The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-02-02

mate connection may not eXcitc .asp.citls H.
tho bieastsoftheir form@ political associates
and finally cventiate in the to,ai alienation
OF the two parties; shall not step to enc urc
lbelieve thatif should answer all thSse cues
lions in the affirmative, l might find ample
testimony in the page of history, in comhima-
ton of my opinion. But let us take a more
simple view of the subject. We know that
there is no question which excites the ami
mostly of men in so great degree, as that
of an election; and although this particular
election is but in its incipient state, believe
that Hortensius is the only man who can
boast of perfect moderation. In the progress
OF the contest, these sparks of dissatisfacti-
on will be blown up into a flame of open hosti-
iitv. If the coalesced powers should fail in
placing their candidate in the Presidential
chair, wounded pride, and the exultation of
their opponents, will forbid them to return to
the republican fold They Will find much more
consolation among their companions in mis-.
fortune. If, on the other hand, they shall
give to America President, in opposition to
the "great mass" of the Republicans, the
same irritated feelings, the same indignant
resentments, will throw their weight in the
opposite scale to-such an administration
The president then is to be supported by par
ty formed of the most discordant materials :;
and this singular phenomenon viii be exhibit
ed; that OF those who support him, his real
friends will be the minor part whilst his
most nveterate enemies will be the majority.
But most coalitions contain within themselves
the seeds of their own destruction. The fe-
deralists will unquestionaby feel their own
Importance, and put in their claim for some
OF the leaves and fishes. They will assert
their right to have share in some of the
measures OF the government. If the repub-
hcan part OF the administration should revolt
at this, their federal friends will reply, to
this effect: edo YOU claim an; exclusive
fright to dictate the measures of an admins
"tration, which, but for us, would never
shave existedf Have you forgotten alrea-
"dy, the great obligations which you owe to
Gus, for having given you the President of
"yeur choice? Is it consistent with your re-
"fa6Acca maxins, that minority should
govern the majority? Do you not remem-
"ber the time when you were anxious to So
"hcit our support; when VIC found you ma
"ked, and clothed you when we found YOU
"hungry, and fed you; or rather when we
"plcAed you up as an estray upon the high
sway, claimed by no party? But if this APP
"peal to your gratitude is Intellectual, at least
"save lis the painful necessity, of proving by
'our acts, that as we have raised YOU to pow
"er, we can at once preCipitate you from
your elevation 1t is difficult to conceive
ii"" ouIi NoSSHt arguments, SO powerfully
supported, could be overcome. 1t is a dread
full alternative for frail mortality to chuse
between political apostacy, and political am
Inhalation.
But what will be the condition of the wretch
ed president who fills the chair of state un-
der such circumstances? God forbid that
the worthy and respectable man, who is con-
ltemplated as the victim of such an election,
should ever be placed in SO painful a diem
ma. invoke his better Judgment to rescue
himself and his country from such embarrass-
ments. invoke the patriotism of many of
| those gentlemen, whose fervent attachment
and exalted admiration of his virtues, have
transported them beyond the limits of pru-
dence, to pause on the brink of precipice,
which threatens to overwhelm the cause Of
lrepublicanism.
1t was my intention to have concluded my
remarkson Hortensius, in the present num-
Der But the subject in which have en-
gagged, has been SO fruitful in reflection, that
cannot trespass longer on your patience
At another time, shall resume my structures
on Hortcnsius.
| TIJII Ills