VI. DEBATE OVER CONSTITUTION

on and suffer their resources to be engrossed and their wealth swal-
lowed up by a people whom they had raised to independence-And
what nation on earth will interfere? What European nation [s] are such
novices, as to expend millions in protecting the trade of a people who
never will refund them a groat?5-Is it the French, the Dutch, or the
Spanish, that are coming three thousand miles to protect and support
you? And for what? Because you are unwilling to pay them the monies
you borrowed of them twelve or fourteen years since, and prevent those
who are willing, from refunding it.6
A truly glorious cause! and characteristic of their wisdom and pol-
icy! -No, believe me my countrymen, whatever may be the insinuations
of designing men, there is no power in Christendom that will interfere
in support of our sovereignty, nor, had they the abilities, would they
have a disposition, of defending us-Let us no longer be led about by
the illusions of fancy, but taking reason for our guide and pole-star,
adopt a form of government, wherein safety and security may be en-
sured to our persons and properties, trade and manufactures extend
their salutary influence-and every one rest in peace under his own
vine and fig-tree.7
1. For a response to "Agricola," see "Greenwichiensis," Newport Herald, 18 March
(below).
2. See "Greenwichiensis," Newport Herald, 25 February (above).
3. See "A Friend to the State of Rhode-Island" and "A Freeholder," Newport Herald,
18 February (both above).
4. To express or display by painting.
5. A groat was a British silver coin worth four pence.
6. A reference to the loans given to the U.S. during the Revolution by France, Spain,
and the Netherlands.
7. Micah 4:4.
Newport Herald, 11 March 17901
In commencing a detail of the proceedings of the Convention of this
State, we forebore a recital of the conduct of the leading characters in
opposition since the appointment of it, from the flattering hopes that
the Constitution would be not only investigated, but candidly decided
on; but these hopes being blasted, duty and honor forbid us to be
silent.
Previous to the election of Delegates, letters of an insidious nature
were circulated in every town where they could be supposed to influ-
ence, and in many of them were read in open meeting-innumerable
falshoods were propagated, and every artifice used, to excite and con-
tinue the fatal delusion of the people.-In one of the towns, the Ser-
jeant was furnished by a leading Antifederalist with a bugbear lie, to

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