Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1805-06-12
IL IL Gems Siagfe.l

iceive theu, and 10 adopt the measurc:
they recommend. Now, eonvicffo7r is an
aci of the mind, that can only be produc-
ed by enlightening the judgment, and not
by coercion. The appearance oft may be,
but the reality never can. Where then,
superior powers exist, so far leading 10 in
tolerance, they disclaim il; they contain
4 within themselves happier means for ac-
complishng their purposes. Hence it
happens, that great mind is inioierant.
Why should it be? II may use the ex-
press'on, il brings It's wares to the MARI
kst, and every eye at once acknowledges
kheir superior exquisiteness and quality
Seeing is believing.
The fact is that intolerant minds are
! usually weak; and a secret consciousness
OF detects the fruitful parent oil deceitfn
Il appearances. Such. minds, therefore,
shrink from scrutiny they refuse to take
the common ground of argument; and
they ny from the touch stone of familiar
obser vation.
IL may be further remarked that poli,i-
cal intolerance implies contempt for pub
lie opinion, belief that the great body Of
The people are incompetent TO Judge for
I themselves.
I Let us then cherish mutual tolerati.
on opinion as the sheet anchor of rcpub.
iican power and national happiness. Tf
one Of our associates possess the fore.
going traits OF character, and especially
! !. these traits have shed lustre over his ac-
tons during the periods of political gloom
that have so recently passed, let us not, be-
cause he does not coincide with US in eve.
ry hing, Danish him from our communion
and confidence. flood has not endowed
mn with the same happy intuition we en-
/ loy' let US, while We pity the weakness of
his head, not denounce the purity Of his
! heart.
Let me not be understood as being sles
| sirous OF removing the necessary lines
that distinguish parties in this country.
wo great parties exist, whose priuciples
and measures are a, war with each other.
While each retains its distinctive rrinci-
pie solid or safe coalition is Impossible.
| he attempt would be runous. Blu, ,et
i be recolleeled that the federation here
Inculcated, is confined 10 republicans, 10
nose who possess in common the fnrepo-
ing traits OF characters which are pre-
c'seiy those IN which the federal party
were dehcient when in possession OF pow
er. While, therefore 10 tina, body of men
oeienSs The same freedom Of enquiry with
.has claimed FOR the republicans, they
nave no title to our confidence, unti,thev
abandon their characteristic sentiments.
rue republicanisTn consists, Secondly.
IN GiSrNssl'lg ne Iiroiiriefy IF f1rchoss6 zreG-
'it1es, 'tnae1' a 'acred reshecf for f,4lfh and
fhe influence Of an t'ltr.judleed and nzrin.
famed jzagmenf.
inc republican system is the offspring
OF wisdom, philanthropy. Its sole OBJ.
Ject is the public good. Its sole means
the wisdom and virtue Of the peopIe.
whenever these means do not exist, or
.hese cnfs iailto be accomplished, rsnub-
ncanism is buta name. How then shall
these be attaintd bot by difiusing Informs
.ion IN the shape Of faels and Just reason
ing hey require not the aid Of passion or
sophstry. These are the subterfuaes of
lar Different systems. The people, to
Judge correctly, ought TO keep their minds
cool and unpre. udiced. Every man Eoowz
that this is the only road to prosperity in
private life: aud it is equally so in public
life. FN'''0
But, if my Actions and motives are ss.
sa'ieo with malignant fury by political
opponent, who totally regardless of truth
ca'"mniates my character, shall refrain
from manltcsting my resentment by retail.
auon This must depend on The nature of
me hbsl and the source from which IL
flows, In most cases, however atrociops
The libel, il will not touch the charsaerat
which il is Ieyelled. Scurrility carries
With Il its own sHtido,e and such Is the
debssed state Of the press, that il is rene-
rally considered as the homage paid to
distinguished merit.
ffae.se l..
replies are necessary; but there are none
W which the vndication Of the character
OF good and great man requires resors
20 scurrility. Let then the enemies &c
our republican institutions enjoy the nm
env'ed distinction Of monopoiisine defa-
NATION IN ailiis atrooious hues, end lei ;1s
trends never adopt the pretext Of ,yrenfs.
mat g9ou ends sanaify bad means.
10 the ih'rd place, genuine republican.
's'n consists IN reso'ufefg going, hozosVcras
. utFiOglCc qigfG \ s.t-..