Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-03-04

'heretorc conhne myself to that, which is urged
WY" the most confidence and industry. This
orJest'on reases TO nay profession. II is true,
'hae am oy profession. Lawyer; If this be a
crime' cannot plead innocence but if 10 be a
Lawyer IL not a crime, am astonished it should
% considered disqualification for Office. The
time, nus,, has TO, arrived in this country when
men are te be prescribed on account of their ppr.
suits and avocations in life. If such principle
was once sanctioned, the poison which 1t con
'ains would soon diiiuse its baneful influence o.
yer the whole political body. II would extend
nor only to trades and professions, but TO creeds
and opinions; and instead Of beholding few
prescribed individuals, we should see the same
system OF intolerance and persecution extencin 3
,,seif to whole SEES and communities of people.
frem political intcler ance, the transition would
Dc extremely easy to religious persecution. The
freedom of opinion would no longer be tolerated
onc portion OF society would be aTrayed against
another; many Of! cur most virtuous and eulight-
eheo Citizens would be excluded from Offices, OF
honor' proh' and uust, not for want of talents,
not tor want of pure and iisirterested zeal for
the public happiness ard prosperity. but because
their religious or political opinions might not be
deemed orthodox ny the prevailing party OF the
day. he Hydra of persecution would again
rear R'efest. and tear asunder all the chords of
Socia, intercourse, of private & public confidence
founded on these narrow and Liberal principles
me statesmen and the sages WHO formed that
charter were well aware, that the merits of men
are not measured by theirpursuits in life or their
religious or Politicai Opinions The objection
now made 10 Lawyers is of modern date. live
look back to the commencement of our revolu-
uonaty struggle with Great Britain, We shalt
no' zee tha' tne lawyers of that day, were the
last 20 step forward and vindicate the rights of
theIr Country ard humanity. When the house
or Burgesses in Virginia, was charmed and e.
ieetIshec by the resistiees eloqncnce Of a Henry
truth ana reason were 10, supposed TO lose III il
inaacace and the.s energy, because they came
from ne mouth ct a Lawyer. When NJ the
present moment we are IN the habit of euogizng
tue great and enlightened Citizen, WHO now adj
ministers our government, we do not CONCEIVE
that the lustre of his virtues or the wisdom of
ms administration diminished or obscure,,,
oecsuse he has heen one CT the distinguished or.
nane'rts OF the bar. To these llustrious exam.
pies may also add the names Of Pendeton
and ! Wylke.
Having stated my pTeiensions TO your su.fra
ses'i have dane what conceived TO be NV du
ts--H IS now yours to compare my qualifications
WIN those or my Competitors; IL you think
! 'neirs superior 10 mine, yon have an uneuestion
ao'e right 10 sl in conformity to that epinion .
h"s 1t you think proper TO honor me with ycur
confidence, pledge myself that the ,alents
possess shall be exertcd to promote the rencral
weitare' the harm. any, and happiness of NV fei
low Citizens. an, respectfully,
WILLIAM B. BANKS.