Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-04-07

sleep. At any rate il must be suspected
that there is snake in the grass-iatet an
gus ia herba, secret spirit OF dissat STAG
ton with the administration of the national
government, must be supposed to exist and
to operate. Why So Has the government
avowed its appreciation fits military chief!
For me, ] acquitthe administration. The
general hsstaken upon himself the respon-
sibility attached 70 his conduct, and upon
his shoulders let it rest. 1t is time, howe
yer, to be explicit upon this subject. l
concede to the administration, integrity and
general ability, but do not agree to the as
cription TO it of that infallibility and per-
lection, the belief of which constitutes, at
the present moment, the criterion of exclu-
sive republicanism. In truth, have heard
so much OF the virtue, the patriotism, and
the perfect wisdom of the present admins
tration that am not anxious TO hear much
more upon the subject. AS surround my-
self with no cquivocations, as envelope
myself with no DISCUSSES, openly and frank
ly declare that am becoming little scep-
teal. 1t may be as dangerous to wander
In the wilds of political as i'll those OF reli-
gious sccpticism, but i must take tho course
pointed out by duty, and risk the conse-
quences.
We must at least be suspected Of being
acter of general Wilkinson. To that off,
Ger have once stood in the relation in
which soldier stands to his general in
that situation / was his friend, and even his
partizan; and l have always considered
him as possessing considerable military me-
rit. will admit, also, that in the present
instance he has acted without corruption,
and has only been more rash and arbitrary
III his conduct, than man OF more pru-
dence and reflection would have been. But
l think l have heard hint that it may
turn out he is entitled to Il statue of gold
Let me forcwarn gentlemen not to commit
themselves in favor of such a proposition
Let them wait the course of events. and
prepare themselves for disclosures, which,
IT | am not mistaken, will convince every
one that such measure would at least be
extremely improper. Whatever rumors
may have reached Us this morning from the
western world, / should have held very
decided language upon this subject yester-
day. II there is TO be golden statue in
the case, should prefer giving 1t to the
gentleman from Delaware, who mas drawn
our attention TO the present subject OF dis
cussicn as the agitator, however, OF sub
ject, the agitation of which was extremely
desirable, and, i'll my apprehension, indis-
pensibly necessary, he is undoubtedly sniff
emily rewarded by the consciousness OF ha-
wing performed what he deemed his duty
Again and again warn gentlemen TO aban.
don the idea of a statue of gold From the
same quarter we are told that the SaIxS
fofHli may have required and my iustify
the lea aufirema or military despotism
This doctrine is unknown to the constitute
ON. That sacred record OF our rights pro-
claims ftsey and itself alone (and the pco-
pie, when they adopted it, ratified the de-
cree) the lee SUPREME, the "supreme law
ct the land" 1t acknowledges no superior.
1T contemplates no case in which the law
OF arms can erect thrcne upon its ruins.
Again, we nfust be prepared for the in
situation that we countenance treason, and
sympathize with traitors. 1t is surely
wrong at this time 20 make our walls echo
and re-echo, and the ndsSarcund us sing
the charge of treason. Sub JUDGE lis esq.
Letthe courts decide. lhaye not seen " one
Jot or title" OF evidence to prove the uh-
fortunate persons now in confinement gull
~ OF treason. Probably they may have
been guilty of misprision or mere know
ledge of meditatcd treason and at all e.
vents their conduct has been such as to re-
enire years Of sincere repentance to res
tore them to the confidence of society and
their country. But upon general pTinci-
pies, without reference to any particular
case, hope that the resolution, which only
contemplates the appointment ola commit
tee, for the purpose of inquiry, will not, by
any side way operation, be defeated and
destroyed.
Mr.. SLOAN. Like the gentleman from
Vermont who has Just SAT down, / had a
great desire yesterday to eChreSS a few
words ON the motion before the House, but
j was not able 20 get a chance to address the
House ut that time. j must now beg leave
20 detain the House some time longer than
would have been necessary then, in conse-
quence of the lengthy speech we have
heard from the gentleman from Vermont.
That gentleman has said he will not only
protect the constitution, but if it must die,
he is willing to perish in its ruins. That
gentleman erfect, alluded to ancient
times, as he often does in his learned way !;
when he made tha9 figure, I erhect, to the
case of Sampson, who after the loss Of his
sight, also persisted in the ruins Qffhe de8-
tTRcHoH which he had made.
beg leave to ask whether this GENTLE
mans sight does not also begin to be dim
med IS SampsoD's was. He says he begins
70 doubt the wisdom of our present admins
tratlon, and the wise measures they pursue.
I cGHecf the sight Of that gentleman is not
only dim, but Pm afraid he will be soon
perfectly blind.
Some time ago, the gentleman from Yer
mont exhibited scene Of proficiency which
was never before paralellcd in this House.
lie brought forth nine resolutions at oncc