Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-03-27
PHOCION.
FOR THE ARGUS.

-
having for many years been honored with
a seat in the Virginia Legislature, I feel a
desire to leave a word of advice, to those
who may aspire to the same honorable sta
ton. l am impelled to this, by some seri-
Gus attacks, that l have lately seen upon
the good old way of electioneering. New
hotions, new practices, and new men, are
starting up every day; so that it appears
as II good old fashioned patriotism would be
rooted out ofthe earth. / never expected
to live, to see, the day when the salutary
influence of Whiskey Treats, and Barba-
cues, IN the cause of Virtue and civil liber-
~, would b. doubted, and snecred at. God
knows that they have been OF Infinite service
to me, x ifmy grey hairs are thus to be bro't
down with sorrow and shame TO the grave,
L will held up both my hands to nv latest
breath, against such unreasonable notions,
and sha,l in this, and some future ESSAYS if
j am spared, endeavor to point out in par
ticular manner the use of good things in
good cause. The main point at which nv
auversarieS appear to he aiming is, that e.
lections should be conducted without Treats,
BaTbacucs or Crations on the last mean,
L shall say but little, for as my good Irish
nclghoor says, respecting me, WAS never
good at the Cab, yet ny Judgment and
heart is OF equal weight with any mans. |
nave served my country for many years
with integrity. A proof OF which is that |
have always voted with the majority, and
can say 1t in truth, that my first getting
into TIE Assembly was entirely owing TO the
tritiins sacrifice of twelve gallons of b. m
dy, and six small Shoats. If il had not
been for the judicious management of these
two articles, my talents, and a heart burn
ing with patriotism might have been buri-
ed in obscurity. The Brandy d stributed
IN those places in my county where the peo-
pie were the least inclined to religion, or
morality, and the Barbacues on the high
est ridges, where the people were poor and
scarce Of meat. l thought this good policy,
tor although some professors of religion,
Will nlbbie a little at "A treat, yet consisten-
cy will make them cavil at the innocent Ii
berty taken at such places, nor can it be
expected that man who keeps good ia
bic himself will give a vote for a meal of
scorched shoat. Thus by bestowing the
good things of this life, where they are
most needed, virtue and talents may be pla-
ced in situation to operate for the good #
mankind. Now l would ask my opponents
where is the sin in all this In the name of
common sense, how are the people 10 know
who has talents and patriotism, unless those
who possess them will come forward, and
tell them plainly that they have them, and
are willing to use them in their service
nay, TO SO farther, to give them a drink of
grog, SSc. to convince them that they have
charity in little things, as well as great
ones So much for the particular means to
be used in the good old way OF bringing
virtue and talents into the Assembly. There
are some general means b. which true pa
triots may gain influenced in the community,
that is, by having 4 particular regard to
the kindly dispositions incident 10 men, s.
parties OF men. A good shake by the hand
with goodly smile, and how does the
good lady the young ladies the boys, &c
Will convince any rejecting man that you
are both Wise & good man. This step must
not be neglected, for it is the pure milk of
human kindness, and never fails to do good :,
unless it be with book worm, or an old
sour Presbyterian. With Tobacco makers
talk freely of Cropping, Plant patches,
prices, &c. With Farmers, of sowing, fall
lowing, sc. With Mechanics, ofthe impor-
lance Of tradesmen to the interest OF socie-
ty With Baptists, of the bane tut influence of
all established systems. With Methodists, of
the great utility of Camp Meetings, &the
benevolent business of selling cheap books.
With regular bred Physicians & Presbyte-
rian preachers, of liberal compensation for
intellectual pains & labors. With Quacks
4 Empires, of the destructive consequent
ccs of Education and the innate powers of
the hUman mInd-and finally, be modest in
presence of we'll read men and very rich
men, and affable and condescending tothe
ignorant, poor, &c. sc. This line of con-
dIct, with a few circular letters and a pack
ct of the acts of Assembly, will generally
keep up the popularity of man, and ena-
bic him to be truly serviceable to his coun-
try.
] was a member in the time that tried
mems souls, that is, when the Assembly
raised their wages to three dollars per day.
At the next election had some difficulties
IN bringing the people right. Some cried
one thing, and some another most said that
it was a downright violation of our duty,
and that it proceeded from having too ma
NY lawyers in the house, that they being u
sed to exorbitant fees, had brought in and
carried the eXccrable measure. What in
creased my difficulties, was, that was adj
vocating young lawyer as my colleague
But SOON convinced the people Of the fall
lacy Of such murmurs Strong arguments
of considerable latitude carried ms point
] told them that the expense incurred by
the house was, real advantage to orr con-
stituents, that the longer the Session, and
the greater the number Of Representatives
the more cash would be in circulation a.
mong the people. That instead Of elcctinc
old plodding Planters, and Farmers, who
must be at home ut a certain period to sec