Alexandria daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1803-1808, 1808-05-11


aes. We will endeavor to expose its defects,
in points more important thar those, which
present themselves, when viewed as a comic
itioa.
He commences with maint aiming, that the
proper place for discussing the matter of col
Chickering'S letter, was the senate Of the u. s.
this we admit. But was there any oppor.
tunity of SO doing Is it not universally
Known, that the injudicious precipitation with
which the embargo act was hurried Though
Doth houses. put down every attempt at inYes-
tigation Did not the minority cali earnestly
and repeatedly for Information, which was SO
often denied Was there, amidst general
confusion, room for rational debate. And is
it lust that Col. Pickering should be blamed
for the sins of others. for those very faults
which Mr.. Adams was SO ready to commit !?
Instead Of attempting to sinoothe over his
conduct and give satisfaction to the nation on
this all important point, Mr.. Adams gravely
tells US, that the law is entitled TO the respect
of every virtueus citizen-IA is is miserable
evasion. As the supreme power can make
and unnake, the people must obey It's will
But is it criminal to enquire why we should
submit. Are the Congress to break through
the constitution and impose any laws, howe
yer arbitrary, and the eyes the nation to be
c'ose13 Mr.. Adams has doubtless. .ransac-
,ea his brain to invent this novel doctrine, but
we are plain men, and can affirm, that the ma
ton is net to be dipped by one professor Of the
iacehinic school.
The i'll effects Of Col. Pickering's letter,
are painted in the strongest colors. It is said
10 be an ataeai. What idea is intended to be
conveyed by this word is doubtful. II he
means, that being dissatisfied, with the mea-
sures OF government, Col. Pickering dared to
state the case to his country, We cannot see
how tbs can be Construed into crime. Is
il net the sacred duty ct G representative of
the people, to inform them OF che state of al
fairs--to expose if necessary, the policy of
goyernment, and iii all instances to take care
that they be not blindcd as to Their interests
The constitution, ia It's spirit and letter, qua
rantees the right. Has Gel. Pickering vio-
lated their principles !? We appeal to the
cool Judgment every unprecedented man, if
his conduct be not. in this respect, strictly
correct A gain If that appeal, DIS it is termed,
be erroneous and improper, let the world de-
tide, but Lei us not stiie truth. Mr.. Adams's
party have always prbtessed to try these con-
duct by their standard, and we only ask the
privilege OF rule which they declare uner-
ring and invaluable,
Mr.. Adams dreading the Influence If
the uuhs contained 10 col. Pickerirg's let
ter. asserts that it IN ass oduce Que of,wc
effects, either hat The iegisla,ore OF his
state wua!d cot enormously on MANY to
pics, because OF the partia!s>atemsa, 10 ;has
letter, OF tia, il wo4ld change their seo,i
nenis respecting The election Of governor.
The FIRST charge cannot possibly be correct.
Because, ,hc sc laying an ebnbargo, had
been IN all its bearings and consequences,
previously inves,lg at>d---the publ, oplsi, n
was se.tled, and II bad been extoilsd, 50
., sSuye,iusi aod polite. This senslm-ns
pervsded the Legislature of thai state. Col.
Pjckesing seowas aJederahst Hls clear
aud coyreGt statements. were bsaEded wiib
the n,oal abusive sesms, aud his SOLEMN
appeals 70 lheir patriotism, were passed
By auheeded. Hos :han was i. poss bic
mat col. Pickering lesier could overcome
all their o5siaclcs, and wofk ,bat m,gh,
" change so much feared By Mr.. a.
dams? N7g ask, has any thing like this
happsaed.
Tas seoond charge IS ridicu!oua. Where
IS The proof tina, col. Pickerlos' letter was
inteasled for any such purpose Had il been
w,i,,en rs wi4h ''sno beam. "ls would re
yer have produced the 81 gliess cs'soge Of
seotiraens Is tue mass ofshr people Of that
s,s,e, for hey arc biladed by he arts ct de.
m4crscy, aud the voice Of inspiration itse!f
would be uauo,iced. II Mr. Adams per-
cs;yes this wonderful reeolus,on Of senti.
r,ep.. he mast sseribe II 70 the pressure Of
the ecsbasso, aud other measares Of govern
men; lily uGjas'. As Tor his OBI ~ciiaas
u-,sa1 ~ the efases reialVe TO he