Alexandria daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1803-1808, 1805-08-09


porters of MIR. MsKean: Could they even
by their interposition, uphold it, let them
| consider both from what they have felt and
what they may expect, whether their poll
tical power or civil security will be any way
advanced by retaining Messrs. Dallas 4
Co. in the administration of such a constl-
tuition: to US it appears evident, that a
strong constitution in the hands OF den1a-
gogues, whether they call themselves by
; one name or another, are most destructive
weapons, aud since power is likely to 60
! and be kept in such hands, the only way to
divide and softenits rigour is to render the
form of government purely electlve and an
nual-then all classes of men and denomi-
nations will be sure to come in for share,
and be able at least partially to protect them.
selves againstjfolly, persecution, and lnso.
lence. To test the question, whether this
or freer from of government would be
most advantageous to federalism, let US tor
a moment contemplate. The democrats In
Pennsylvania 10 possession of this constitu-
tion.--a governor for niae years, with such
executive power of appointment and pa
rronage, and his other indirect influence,
would in the completest manner put an end
to the hopes and the efforts of those men
who wish once more to see the reign of con-
sttutiopal principles anc Judicial security.
1t is unnecessary to pursue the reflections
which such state of things suggests; and
that the democrats will get hold of this 60
rernment in Pennsylvania, either at the en-
suing election, or little later, is evldert
to all men who will allow experience and
common sense to direct their judgments.
The cry Of aristocracy, lawyers, courts OF
Justice, the people, &c. &c. will prevail,
and Mr.. M'Kean and his coadjutors, as
well as the federalists, if they join to pre-
serve the constitution, only club their ef-
forts to hand it over to Messrs. Snyder,
Duane, & Co. The truth is, that a good
and perfect constitution, in the hands of
honest and Intelligent men, IS great bless
ing, but In the hands ofienorance, passion,
aud party, it must tend to sanction and per-
petuate error, innovation any tyranny.
These considerations should at least al
lay the fervour of first impressions, and in
duce federal men to calculate how much is
gained to them and their principles, even if
the constitution is supported: if they sue
coed let them remember that Mr.. M'Kean,
Dallas, aud Co. or Snyder, Duane, & Co.
| will administer it over them.
But again->what rational prospect is
there, that their junction with the consti
tutional party will ensure the election Of
Mr.. M'Kean, or even if it does, thar a
coavention will be prevented? The proba-
| bility is that MIR. M'Kean and his whole
party will be cryed douvn in three months !;
| they will be dentifyed with federalists !;
stigmatised as aristocrats decided as enc
mics OF the people, inundated by threats
and violence, and in shro, be throzvn cut
with utter disgrace. Mr.. M'Kean and his
supporters first corrupted the people, and
then abused their principles, aud disap-
pointed their wishes; nay, more, insulted
their feelings by ignom;nious epithess and
dlsgracefui reflections upon their ignorance
and depravity can any rejecting perscn
knowing the means and the exersions of
the democratic leaders with such facts ard
AiSsSii W hOIk With, GOuOt OUI tHaL the
friends Of the people will overcome the
friends Of MKean : and should Mskean be
elected, still how is the constitution PIE.
served The people may call conventi-
OF themselves, or The bopulay branch do il
for them.
Now, what will be the disgraceful posi-.
ton Of the federallsts, if after so much in
science and injury from the present ruling
party, they join their standard even unso.
llcited, and hnd themselves, at the end of
three months involved with them in utter
ruin and annihilation !? 1t deserves the
grave and deliberate consideration OF all
those who have been thus treated by both
the con,ending factions, what they are to
gain in the struggle by interfering.
1st. Can they be assured that by ioininp