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Editorial
December 12, 1808
Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser
Portland, Cumberland County, Maine
What is this article about?
Editorial recalls 1769 Provincial Assembly remonstrance against British use of military to enforce laws, declaring it inconsistent with free constitution. Affirms enduring whig commitment to liberty and opposition to tyranny.
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Full Text
Standing Army, and 100,000 Men!
In 1769, when British custom-house officers and tidewaiters thronged our cities, and so roused the virtuous indignation of the patriot whigs by seizures and violence, that two Regiments of Regulars became necessary to enforce the oppressive laws of the mother country, then the Provincial Assembly of this State, undaunted and unappalled, resolutely remonstrated, and declared:-
"That the use of military power to enforce the execution of the laws, is, in the opinion of this house, inconsistent with the spirit of a free constitution, and the very nature of government. The military force is uncontrollable by any authority in the province; it is then a power without any check here; and therefore it is so far absolute here."
The surviving whigs have not yet outlived their love of liberty and hatred of tyranny: their children are animated by "the tales of other times," and will execute the counsels of their forefathers.—Salem Gazette.
In 1769, when British custom-house officers and tidewaiters thronged our cities, and so roused the virtuous indignation of the patriot whigs by seizures and violence, that two Regiments of Regulars became necessary to enforce the oppressive laws of the mother country, then the Provincial Assembly of this State, undaunted and unappalled, resolutely remonstrated, and declared:-
"That the use of military power to enforce the execution of the laws, is, in the opinion of this house, inconsistent with the spirit of a free constitution, and the very nature of government. The military force is uncontrollable by any authority in the province; it is then a power without any check here; and therefore it is so far absolute here."
The surviving whigs have not yet outlived their love of liberty and hatred of tyranny: their children are animated by "the tales of other times," and will execute the counsels of their forefathers.—Salem Gazette.
What sub-type of article is it?
Constitutional
Military Affairs
What keywords are associated?
Standing Army
Military Power
Free Constitution
Whigs
Liberty
Tyranny
Provincial Assembly
What entities or persons were involved?
Provincial Assembly
Patriot Whigs
British Custom House Officers
Regulars
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Opposition To Military Enforcement Of Laws
Stance / Tone
Pro Liberty, Anti Tyranny
Key Figures
Provincial Assembly
Patriot Whigs
British Custom House Officers
Regulars
Key Arguments
Use Of Military Power To Enforce Laws Is Inconsistent With Free Constitution
Military Force Is Uncontrollable By Provincial Authority
Military Power Is Absolute Without Checks
Whigs Maintain Love Of Liberty And Hatred Of Tyranny