Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1808-03-29


ssitutioual provision, which excludes scaa.
tors and representatives in Congress, from
an electoral appointments. Ia this very
case, the majority OF the Pennsylvania ;,e.
legation will be in 4 minority at home
In truth, this doctrine of following a eau.
cus.majority, in allcsses, appears oiious Il,
every point of view, in which it can be pre-.
scented. The conduct, which it prcscribes,
is unmaniy, because il is a surrender of a
most important right, and the desertion of
a sacred duty. 1t Is absurd, because, as
we have already shewn, the opinion of a
caucus and the sentiment of a state, may
De IN direct hostility, and thus, while we
are following supposed, we are withdraw
ing IRON real majority. 1t is anti-repuo-
mean because the piainest principles of
Irepuoiicanism and OF the constitution, re-
Iqulfe, that IN such cause as this, the sense
OF majority of the nation should prevail
now Can this be ascertaiued, unless every
man VIII Lave firmness enough TO exp, css
his own honest and unbiased opinion !?
from the circumstances here detailed
|teliow-citi2cns, you see that in the shore
space OF about seven weeks, the ASPECT of
TINS presidential contest has expcrienced a
material change. The election of Mr.. Ma
olson, which was announced az inaispnta
|oiy certain, is already regarded as ouesti.
ohaoie, II not hopeless, even by the most
Jealous II his advocates. We make this
remark to you, not with any view to NOR
tiiy our opponents after the triumph and
|sXuAation, which they 50 often displayed.
VIC ieei no disposition to give them pain,
ana we should be greatly aud sincerely con-
cerhed, II we gave any 10 the amiable and
Respectable man, whose c;aims they sup
port. We take pleasuvc IN avowjnc onr
s-nowledge OF his services, our admiration
of his talents, our respect for his virtue.
But We presume, that without incurrine
and we kno7O, that without deserving the
censnre OF the public, we may advance the
opinion, which We really entertain, that in
tne present crisis, SO awful, not only to A.
herlca, but to the world, Mr.. Monroe is
oetter htted than N.Y. Madison for the very
arauons station III which he will stand, who
'or tne next eight gears shall DE placed at
the mead OF cur national affairs. Such was
NOT our motive. The real object of the re-
marx is, to expose to every man IF interri-
~ and independence, the absurdty of act
ingon any principle whatever. in this cleo.
ioi', bat that which results from delibe-
rate examination of the real merits of the
candidates themselves
The advocates of Mr.. Madison, are al
ready inviting the friends of Mr. Monroe,
20 unite With them in opposing the election
OF Mr.. Clinton. The terms OF the address.
IN which this invitation is communicated
indeceht as they are, towards the friends
Oh MF. Monroe, are borne by us with patti
ence-We wish, thar the understanding of
the people should alone be Consulted, and
we nave eDdcavorcd TO SCI TO all, who may
take Il part in the present contest, al ex-
ahiPic or moderation, is speaking OF our op-
ponents, and of pat,edce in bearing their,
unjust, and sometimes almost uniutclligibIe
censuTe. We have been denounced not
only as fFes@1ded republicans, but as hrc-
FeHded friends OF MIR. Monroe, who under
tne influence OF some strange infatuatiOn,
are hurryirg into ruin him and ourselves
Al this we are willing to forget, and even
to forgive in advance every charge or insi-
nuation Of this description. But we cannot,
without indignation as well as regret, OBJ
serve, that such man as George Clinton.
a patriot of rs, a soldier of the revolution,
man holding the second Office in the gov
ernrnent, again nominated To that office by
the friends of MIR. Madison, and supported
BY one OF thc most important states in the
union, should now, because he is placed in
competition with that gentleman, be repre-
sehted as poor old man, whom age has
deprived OF all energy, and destined to be
the prey OF improper influence, and base
intrigues. IF the veneration due 20 aye, if
the respect due to patriotism, if the graft
tude Cue TO revolutionary service, If that
Justice, to which AL are entitled, have not
influence enough to guard Us from language
ike this, 1t is 10 be hoped, that cur pride
al least as citizens OF this great republic,
will disdaiT, by unwarranted assertions. to
degrade. ia tie eyes o!fOreign nations, those
who arc supported by any portion Of the peo-
pc. for the highest Office in the government.
This remark is not made Tor the protection
OF <. Morroe.--He is wellknown abroad,
and respected precisely as much as he is
known.
The invitation here mentioned. seems to
have been made under a supposition, that
New York and Pennsylvania being opposed
TO Mr. Madison. would c0nscqNenfLv vote in
(avor Of MIR. Clinton. This is not our be-
iiei We do npt pretend TO possess any po-
si,ive Information on this subject, but if we
are cCrrCC, IN our opinion that the causes
OF this opposition, arc not merely personal,
but % high political consideration in relati-
on 20 the present actual and che future pro-
bablc situation Of the United States, these
two states, and IL is Supposed many others
will vote tnr the same person, and that
Persan viii be Clinton or Monroe, as cir
cGmstanceS shall require The silence ~
the meeting It Lancaster, IS TO the candi
date whom their electors were to support,
while their opposition tn Mr.. Madson,is ac-
L.. Nh 1. r