The New Hampshire Gazette

It is often asked, how based federalism made such progress among us? Is Portsmouth receding from the honorable ground she has so long and so firmly maintained?

We say No--and were every elector within the town to cast an unbiased suffrage to-morrow, the result would show as proud a triumph of republicanism as at any former period. The mechanic and laborer is pursued with lynx-eyed vigilance; and those who will not yield to bribery or menace, are hunted down with demoniac malignity. Many, we know, spurn the bribe, and disdain the threat--but there are many who dare not act contrary to the dictation of this despotic, domestic tyranny.

Notwithstanding the proscription system has been rigidly enforced, and many an honest man driven from employ for non-conformity, the republicans still maintained an ascendancy. The friends of Britain and aristocracy pressed one step further--corruption and oppression in alliance. It was thought might complete the revolution--promises to the avaricious or wavering and threats to the timid, were the principal engines brought to operate on the republican ranks--and it is not denied they have had a partial effect. But we request every candid man to examine the principle of such a contest, and say whether it is consonant with the spirit of a free government. Why do federalists mock us with professions of respect for our republican institutions, when their conduct proclaims the most inveterate hostility to their vital principles? Just previous to an election we find these men seized with most violent fits of patriotism--They foam, and froth and bellow--tell how they love the dear People--how anxious they are to serve them, and save them from the baleful influences of democracy--how much they sympathize with them under the oppression of democratic rulers--how wisely they would administer the government--how lenient would be the laws if they were "made judges in the land"--how prosperous would be our country under their guardianship--and how they would economize the public treasure. Then they exclaim against the administration--how they oppress the people--how hostile they are to the national interests--how oppressive and unjust are their laws, and exhort the people to disregard and resist them, "even unto blood"--and mourn with crocodile tears over our fallen fortunes.

But how do we find facts, where they have power? We find them oppressive, vindictive and intolerant--haughty and blustering towards one nation--mean, grovelling and servile towards another--magnifying and exaggerating the injuries we receive from one--extenuating and justifying those we receive from the other.

We have considerably digressed from the subject we intended to bring into view - viz. the outrageously oppressive system adopted by the leaders of Portsmouth federalists. But they may be assured it shall not be forgotten--We have several instances to adduce, which should crimson cheeks where shame can raise a blush--We have names and circumstances to bring forward, that cannot be extenuated or denied. We will place the principal actors in the infamy on the fore-ground, as monuments at which scorn shall point its low unmoving finger. We will teach FREEMEN to detest where they now despise.