The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-03-08

hected through his character There are
men who without the magpanmity of his in
| dependence, yield their opinions and princi-
pies TO the turbulent passions, by which his
conduct is so often governed. There are men
who have marked him as the idol of ado
ration, and who bow, even to his errors.
with all the fear of superstitious credulitv.
\ nat these men should coalcsce with anv par
~ to Promotc his views, was an anticipation
long since formed. Too timid to decide
LOT themselves, they cannot comprehend the
tremendous consequences which threaten
their Country by that course to which they
are impelled by the passions of MIR. Ran
dolph.
n considerable portion of talents, is not ir-
lreconciieablc with the characters I have
spoken OF Even great talents are united with
an imoecliity of mind, which abandons the
Judgement to the influence of habit or passi-
on. mat minority in the Virginia Legis-
iature, should be ready and willing to advo-
a.e ,he election OF any others than the
iavori,e candidate of the republican par
", was to be expected. The principles that
would lead the federalists ON the floor of Con-
greas, to advocate the election of Mr. Burr
against MIR. Jefferson, would lead them to
support any candidate against the voice of
the people. 1t is not because they believe
nm less their enemy, but it is because they
ioresee the division which his nomination
Will produce, and because they know that
| "heh the opinions of mankind are brought
into collision, ambition and self-interest ga
ther the spoils of national discord
| In addition to the Federal members who
| amended the Caucus in the nomination of Mr..
| MONROE, there are discovered the names of
some whom the people have hitherto held
respected for their attachment to the con-
s s.v,. and the liberty of their country
| Whllstit is true that these meetings are a.
IVo"ediy those of men in their individual ca
paclty, yet they are destined to produce 9
weight and an influence which Justify stric-
. .ule ana ammadversion on the opinions of
those who attend them. Whilst it is true,
their acts are not legislative, they are of a
nature to produce the force of la.ys The
right OF opinion hoid sacred--but the right
TO canvass that opinion or to question the mo-
ItiVes OF him who maintains it. if OF g Doi,ti-
cal nature, is no. less So.
With respect to the motives of the federal
Party-to believe that their course has been
oictatcd by their unbiased Judgment, is TO
suppose them guilty Of a species of apostacy,
ulssraceiul equally to their principles and TN
aerstanding Have they forgotten that hfr.
Monroe was denounced BY Cen Wasninr-
'oh-Have thoy forgotten the day of his pYo-
scriptlon asa "Disgraced Minister" by Nir
ADAMS !-Have they forgotten that he was
viewed as the partizan who aided III publish
Ing the disgusting amours OF Gen Hamilton
II they have not, call on them TO ASSIGN one
reason Tor standing forward as his advocate
az TINS crisis! When in the face Of the peo-
PIE whom they represent, men have me firm
ness TO cooperate with those who have been
denounced as the enemy of the people. Ii
berality requires Of US 10 believe, that they
are possessed of such data, as will reconci ie
their conduct with the pubic interest To de-
mana OF these gentlemen the motive Of their
preference, is right which the people have
he sPiendor OF their names and the elevate
on OF their characters give weight to their
lPoltlcal opinions which deserves considera-
ton.
| we are to presume then, that they are pos
sesscq OF reasons which the public interest
requires to be divulged. Ihave in vain Sought
d solution ,for the part which some men have
borne. When refer to the pages of Hor-
tensius, am unwilling to credit the assertion
that It's author has abandoned d character
whom he once honored with such unbounded
confidence. In the frothy garrulity of others.
the features of puerile versatility are strong
~ marked. But the manly mind OF Mr. Hay,
| Is incapable vi those rapid revolutions, which
pity and despise In others. His talents, the
uniformity OF his political opinions, the tex
ture OF his mind, forbid me to believe that
he would suffer his name to be introduced &C
the partlzan of any man, whom he did not look
up to as most worthy the confidence of his
lcountrymen.
The caucus which was held at the capi-
toi discovered All ingenuity of arrangement,
which is admirably calculated to insure the
success OF their course. The celebrity of
great names is designed to mislead the peo-
pie; they give sanction to bad opinions &
decorate errors with the robes of fame But
the people should recollect that hunau,inn esr
erraTe' and the most splendid talents are not
exempt from the truth of the maxim Tha
people should also remember, that the most
capaclous views of practical politics, are con-
nected with feelings which we deny from uo
hey but not from conviction.
PUBLICOLA.
me FosseSsors ofthefrSt Edition Of Blodg-
| eEs ST12LsTLCAL MAMLAL u,.c ,.eS...oo.