1. DEBATE OVER CONSTITUTION

of subduing and reducing to abject slavery the free born sons of Co-
lumbia; they yet hope, by our folly and want of union among ourselves,
to have an opportunity of subjugating us to their tyrannical sway.-A
proof of this I observed in your Centinel, No. 16. in an "Impromptu, on
reading in a late Centinel of Gov. Clinton's insurgency and anti-federalism,"
wherein the chief magistrate of this state is charged, by some incendi-
ary, with an intention of treason against the United States; consequently
to subvert a government he has uniformly, from the commencement
of the late war, endeavoured, by every exertion in his power, to estab-
lish.-In the most gloomy hours of our warfare, who more readily drew
his sword in our defence?-Who was more unwearied in his endeav-
ours to defeat the vain attempts of our enemies to subdue us. Every
one who knows his excellency's character, and is in any way acquainted
with his conduct, must be convinced that he has rendered this country
great and essential services, both in his civil and military capacities; and
I think it the height of ingratitude to villify a character, which ought
to be esteemed, and even revered, for his services.-If he is guilty of
the charge exhibited in the Centinel, or any other against the people,
let the author step forth, as a freeman, and boldly make them good;-
if he is guilty by our laws, let him suffer;-if innocent, and still the
faithful servant of the public we have ever found him-for God's sake
let us not traduce a character so valuable to us, but by every means in
our power, support him in all measures tending to the general good
of our country, and let us ever detest those vile incendiaries, who (un-
der British influence) secretly endeavour to sow the seeds of division,
discontent and distrust among us.)
Confidence in our rulers will make us a great and happy people; a
want of it will be our ruin. Our magistrates are not elected for life-
we can change them when they act inconsistent with our welfare; but
let us weigh and examine well their conduct before we dismiss them,
least we repent our change, on proving those who are untried.
Lansingborough, Sept. 7, 1787.
1. The New York Journal, 20 September, reprinted the material in angle brackets. "An
Old Soldier" responds to the author of a verse entitled "Impromptu" which was printed
in the Massachusetts Centinel on 18 August (above) and reprinted in the Northern Centinel
on 3 September.
Rusticus
New York Journal, 13 September 17871
MR. GREENLEAF, I cannot but express my indignation at the many
illiberal publications, which constantly crowd our newspapers, on the
subject of politics.

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