Page:History of Journalism in the United States.djvu/200

174 be an example to future ages; let it serve to be a warning that no man may be an idol; let the history of the Federal Government instruct mankind that the mask of patriotism may be worn to conceal the foulest designs against the liberties of the people."

There was scarcely a limit to the abuse that was heaped on him, the Boston Gazette—of December 26, 1796, January 16, 1797, and February 13, 1797—continuing to pile obloquy on the great Father of his Country.

"If ever there was a period of rejoicing," the Aurora declared on March 6, 1797, "this is the moment. Every heart, in unison with the freedom and happiness of the people, ought to beat high with exultation that the name of Washington ceases from this day to give currency to political iniquity and to legalize corruption."

The indignation of the people at this attack led some of the veterans of Washington's army to march to the office of the Aurora and break into the place, very nearly demolishing it.

After such a tirade it was more or less to be expected that Adams would at least have a reasonably respectful reception when he assumed office. The Republican papers hailed with delight his declaration in favor of popular government, pretending to believe that it came to them as a surprise. Within a few months, however, a speech on French affairs was so distasteful to them that they began abusing him with the same degree of enthusiasm with which they had attacked Washington.

The bitterness between the two factions was checked for a short time by a power before which both had to bow. In the early summer and fall of 1798 there was a recurrence of yellow fever in which the newspaper offices