The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1804-05-09
fUDs GDa11.rec.
RICHMOND ::
WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1901.
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The pubic have already feen in the prof
peetus for this paper, what are the differ
eut topics waich it is defined to take in,
and what are the principles which it is de-
terInined To purfue, in the iaveitigation of
party or per56Ha!queltionS. This plan was
not drawn up from any allurement or tenn
porary interet: nor did it flow from any
of thoie traniitory convictions which conti-
nue. in the mini only long enough, TO pro-
duce a marked inconf1ftsacy between our
projections and our pra2ice. From the
moment wren the Editor began to.read, 20
convcrfe aud to meditat. with any iuccefs,
on GIoieSt5 Of genera importance, tloie 20
pics became interesting to his mind thoie
principles were elevated into objects OF his
higheh appreciation. To excite the curiosi-
ty Of the people on tue great changes which
areeveryinit int taking place in the condition
OF fociety to make them more vigilant
in the conduit CT their o,v:, officers, and
on the aiaiYist-ation 2ftbtir b16'ic affairs;
to bring before them the brighteit 3,odnt7i-
ons of their c0untrymen on gene al fhbie6ts,
and to lead them to admire and initiate the
efforts of genius; to fpread before them the
great principle OF eisHce, and to give them
ga feufe exquilitely keen,"to all thofe ever
varying delights, over which Literature pre-
hdes; TO encourage as much OF the fpirit of
party asmaybe neceliary forthe calculation
of unfettled truths, without mixing up with
1t any OF the grofsnefs of vulgar or perlonal
abufe; theie have always appeared to him
to be objects worthy of the labours of any
man, however great his genius, and not be-
yond the attainment of any, who have filf-
ficient zeal TO puriuc them. On the extent
of his OWE rej0tUcet, the Editor is not pre-
pared TO advance any pretenlions, however
iinall, or to difclaim any, however exorbi-
tant. His inattention to thofe practical fiIb-
Jets, which interet the feelngsof others, &
his ignorance even in the ways of the world
may perhaps be compensated by fome lit
file proficiency in theoretical re{aarches.-
But on the ftrength of his seal, he is will
ling to indulge the mott encouraging hopes.
Should his contribution experience no ma
terial change, from the fedentary life which
he has too long palled, and which his pre-
lent purfut viii force him to continue,
he thinks h has little reafon to dread
many deviationS from tine plan, or
much diminution in the zeal with which
he commences his editorial Iabours. He
tondly hopes that whenever the time fhall
come when rccetlity orinclination ihali liz
duce him to abandon his preient purluit,
he may be able to lay his hand upon his
heart, and indulge the confolafofy rehecti-
on, that he has not injured the intereits of
hiS.country, ard that he has not distorored
The high prerogative OF the prei5, or his
own HCEiO. ~ honour.
Without meaning to compare his hum
bic Office with the high Office OF the first
magiftrate in our country without mean
IN, - place h;1nieIf on footing with the
man who now reflects 70 much lufre even
upon this nigh Office it1eif, he will venture
TO apply to mis- own functions the following
remarks OF his inaugural fpeech &c fhall
" often go wrong through defect of iudg-
&C ment. When right, | ihall often be
Z" thought wrong b. thofe whole petitions
CIVIL not command view of the whole
ground. l ak your indulgence for my
" own errors, which will never be intenti-
=" onal and your fupport againft the err
Sc rors of others, who may condemn what
d" they would not, if feen in all its parts"