Page:An address to the thinking independent part of the community.djvu/29

( 29 ) But we hear the indignant exclamation—What! are we to concede to traitors in arms? Admitting it to be a concession to traitors, I doubt whether there be not found wisdom and true dignity in conceding a popular and just measure, which, while it is with-held by the legislature, may tempt the people to look with a too partial eye on the treason which promises it. But when they ask, are we to concede to traitors? I would say, no; but let them concede to you. Whatever traitors may lurk in the community, it is allowed that parliamentary reform is not their real object. To them a mild and temperate measure of that kind would not be grateful concession; it would be rather a disappointment: it would crush, probably for ever, their rash and visionary expectations. Let the concession then be to you, who form no secret plans of rebellion. You who have taken up arms, not to pull down, but to support the government, may surely with reason expect some attention to be paid to your wishes. When you are called on to fight the battles of that government, it is right you should know well, whether you are engaged in the cause of constitutional liberty, or aiding in its overthrow.

I confess I feel no little astonishment, when I observe how much zeal is exhibited in guarding against one danger, and how little in guarding against another equally imminent. When