Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1808-10-31

have the satisfaction Of seeing the ascen-
dancy once more scufied for between the
sects of Dallas and Duane !; and as cordial
drop to national pride, they will have the
pleasure Of rejecting, that those two great
leaders are foreigners.
Pennsylvania, indeed, presents shock
ing picture of depravity. Never before,
has been seen such a destitution OF Princl-
ME. such contempt for even the appear
ance of truth and consistency. Lawyers
have betrayed the cause of their profession.
Officers, appointed by governor MsKean,
in his zeal for republcanism, who with the
intolerance Of inquisitors, three years ago,
dencuncedall those who leaned to Mr.. Sny-
der, do now, for the sake Of finding favor
in his sight, openly declare that they voted
for him. Even federaiists, avowed admit
rers of Washington, Hamilton, and Ames,
have deserted James Ross, and preferred
LOYALTY to Simon Snyder. A frishttul sys-
stem of intrigue, the offspring OF sordid
attachment to lucre, will soon be unfolded,
anel.render manifest the sad effects of the
policy of bartering the ruin Of honest men,
for the advantage OF a temporary accommo-
dation with triumphant persecution, thereby
sanctioning all means that have self good for
their end, and directing the finger of scorn
to the victims OF integrity.
The elective franchise too, that noblest
prr,oGative Of free men, is prostitutcd to the
purposes of gamblers, and our most import
ant elections present scene scarcely worthy
of the turf or the cockpit. The practice
adds ten fold vigor to the exertions Of the
disor2anizers, INCREASING in an equal ratio
the temptations to vil!airy. An entcrpris-
ing sharper may embark as many as he
pleases in his wagers, and by judicious
selection, draw to his aid the best capaci-
ties for trick and circunlvention. Even the
Judges and inspectors may be made parties
70 his bets, and render essential service by
a dcxterous management OF their functions.
Indeed, the exertions Of the iacobils to Sc
cure their inspectors, in opposition to the
Old policy OF fixing in that Office, the most
active on the other side, is a proof of the
importance tlley attach to the able use or a
buse of this station. In short, this mode
Of selecting cur rulers, has degenerated In
to hursaque or al pietensions to fairness,
and is cruel mockery OF the right of SUI
irage guaranteed by our institutions. It IS,
10 ny mind, reduced to certainty, that
hencetorth, fraud and violence will eternal
" prevail, as l have 70 doubt, that at this
election ssvcral thousand votes have been
added to the democratic ,najorisies BY their
means. The tin.id and we'll disposed are
sready afraid to vote ia opposition to the
furious, fanatic multitude. They either keep
,ioof from the poll, or if they venture to APP
pear, tickets are put into their hands, and
they dare rot r. get them. By troop Of
ruaians they arc then escorted TO the place
Of deposi;ing the tickets, and closely watch
ed till they give in. IN this way whole
ncighborhoods run riot together, since TO
resist the indiscretons Of the Little eiema-
gogues Of the district, might eventually o.
biige a man to seek Dew residence.
Such are the prospects of our country
They cannot come to good. The Peaceable
for while may remain the prey OF the tur-
buIent; but these, left to themselves will
soon clash, and confusion and civil war Ill
ultimately ensue. 1t behoves therefore the
base dablers in intrigue, who are hu,ryins
on the catastrophe, to considey before il be
TOO late, whether they have nerves FOR the
conflict.