Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

Mr. Hopkins' Oration.

The following extract, is taken from an Oration, delivered by James D. Hopkins, Esq. in this town, at the late celebration of the anniversary of American Independence:—After giving a short history of the Washington and Adams administrations, he has the following pertinent observations.

Shall we not, then, for our public blessings for all our national prosperity, own our obligations to the federal administration? ...

Or is public gratitude entombed with the ashes of our Washington?

They were the same principles, which established the federal constitution, and raised the fallen fabric of our national respectability, which now call upon the friends of virtue, and good government, to check the demoralizing progress of political error. Americans! it is a solemn call. The antifederalists, though defeated, were not subdued. Aided by the wicked arts, falsehood, hypocrisy, and slander, they have gained in influence, and increased in numbers, to a degree which threatens the subversion of our rights and liberties, and the dissolution of our independence. Upon every important national question, the journals of Congress exhibit the strength of hostility to sound principles. from 1791 to the present day. And had we lost the recollection of recent events, we should there find incontestable proof. that the dominant party in our country is the same faction, which unsuccessfully opposed our constitution. Uniform, and constant has been their opposition to the principles of that system of policy, which is the sublimest effort of human wisdom, and man's last hope of a free republican government.

Carefully to preserve the precious fragments of our constitution, which remain, let no modern philosopher, or reviler of Washington be elected to office. Bestow your confidence on those who merit, and not on those who seek popularity. Manfully assert your rights of inquiry into the public conduct of your rulers. Cherish the principle, that the executive and judicial branches of government must be independent, and mutual checks upon each other, as you would avoid the despotism, which the too prevalent principles in our country, have already established in France. Encourage education, and disseminate useful knowledge. Support moral and religious obligation against the pernicious doctrines of modern philosophy. On every important public measure, let us recur to first principles in government ;.... this, like the miraculous pillar which conducted Israel of old, will lead us, through the paths of danger, to political safety, and national happiness.