The Rhode Island American, And General Advertiser

Several Members of the present Congress--of all parties--have declined being considered candidates for re-election. Some of them have had the magnanimity to acknowledge, they have felt, by experience, that their talents and knowledge were not adequate to a right understanding of the measures essential to be adopted to extricate the United States from the degraded and plundered situation into which they have been sunk, by the folly, partiality and indecision of Rulers. It is a consummation devoutly to be wished, that this example of magnanimity will find a general imitation. Our National Councils ought to be filled with none but men of the first rate talents, true American patriotism, steady nerve, undeviating impartiality, and genuine statesmanship. And if in those who have inadvertently been jostled out of their sphere into office, these requisites are not found--and they will not decline being Candidates--the people of all parties--who feel and suffer the degradation of their country, disregarding all pitiful, unmeaning party names--ought to discard them without hesitation or apology; and elect men who have wisdom to discern, and firmness to pursue, the solid interests of the nation. The period is approaching when the rulers of the nation for the two past years, must deposit their power in the hands of the people. If, therefore, that power is again intrusted to the imps of Polly, Ignorance and Partiality, it will be the fault of the people; and when they again complain no one will pity them.

Some of the old members who stood at the helm in the golden days of Washington, are consenting to become Candidates. This is as it should be. The people call for more Nestors and less Rhetoricians.

Centinel.

After degrading and disgracing the U. States in the eyes of all the world, the democrats piteously ask, What shall our rulers do to save us? The answer ought to be--Consult the annals of the Federal Administration of Washington--Imitate their Firmness, Consistency, Honesty, and Impartial Neutrality. They then raised their country from insignificance to glory, from poverty to wealth, honour, and respectability. A return of that policy will yet restore the country to the acknowledged rank it has held.

ibid.