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Editorial
November 21, 1814
Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser
Portland, Cumberland County, Maine
What is this article about?
The editorial criticizes U.S. government leaders and war-supporting states for failing to fulfill financial pledges made during the war declaration, pointing out the hypocrisy of figures like Jefferson and Madison who benefited from public funds but contributed nothing personally.
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Full Text
Preaching and Practice.
When the majority in the U. S. government declared war they pledged their 'lives, fortunes, and sacred honors' to aid and assist in carrying it on. The Norfolk Ledger gives a statement of the sums subscribed, in particular States, but it appears that in the following States which were, some by large majorities and others unanimously in favor of the war, viz. Louisiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, VIRGINIA, New Jersey, and Vermont, not a single dollar was subscribed—One would have supposed that Jefferson who has received 220,000 dollars of the people's money for laying the foundation of their ruin, would have put down something for the credit of the Ancient Dominion. Mr. Madison, has received 150,000 dollars; hundreds of the "fortune" pledged gentry in these states who have grown rich on the people's money, have never, to this day troubled themselves about redeeming their war pledge.
As the Editor of the Ledger observes, it is an easy thing to bawl out, "to war, to war! we pledge our lives and fortunes" to denounce as tories and traitors all those who entreated them to pause; but the deluded partizans of democracy, to their sorrow, now find the professions and promises of their leaders as idle and false, as their measures are oppressive and ruinous.
When the majority in the U. S. government declared war they pledged their 'lives, fortunes, and sacred honors' to aid and assist in carrying it on. The Norfolk Ledger gives a statement of the sums subscribed, in particular States, but it appears that in the following States which were, some by large majorities and others unanimously in favor of the war, viz. Louisiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, VIRGINIA, New Jersey, and Vermont, not a single dollar was subscribed—One would have supposed that Jefferson who has received 220,000 dollars of the people's money for laying the foundation of their ruin, would have put down something for the credit of the Ancient Dominion. Mr. Madison, has received 150,000 dollars; hundreds of the "fortune" pledged gentry in these states who have grown rich on the people's money, have never, to this day troubled themselves about redeeming their war pledge.
As the Editor of the Ledger observes, it is an easy thing to bawl out, "to war, to war! we pledge our lives and fortunes" to denounce as tories and traitors all those who entreated them to pause; but the deluded partizans of democracy, to their sorrow, now find the professions and promises of their leaders as idle and false, as their measures are oppressive and ruinous.
What sub-type of article is it?
Partisan Politics
War Or Peace
What keywords are associated?
War Pledges
Financial Hypocrisy
Jefferson Criticism
Madison Criticism
Democratic Leaders
State Subscriptions
Partisan Betrayal
What entities or persons were involved?
Jefferson
Madison
U. S. Government
Norfolk Ledger
Louisiana
Ohio
Tennessee
Georgia
North Carolina
Virginia
New Jersey
Vermont
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Hypocrisy In War Pledges By Democratic Leaders
Stance / Tone
Critical And Mocking Of Government Hypocrisy
Key Figures
Jefferson
Madison
U. S. Government
Norfolk Ledger
Louisiana
Ohio
Tennessee
Georgia
North Carolina
Virginia
New Jersey
Vermont
Key Arguments
War Supporting States Subscribed No Money Despite Pledges.
Jefferson Received 220,000 Dollars But Contributed Nothing.
Madison Received 150,000 Dollars But Did Not Redeem Pledge.
Leaders Denounced Opponents As Tories While Failing To Act.
Professions Of Leaders Are Idle And False, Measures Oppressive.