Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-12-01

Na'uC iOI SlSlI mScllH5I ".iCi ~ HsIS u SeaN'i-
ably To be expected that those materials
would be obtained.
1T has been suggested that the remarks
| IN the last Argus, ON Mr. John RaadoIh'S
| political character, were improper, as ten
dingto discourage an independents conduct
in the members of congress; that Mr.. Ran
doLfh has done no more than exercise his
privilege of opposing the administration,
whenever he dsapproved their measures
and that 1T every person is To be held up TO
the Indignation of his countrymen who pre-
sumes to differ with the executive, time
serving and favor-seeking disposition may
generally prevail, directly subversive of
the spirit and object of our republican in
situations. The last position is unquestion-
ably correct; and no one woald feel mere
regret than the writer OF these remarks, n
they tended in any degree to produce such
a lamentable effect. But he conceives there
| is very wide difference between that no.
BILE independence OF mind, with which
member of congress ought TO view the mea-
sures nfthe executive; that cardor and inn
Partially which approves with pleasure,
where it can with justice, and ccnsnres
with firmpess where the voice OF duty re-
qurcs it; and that morbid irrtability
which induces an indiscriminate disappro-
baton of every thing that is done, merely
because 1t is done by certain individuals at
whom offence has been taken.
Conduct proceeding from motives of the
| former description deserves encourage
ment and applause: the latter cannot be
too severely censured. as evincing spirit
of malice and misChievous ill-wiil, eX-
tremely injurious to the interests of the
public, and inconsistent with the charac-
1 4 p
| from the general course of Mr. RQHdcifh'S
conduct in congress for some time past,
that re is actuated by this factious spirit of
hostility against MIR. jefferson and Mr. Ma
Olson, and some other excellent citizens,
who are Justly esteemed and beloved by
| great majOritv oftrue republicans through
ont the United States. He never scrup'es,
on all occasions, 70 express in the warmest
! language his dislike and contempt of all
who differ with him in opinion. He throws
awav his friends without the smallest hesi-
tation, when ever they will not subscribe
to his iafailbiiity.
This beng the case, those WHO still es-
! teen the present administration ct the 60
vernncnt of the United States tobe purely
republican and patriotic, and are ofopinion
! Chat it never has deviated from the prin-
ciples which it professed 1T its commence
! accused by Mr. Randoihi, are not to blame
! for taking sometimes the same liberties
with him, which he constantly takes with
his political sdversaries, and for occasion
ally handling him with some severity. 1t
is surely the duty of the friends Of the wor-
thy statesmen who conduct our public af-
fairs at present, TO vindicate their mea-
sures, Whenever they are upjustly attack
cd ; conceiying as they Go, that on the sue
cess of those measures the duration OF
peace, of liberty, aud of every thing dear
to freemen most certainly depends. In
doing this they are excuSable in pulling
the poisoned arrow from their shields, and
sending it back against their enemies II
Mr.. Raudsihh exercises his privilege in
opposing the Admiu,s,rat OIL, the iTieuds
of the Administration are only exercising
their privilege in opposing him.
The only questions, in ali cases where a.
ny person expresses Misrepresentation of the
government, ought to be, is that disaPpro
baton we;I-founded? and does it procceC
from good motive II IL rs 7veH-I2UD
dsd, the motive ought not to lie regarded
blt if III {ourded an enquiry into the TAO
live may with propriety be made. If thC
motive is pure, no blame should be at
t,ched to the individual entertaining tht
opinion, however erroneous 1t may be : bu
unjust abuse Of the measures o. government
proceeding ron malicious a. factious no
dives, il certainly a fair object for satire
and rePrcof.
s-
] r L.