Alexandria daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1803-1808, 1803-12-30
Fran the Nesu- 1or1 Evsniag Post.
NEW PAMPHLET.
NuMBER VII.

ter. especially considered as a democrat,
much credit -:
q But It IS said tha. Mr.. Jefferson was
intended for the presidency by the parry,
to which Mr.. Van Ness was attached &
their wishes he was bound not to counteract.
This Is a position weaker and Infinitely
more dangerous than the first. hat a
man IS bound to pursue indiscrlmlnately
TIE measures of his party, however unjust
in themselves, or dangerous to the COM
nunity, is a doctrine not novel to this
country, but not the less wicked. hat ia
defiance of his own conviction he shouldbe
driyenby an exasperated party, to the sup
port q measures which he deems hostile to
the prosperity and happiness OF the nation,
ssupposes too outrageous an attack on men
tai independence. to be tolerated tor mo-
ment. IfMr. Van Ness differed IN opinl-
on on this occasion from his party, who can
doubt that he was correct in attempting to
give effect to his sentiments. IN country
where there are no tyrannical rules to res
train. nor bloody inquisition to punish the
freedom of opinion, men are accustomed to
triumphin the uncontrolled expression OF
their sentiments, and Will think differently.
IF he deemed the political talents OF Mr.B.
superior to those of Mr.. Jefferson, and that
the government would derive vigor and
dignity from his administration, which the
INDIGESTION of Mr.. Jefferson's character
could not give it, he was certainly not SIM
gular. The same sentiment may be traced
to many of the best republicans in the coun-
try. and as it is exclusively matter OF OPT
Mon. which is to be referred to the judg-
nent of individuals, who will presume to.
criminate or prescribe those who profess
it? 1t is not within my design to draw at
present comparison between the charac-
tiers of these gentlemen, nor shall ever
arraign the integrity of those who may diff
fer from me on the subject. Itisa specu-
lative opinion, unconnected with principle !"
1t appears from the subsequent passage
that it was at one time a prevalent opinion
with the democratic party in the legislature
at Albany, that Mr.. Burr should be pre-
ferred to Mr.. Jefferson, if they came be-
fore the House of Representatives with an
equal number of votes. Yet have we seen
the Clintonians with equal address and
boldness, make the holding this opinion SO
odious a crime in the eyes OF their party
that every.rnan who could has escaped from
being included in the number Of those who
maintained it.
off there existed the most remote obil-
cation to adhere to Mr.. Jefferson as the
candidate Of patty, it certainly ceased al
ter he had received the fair support OF that
party throughout the United States, and
had been5reiected by the House Of Repre-
sentatives. Upon that rejection every IN
cidential obligation that could have arisen
from party considerations was dissolved,
and the two candidates assumed a new and
distinct character. There is nothing novel
in this opinion. That it prevailed at Alba
nv is unqu, stionably true. 1t was preNa-
lent among those, who were there deemed
leading and conspicuous men. They O.
penly contended that Mr.. Jefferson and
Mr.. Burr, were presented tothe House Of
Representative upon equal grounds, with
equal claims, and expressed strong desire
that Mr.. Burr should be chosen. Among
the warnest advocates Of this opinion was
Mr.. Brockholst Livingston, that honorable
man who now processes great adherence
ofsuch inquitious conduct. | assert this
upon indubitable authority" There
were many others at that time loud and
6old, in their professions of similar sentl-
ments, but Who'll now dare not support
them, and tremble under the rod, which
is suspended over them, by factious ca
lumnators and governmental agents /"
We are now arrived at the most lmpor-
tant and interesting part Of this pamphlet;
the readers particular attention will be well
rewarded. ArIstides in the close Of bis