Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-01-30

not in the cirouitous way of getting the
state legislatures to pronounce their opini-
ons. But we should wish to know in what
manner the executive influence supposed
to be exerted on this occasion could be con-
sistent with that virtue and patriotism
which the gentleman on all occasions is
ready to attribute to the President ?-I.et
US ask too, as that gentleman was one of
the republicans of 1898, whose mcri.ori-
Gus services ought never to be forgotten by
the friends of freedom, whether it is not
equally right to bestow praise discreetly
and moderately on an administration that
deserves it, IN order to encourage the
friends of the people to persevere in doing
we'll and to excite the imitation of their sue
cessors, as II is necessary te declare our
censure oe those who do wrong? Since the
prof1igate administration of John Adams in
1898. deserved and received from that
| gentleman and his political friends the
| sentence of condemnation, the virtuous go-
vernment of Thomas jefferson ought no
less to receive his & their applause /; for it
Is surely as useful, and much more agre e.
able, to give virtue its reward, than vice
| its punishmeM.
The last objection to the resolution was,
that it was intended for electioneerrnc pur-
poses, and that executive influence pro-
! duced this measure, in order to prevent
the reelection Of Mr.. Randolph and his
coadjutors. To this we will only reply,
that, if those who made the accusation be-
lievcd it to be true; they must have had
a very bad opinion Notwithstanding their
own declarations to the contrary of the
President ofthe L. States, rs we'll as ofthe
majority of the Legislature of Virginia a
degrading opinion, which neither party
merited, and which ought to be unworthy
OF further reputation. We cannot believe,
however great the abilities of Mr.. Ran
dolph and his friends, that they are dread
cd in the least by his political opponents.
or by Thomas Jefferson, or that any OF
them would feel regret at seeing him re.
Ielectea, and, even if this were the case.
the President would scorn to exert anv in.
hucnce against him, and the Virginia AS
sembly would disdain to permit il (if ex-
erted) from governing their deliberations.
These remarks have extended to a con-
siderable length but the Importance OF
the subject required them. In our mex,
paper we shall proceed to examine the
proposed address to the President of the
United States.
According to custom with Mr.. Jefferson's
enemies, his communication to CONGRESS-
winch appeared in the last Argus, has prov.
ed that they were mistaken in supposine
he was asleep at his post, and had neglect.
ed his duty, while conspiracy stalked a.
broad through the land. They are indeed
very uniucky; for it uniformly comes &c
pass, before their accusations AGAINST hin,
have had time to produce any effect OF
the pubic mind, that his virtues shine
forth, like the sun from behind a cloud.
and d:ssipate all the vapours they have
raised. 1t is really cruel in him to be AL
ways acting, SO as to increase his popula-
rity, at the very time when those, who wish
him to be doing wrong, suppose they are
on the point of being gratified.-The Sc
crecy which is sometimes necessary for
conducting public affairs, and for the re-
| moval of which his enemies in their haste
to indulge their malignity, are always too
impatient and imprudent to wait, is the
cause of their frequent and lamentabIe dis
appointments. We would, thro' motives
OF charity, advise them to manage their
cards better for the future, and to abstain
from abusing the President, until they are
able TO understand his prccee dings.
|
Our readers are referred to the 4tb page
OF this days paper, for the very ELOQUENT
| opinion of Judge Tucker, delivered in the
Court OF Appeals at the last term, in the
case of Hudgins against Wrights. Judge
Roane's opinion, with the conclusion of the
| q will ha or;,ra, =, -. .-x-..