Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1808-02-12
Dtrgtnta Argst6.
R I C H NJ o ND:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1905.

II is with regret we observe the iucrca.s
ing symptoms OF an approaching schisn ~
;S,,s .he republicans m this state. That
uenerence OF opinion relative to the choice
VI PRESIDENT which at first appeared to a.
:e 1ny from the Partially of personal
hIenGshIp, seems now to be growing in,o,
contest OF principle, and attempts are MD
TO draw broad line of distinction be,vt.s,,
me friends of Madison and Monroe.
we originally fattered ourselves that the
advocates TOR Col. Monroe's election would
not endeaVor to promote his interest bv de-
preciating the character of Mr.. Madison
(Which ought to be so precious in the onini.
OF every good republican, or by attackinp
the measures of our present excellent adj
ministration. But we now begin TO perceive.
with sincere concern, that the influence az
parry spirit, In one of its worst shapes. il
ABOUT to be experienced among us-that
i'ch' VINO eau themselves republicans, and
were Away hitherto supposed to merit that
name, are willing, in order to gratify their
attachment TO one worthy character Of their.
own party, to destroy the weli-earnel re-
P-'atlon OF another, who was once esteeafed
the lmpregnable bulwark of their cause.
ana VINO 1--WE trmly believc) has never, by
single act or mis-, deservedly forfeited any
part of his exalted reputation.
ihere was time when James Afzdfso,,
was admitted TO be the founder and immoy.
able supporter of our excellent federal con-
.st'ution, when his admirable ana inv :ncibIe
report III defence of John Iaylor's resoiu..
ions, on the subject of the aiien and sedi.
ton laws, diffused the light of political wis
aom among the people, and sounded the
kneii OF tyranny and oppression when those
who now say they have strong reasons fo,.
.preferring Mr.. Monroe to him, admired and
revered him as their grand apostle and
champion. The same men still pre- end to
oestow their uniform applause OH the mea-
sures OF the present administration, with
Whicn Mr.. Madison is certainly identified /.
they have not yet denied that those mea-
sures which he has latterly proposed or
concurred IN, during period of our rational
affairs, so truly difficult and emba rrassine-
as TO have required the utmost exertions
OF wisdom and virtue for the public good.
nave met with their appreciation yet they
ihSinuaic mat there is some important OBJ
lection to him, which has hitherto been hid
den behind the curtain; that they have in
store some terrible accusation, which, when
revealed, is to destroy his character in the
opinion of the public, and blast his pretea.
sions to the presidential chair.
Several hints to this effect have been dronl
ped IN certain publications on the @de of
Soi. Honroe; 1t being suggested that his
Iriends CONCEIVE an essential and radical
distinction to exist between him and MIR.
Madison; that their duty to their country.
their Political integrity aud indeEendence
compel them 20 support the former in pre-
terence to the latter. II such is the case.
they must mean TO say that there is an inn
portant difference in the characters of Ma
olson and Monroe that one is inferior 70
the other IN purity of principles, in patfi-
otlsm or in virtue.
Being sincerely convinced (as we always
nave teen) of the exalted merit of Col
Monroe, we shall not attempt TO dctracr
from 1t in the least but we wish to know
IN what respect he excells Mr.. AG1drson ?
Does ne possess greater natural talents
More learning Or more wisdom? Or has
Mr.. Madison proved, by his conduct in any
instance, that his promotion to the presiden.
cy would be Injurious 10 his country?
we wish gentlemen who are anxious 10
defeat Mr.. MadiSon's election, from hriz,-
cffIe, as they call it, in opposition 20 the
wishes pretty clearly expressed Of the ma
Jority OF republicans throughout the United
states, not TO conceal their hostility towards
him any longer in darkness, but candidlv
and explicitly to bring forward their aecu-
sations that, If we must be divided peo-
Pie, VIC may know upon what grounds, and
for what we are to dispute.
Having no object in view but the public
good, and, as conducive to that end, the
UNION and consequent prosperity of the re-
publican party; and being determined to
give our impartial support to the man az
president whom we think best calculated
10 secure the attainment Of that great OBJ
jeot' our motto shall always be " PRINCIPLES
ana EoE cnen." IF therefore the enemies of
VT Madison can demonstrate to our satis-
faction his un6tncss for the nrcs;dsntiat
chair If they will explain his offences, and
froVe ~ what respect lie has been guilty
or detective, we will (however heart fell
our sorrow being compelled to change our
opinions concerning man, whom we hither.
70 nave so highly esteemed and admired) be
enough to acknowledge our error,
ana surrender his good name TO the re,
P'09ches nc deserves. But, until explicit