt of Adams!
What sub-type of article is it?
Legal Reform
Partisan Politics
Constitutional
What keywords are associated?
Judiciary Reform
Washington System
Adams Judiciary Act
Jefferson Repeal
Federalist Hypocrisy
Sedition Law
Stamp Act
National Debt
What entities or persons were involved?
Washington Administration
Adams Administration
Jefferson Administration
Federal Party
Mr. Jefferson
Mr. Adams
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Defense Of Jefferson's Judiciary Reform Against Federalist Accusations
Stance / Tone
Strongly Pro Jefferson And Anti Federalist
Key Figures
Washington Administration
Adams Administration
Jefferson Administration
Federal Party
Mr. Jefferson
Mr. Adams
Key Arguments
Washington's 1789 Judiciary System Was Good And Sufficient
Adams' 1801 Law Created 16 Unnecessary Judges Costing $32,000 Annually
Jefferson Repealed Adams' Law, Restoring Washington's System And Saving Costs
Federalists Falsely Accuse Jefferson Of Destroying The Judiciary
Federalists Hypocritically Invoke Washington To Cover Adams' Oppressive Policies Like Sedition Laws, Standing Army, Stamp Act, Taxes, And Debt