Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

Political Miscellany.

For the Portland Gazette.

It is the misfortune of republican institutions, that a corruption of principles will not admit of a remedy. In them the loss of virtue, that of female chastity, takes away the power and hopes of recovery, and a revolution is the inevitable consequence. In monarchical governments a wise, vigorous, and active prince may restore the proper authority to laws, that have been disregarded; but when the public laws once cease to command respect and obedience, nothing remains to bring back life and strength to a sickly constitution. The disease preys upon its vitals; bids defiance to all the arts of preservation. The reader has only to consult the history of republics. He will find, according to the dictates of common sense or confirmation of these remarks.

With this fact staring them in the face, why do not republicans take warning at the first violation of the law? Why even among us are an important class of laws made only, one would think, to be trampled upon and magistrates elected only to be insulted with impunity? Where has been our patriotism and our vigilance, while the Sabbath has been victoriously profaned; and while every man at his pleasure has securely sold out spirituous liquors, in defiance of express laws? The public mind seems lately to be a little roused, but we see as yet only symptoms of waking. Some efforts have been made to restore the authority of laws; but they have been like efforts of a man in a dream. Something more must be done. The friends of law and order must all unite to discountenance the practices alluded to; and stamp them with the character of infamy. In short, the laws must be put in execution; or we deliberately resolve to hand down to the historian this date, as an era of our corruption and delusion. Posterity will mark it, and condemn our stupidity.

I am sensible, that to some my views and representations will appear extravagant. They measure future events by the past; and think the struggles will continue to be principally of private nature. While the poison works secretly, they are secure. Because the patient is not yet thrown into fits of convulsion. The attention of others has been wholly drawn to political questions, and public movements. These are subjects worthy of attention and concern. But while combating the enemy, and watching his motions before the fort, they are insensible of a mine in another quarter, that is fast approaching the magazine, and will communicate fire to its contents.

The magnitude of the interest excites apprehension. There cannot be too much concern. It is time to act. It is time to know, who are for law, and who for confusion. But there are a few well disposed men, who believe the laws, relative to the Sabbath, and the vending of spirituous liquors cannot be executed! What! Have we then verily come to this! Is vice triumphant! Can licentiousness stalk our streets with shameful front; bid defiance to law, and trample authority under foot? Where is the proof? Where is the magistrate, that has been foiled; where is the posse comitatus, that has been defeated? produce them; and let us take a little "Athenian liberty with them. Let us see how a few interrogatories will set to them. What have you done? Have you shrunk from your duty at the menaces of a few worshippers of Bacchus or of Nebuchadnezzar's image? Did you fear the power of their ballots? At this rate they will ere long ballot you out of the world. Why were you entrusted with the execution of the laws? But you are silent. I will deliver you over to the Judges; and let them reward you.

Stand forward, ye who profit by these practices; yet who fatten upon the vitals of your country, and tell us your real motives. Do you sacrifice peace and reputation, honor and honesty for a few vile dollars? What do you expect? To continue the practice? Look round you. Where is your strength? But you have overcharged them with strength. and it has brought them low. Where is your reputation? Visit the Poor house, the Jail, and the tavern, and hear your praises rung. Come. for I am not your enemy, listen to me a moment. Put away your little cups. Tell your customers, you have not known the enormous public mischief, and private misery, that your practices have produced. Tell them you are of human kind, susceptible of compassion; that you have political connexions, and cannot stab your country; that you have religious obligations, and dare no longer violate them all.

PHILOLEGIS.