Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-02-20
FOR THE ARGUS.
CONCERNING
ELECTIONS AND Pubic DU7IEs.

vi 'll'' country uSI)Snu entirely upon the G.
lections. Every citizen in this way exer-
cises portion of sovereign power, which
he of his own free will, delegates to others.
we have no other means for safety, no o.
ther resosrces for succour, except in the
virtue, talents and faithful conduct of our
representatives. If these fail, public tran
guilty will be endangered, and public in
tercsts will be neglected lfthey are che
rished, public rights will be secure.
Although these are the first rudiments
OF political science, although no man ever
PreSnmes to utter an expression which
might controvert these principles, it is
nevertheless obvious, that but few elections
are conducted with views which solely re-
gard the public welfare. Private ambition,
personal friendships or hatreds, have Of
ten had predominating influence, as well
IN the minds OF the most intelligent, rs in
the momentary and cffervescent decisions
OF the busy multitude. Electors, By one or
another of these causes, have often been
induced to vote in way, but little calcula-
ted to promote the interests of their coun-
try, or to meet the appreciation of their own
conScenceS
lntrigues, popular noise, and sometimes
detraction and sarcasm have deferred men
OF worth, even from making known, that
they arc willing to discharge the duties of a
representative, the public have thereby
frequently lost the benefits of the best
talents of the country, while public
places and trusts are occupied by others
OF inerior endowments The best talents
being thus sometimes lost to society, the
great duties of legislation have been conf
ded to men, who do not pretend TO any bet
ter qualifications, than to Judge with can
M Wifi into
propositions of others.
Although these are evils as far as they
so, yet it has never happened at any time,
that the legislature has been entirely com
posed of such, as possess only the negative
qualities which have been noticed. The
country is extensive, the representation is
numerous, and every session produces some
young men of eminent talents, who not on
lv give ardent proofs OF their patriotism,
but great reason to anticipate their future
usefulness. These are not only truths, but
Consultations.
1t must not be understood from these
remarks that the best talents on sht always
to be employed in Legislative trusts: Plain
integrity ought TO be preferred TO brilliant
talents, whenever the posses ,or of the lat
ter, either as relates to his private or mo.
raj department, or political sentiments.
deserves not the public confidence. It is
entirely. impossible TO prescribe any genc-
raj data by which the public sentiment
ought to be directed, or to which candid
reference might be made: as much as
ought to be hoped for is to excite the peo-
pie to calm enquiry, and to use their votes
IN the way best calculated to prevent pub
lie mischief, as well as to promote general
benefits
These observations will unfold the course
OF reelection which has occupied my mind,
and will explain the general principles
which ought to operate with the people in
relation TO elections. Whether therefore,
1t may proceed from the impu'sions of pri-
vate inclination, or the will of others, that
any one now or hereafter be considered a
candidate, let these explanations suggest
the manner in which he ought to be consi-
dcrcd, leaving the result to the decision
OF those to whom the constitution and laws
have delegated the right and power oe dc.
| Gliding. If it should ever be the lot of sue,
candidate to receive sufficient number o.
| voluntary votes (and no others ought to be
sought) to cntitle him to the importaa,
trust, it will then become his duty, and
ought to be his pride, to shcw that the trust
was mcrited.
| a young man Just stepping upon the
! public theatre, or totally unknown in the
! political world, will not at once approve oi
these declarations and explanations my
answer to him is short. / write TO instruct
and not toplease.
| IN pronouncing new opinions, or in tore
| telling the inevitable consequences, TO re-
suit from particular course of public mea-
sures, may perhaps appear to be the foe
( ot particular individuals, when my hostility
/ Ott deserves that appeIlation) will relate
only TO the measures, III the execution OF
! which they may be considered only as the
/ temporary instruments and If the stations
! which they occupy had been filed by others,
| the individuals in question would receive no
! disturbance, either from nv opinions or tho
manncrin which they may be promulgated
These observations are. here, the more
necessary. because before ] lay down my
/ pen, shall make free remarks concerning
some matters of publicnature, which have
[ demanded, and will again command the at
| tention Of the Legislature. Perhaps too,
! some conspicuous individuals may believe
/ that personal injury is intended towards
! themselves. Let itsufhce here to say, how
| ever freely ] may utter opinions, however
| they may seem Co initiate Against indivi-
duals, that ! viii not bcstow towards any
/ man remark which ought 70 excite his
individual disapprobatiOn. will have the
/ charity 70 suppose that he is the honest
! executor Of his own honest opinions. I
| shall steadily direct nv attention to the
/ public Interests, and shall not pause or
lob q