What, my fellow citizens, is the attempt now making? What is the
language of those who advocate universal suffrage? It is nothing less
than an effort to rest from the farmers of Connecticut that controul
over the elections which is their only fortress of safety. Let men who
wish to protect their invaluable rights ponder on these things, and let
them at the same time, remember that no nation in which universal
suffrage hath been allowed, hath remained free and happy.

Another project urged, with great vehemence, is, to displace all our
present rulers--by those, is meant our legislators in the general and
state Government--our judges and magistrates of every grade. That such
is a darling object with those who seek to revolutionize Connecticut,
there is no doubt. Is such a measure wise? Who are these rulers? A
candid observer must reply, they are men in whose hands power has been
wisely placed by the people, and who have never abused that power, men
of unquestionable talents and of spotless fame. Among them are your
Trumbulls, your Ellsworths, your Hillhouses, your Griswolds, your
Goodriches and your Cavenports, men tried and approved. Among them there
is one who was side by side with your beloved Washington during the
revolutionary war, who has repeatedly been elected your first
magistrate, and, against whom, the tongue of slander never moved but in
the hard service of a harder master. There is another, who, for more
than twenty years has been employed in the first offices in the gift of
his country, and whose probity and talents are second to those of none
of his contemporaries. Among these are many who must enjoy the affection
and veneration of their countrymen while superior worth is regarded.
Against these men the cry is raised--not the cry of the oppressed, for
God knows no man in Connecticut is oppressed, but the cry of those who
pant for office, and who can rise only on the ruins of others.