Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-01-27

E"E "EH 10 SSIOe GNo!HcT constitutional
terra.
MIR. SPEAHER-I rise to call the attcn-
ton of the house TO a subject which deem
OF considerable Importance TO our country.
When It IS recolicc cd thot the term for
which the chief magistrate Of the II States
hath been elected, viii soon expire /; it be-
comes necessary for us to make the ero,,i
ry, What citizen will it he proper to select
to Il the presidential office for the next
term! Two characters have been menti
oned in the public prints, who wculd Draba-
bly, be brought forward as candidates for
that high Office confess that should be
satisfied with MIR. Madison as president,
d | confess that I should be satisfied with
Mr.. Monroe rs PRECEDENT; but. under ex-
listing circumstances, | must declare that
prefer Mr.. Jefferson to either Of them.
1t IS known, that very serious differences
nave taken place between this country and
SPAN, respecting the boundaries Of I.ouis-
ana. These differences have arisen during
the administr iion Of Mr.. jefferson, and in
consequence Of the purchase of that terri
tory. 1t IS fair therefore that his adnIini-
stration should continue until these differ
eHccs are brought TO a termination favora-
Die ana honorable to the United States
AT least tu!l opportunity ought to be giv-
en- to him jOr accomplishing that desirable
object. And ] should be sorry for any rea-
sons, that the two gentlemen, whom have
mentioned, should be brought forward as
rival candidates at this Hmp.--There are
rs yet many federalists dispersed through
out the union. Serious apDrehcnsions OF
danger are entertained from the disturban-
ces IN the west; and dissentions exist even
among the republicans Themselves. This
would he contest, not about political
principles, but between persons who have
eSpoJ.cd the same DriuciD es. What MIGHT
be the result OF the contest. Il is impossi-
bic TO .nrcaee: But it would aft rd too much
cause 20 fear that the differences Of opini-
on, which nov exist, and which in them
selves arc bu. trivial. might be increased
TO dangerous magnitude. Such an event
IS at all times tn be deprecated, but more
! espcciaiyGo ut the present. AZ this sine
republicans ought 20 be united ] am deci-
dedly in favor Of such measures as will
tend, most likely, Co produce concihation.
With these impressions operating uDon
my mind, feel tho fullest conviction, that
= ccrrec. policy dictates TO us the Drnuric-
ty Of addressing Mr.. Jefferson Upon this
subject, for the purpose Of requesting him
I'd serve US Tor one term more. shall not
attempt opass any eulogiu,n upon the cha
ractcr Of this pure patriot and enlightened
statesman. His character is known 20 us
all. Indeed the address which shall pro-
pose contains IN 1.-THE highest culogum
But permit me % enquire why Mr. JEFF
fersCn has declared his intention to retire
from Office ut the expiration Of the present
term. The answer must be obvious 70 e
very impartial mind. His sole object is 20
reduce into practice those principles to
which he mas often avowed his attachment
lie has ayowed his attachment 70 the prn-
ciplc Of rotation in the presidential Office,
and he has proven the sincerity Of his at
tashnsns by his conduct. il genNsmsn