Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1808-09-13
RI C II NJ o N d :
CURSORY REMARKS UPON THE
TIMES

The times are SO completely> checkercd
with various culored politicians, and incon-
sistent movements, that it is almost im..
possible 60 present distinct and perspicu-
Gus view. Parties arc forming IN every di-
rection, hut it does not require the ken OF
inspir alton, to foretell that they will all as
semble in the hill OF the minority This
party has sounded the buglc-horn, and eve
.ry KIND OF malcontent from the ambitious
aspirant, down to the penny-making buck
sIer, is pr epared to unite in the chase. No
velty has charms toinfatuate the ignorant,
and ambition points out a prospect to de-.
luie the uniformed. Human nature, IL seems,
will always go in pursuit of the painted but
terfiy, and never viii be content with the
enjoyment OF the ant. The miser collects
heard upon hoard, but never will be rich.
Man may possess every earthly enjoyment,
and never will be happy. The politician
may fill an Office, but he will be unfortunate
for greater, and the conQuerer, like Sc
sostris, may harness his kings, but then he
is dissatisfied without the world. These
reflections would almost lead TO u concur.
renee with the theorist, who declares that
man is unfit for political happiness We
hope, however, that by timely exercise of
virtue and independence. that this awful
crisis, if it is ever to arrive, will, at least,
by these means, be postponed. We have
now enjoyed for almost eight years, an adj
ministration, whose instalment has been an
nually admired with the loudest applause
1t is now, however, said to have abandoned
its first principles, and to be under the in
fuence of an European tyrant.
These charges bring the people directly
in issue, and the questions which result for
their consideration, are simply, whether
Mr.. Jefferson has forgotten these principles,
and whether he is the dupe of Bonaparte.
In order TO subs.antiate the first charge,
IL is necessary to prove some violation of the
constitution
1t is upon this ground that the friends Of
Mr.. jefferSIn ought TO meet his opponents
with peculiar confidence, and it is upon this
ground that we pause for moment, to con-
template the beauties of the prospect
When We look behind to the pc rilous peri
cd of '93 and '99, when federalism assumed
an alarming character, which threatened
the dowfal OF republicanism, we shall find
the sP'ritof'76 coming forth, to smantle the
hypocrites in power, and to elect Mr.. JEFF
ferson, as its true, ihheXible friend. 1t is
perfectly unnecessary TO look at the initial
years Of his administration, because the We
ry party which now appears in this hostile
attitude, was amongst his most tervent and
noisy admirers
1t is only within the two or three years
has appeared against the administration
When it is recollected that MIR Jefferson
had determined to retire after the present
term, IT may, perhaps, shed some light up
Oh the views az the Opposition. That as
tl'er ambition cosld not be gratihed upon
C.l principles, they were determined to try
new ones. Is II not a fair Construction, sfc-
cording t. the theory OF the passions, that
when violence appears in the place of rea-
son, and resentment in the place of convic-
ton. that the conscience mas little or no con-
Germ in the affair. If we turn to the cele-
brated protest of last winter, we shall find
that it Is entirely fashioned after this spirit
When symptoms OF this kind appear, they
present AN uneIring index as to the nature
and object of the opposition.
Agreeable TO the distinction of respect.
able writer upon this subject, factions are
either real or personal-the first proceeds
from principle, and the last from luminosity,
and mos frequently arise from us trifing
cause as the Civil Wars of Morocco, about
the difference of complexion Few persons
can be at loss in which class to assign the
minority.
But they tell US that the principles of '76
are forgot. AS = know of none of these
violations, it is impossible for us to antci-
pate them. When we look for them, we
hnd in their stead, nothing but satisfaction
and applause among the people, without the
smallest tint of suspicion.
1t is 10 be supposed, that if he had en-.
trenched upon the constitution, if he had
made any incurson upon individual rights,
or If he had extended his powers beyond
their compass, that he would not have met
with grateful applause, much less an anxi-
Gus solcitude for his Continuation. SO far
from being guilty of any infraction, VIC find
h'm putting into practice, an important
principle, which has been omitted in the
constitution, that rotations in Office are ne
cessary in republican governments. Where
then, has the principles of re been broken
or forsaken? lis impossible for us to re-
flute the charge by facts, the anus hrobandi
lies upon them, and until some sort of evil
dence is presented, we are to suppose that
none such exists. The other wonderful
charge is Of the same Polypus description,
you may cut and dissect it, but it will al
ways be alive.
In despite Vi every thing that can be said,
the charge Of French influence is repeated.
No fact has heen advanced to prove IT,, but
Is merely inferred from the course Of con-
duct which has been pursued in regard 70
Great Britain. This constructive III will a.
gainst the one, and affection for the other,
has been the h7b6y horse Of every anti-mi.