The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1807-12-24
IHE E.NQUIRER.
RICHMOND, DECEMBER "a, 1907.
MR.. JEFFERSON's RETIREMENT.

MR.. JEFFERSON's RETIREMENT.
We have this day to announce Mr. LETTER.
sens retirement from Office, after the eXpira-
tion of thepresent term. His reasons for that
dct erminationsare developed in his beautiful
address to the Legislature Of Maryiand.*-
They are worthy of himself; they are wor-
thy of his cause; they are worthy of the re-
public.
MIR. Jefferson has correctly stated the con-
sequences of system OF government, which
does not acknowledge some termination to
the services of a chief magistrate" He has
also correctly stated that there are only two
methods for establishing that system. Thrust
either be .f,rcd by The constitution, or SUBJ
f'lied by Practice. 1t is as much subject
of establishment to us that some effort has
not been made to amend the constitution in
this respect, as it is a source of exquisite sa-
tisfaction, that Mr.. ]. attempted to supply
the dCf,ct by his Practice.
There is no light in which we can contem-
plate MIR. Jefierson's retirement, that does
not shed the strongest lus,re of appreciation
or the act and on the man. His character
has now attained q maturity of virtue, which
may defy all the caiumnies of his enemies
and must command the veneration OF poste-
rity.
If MIR. Jefferson had been ambitious, he
would have eagerly retained an office, to
which he had been eagerly invited by SO ma
ny Of his co;lntrymeG. If he had been am
bilious, but at the same time fearful of be-
ing thought so, the present crisis of our coun-
try would have afforded a sufficient cloak fer
his ambition. White a formidable foreign
warts lowering in our horizon, many enlig ht-
encd patriots nave deemed it advisable that
he should retain the helm of Statc-Many
who have opposed his reelection on the prin-
Ciple OF rotation, are willing to sacrifice this
principle to the present cXigencies of our af-
fairs; and it would have been no difficult
matter for him to have retained his Office,
without having in the smallest degree APP
peared to desire it.
IL he were not actuated by the sinccrest
regard oprnCiple, the present times would
have afforded him dispensation from its OBJ
Servancc --Bnt Mr.. Jefferson more wise than
some OF his countrynen, easily perceived
that this principle vas superior to all conSi-
derations ard to all crises.
Had he consented to serve in compliment
to the present emergency, how easy would it
be for a successor, less virtuous & more ambi-
tons than himself, to seize upon any lowering
speck in the distant horizon, perhaps to con-
jure up an imaginary danger, that he might
shield his ambition under similar excuse !!
Mr. JeEerson's retirement wrests this
pla, sble prctext from the hands Of his success
sors They viii see from his example, that
no crisis, however fruitful in danger or in
war can justify the prolongation of their term
of Office.
Had Mr.. J. resumed this Office, in compile
ment to the invitations he has received, an
ambitious successor might resort to the same
apology. 1t would be easy for such Presi-
dent to collect few ycnal voices in his be-
half, scrape together some scanty addresses,
and impose them upon the world as the deli
bcrate voice of the nation. The "crook d
back" king of England has already set him
this notable example.
Mayor. 10, good my lord your citizens en-
treat you.
Bpe@. Re.cse not, mighty lord, this prolier'd
love.
C.aes. o, make them joyful, grant their lawful
suit.
Gle. Alas, why would you heap these cares OH
nc
am unfit for state and majesty
DO bcscCch you, take it not amiss;
cannot, nor VIII not, yield to you
W:ii you enforce HE TO q w',rld Of cares
Well, Call them again am not made of stone.
Exit Cates6y
But penctrablc to your kind entrcatcs,
Alb:it ago.nN my conscience and my SOUL
Re-enfer buckingham, and herest.
Cousin of Buckingham, and sage, grave men,
Since you Will buckle fortune on my back,
To bear her burden, whe'r will or no,
must nave patience 20 endure the load
Bit if black scandal, or .fac'd reproach.
Attend the sequel of your imposition,
Your mecr enforcement shall acluittance me
From all the impure blots and stains thereof;
For God doth know, and you may partly see,
How i.r arr :, "a the desire Of this
We repeat these words with infinite plea
sure, as it not long since that they were
quoted by the federal editor, to show that
the addresses to Mr.. Jefferson were but re-
petitions Of the same disgusting nockery, and
tn At ike the ambitious tyrant Of EngiaEd hc
would consent to have fortune 5pciied on his
beek.-"I thank thee, Jew (Mr. Coieman) for
using those words"
Had Mr.. Jefferson consented 20 serve from
the consciousness of superior talents to
promote the interests of his country, the same
sirnilar answer addressed to the Legisla-