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[160] subversive movement been taken, than our town votes its entire disapprobation of the traitorous scheme, and offers to pay any soldiers who would volunteer to put it down. Young men went, and they were paid accordingly.

The Constitution of the United States was adopted by Massachusetts, Feb. 6, 1788, in its Legislature, by a vote of 187 yeas. There were 168 nays. This memorable instrument, which, among its other agencies, was to establish an equitable system of taxation, regulate trade, and secure property, was also to inaugurate order and peace, to foster commerce, encourage agriculture, and promote useful arts. Our ancestors felt satisfied with its provisions, and were not disappointed in its promises.

At this time arose the two great parties, the “Federalists” and “Antifederalists;” the one supporting, and the other opposing, our present Constitution. The name “Antifederalist” was soon dropped, and that of “Republican” substituted.

Provided with two constitutions, one for their native State, and the other for their country, the time had now arrived for the organization of a general government; and the citizens of the United States now collect in their several towns, and, for the first time, give in their votes for a President of the Republic. The ballot for electors was unanimous, and stood thus, in Medford, Dec. 18, 1788:--

Hon. Judge Dana25
Gen. John Brooks24

The government of the country being now administered by President Washington with wisdom, power, and economy, several years of quietness and prosperity gave rest to the public mind. Our town had little else to do than accord with the general acts of Congress. When the Father of his Country chose to decline a third election to the Presidency, the preference of our town for Mr. Adams, as his successor, was unequivocally shown; and when this patriot stood candidate a second time, and was successfully opposed by Mr. Jefferson, Medford, Nov. 7, 1796, adhered to the son of Massachusetts, in a unanimous vote of 41, given for Benjamin Hall, as elector.

The death of General Washington, in December, 1799, touched every American heart as a family bereavement. Its announcement came to every one as a paralytic shock, and

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