Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1808-03-11

SS-lt my iu0lNiNudt NOlS COQlQ ni.Vt
decided, or my Judgment influenced
the choice of the next candidate for
President, it would have been unhesi-
tatingly for George Clinton; if seeing
that it was not practicable to obtain a
majority for that venerable and good
man, ! should again have choice, l
should most certainly, have decided
for flames M1iwoe; believe him to
be as good and as truly noble man
as breathes beneath the armament. /
suspect that HertenSiuS would shew
much more of the courtier than say so
much; or possibly he may say, that
with such predictions, I ought to OPP
pose Mr.. Madison. 1t is very obvi-
Gus from these declarations that am
at least TO fatterer. I have at least
the fair claim to sincerity; l presume
even upon little more than plain sim
cerity; am willing to abide by the
will of the majority-I am willing to
sink my personal predictions in the
choice of the greater number; because
this IS the vital principle Of our govern
ment, where men alone are in conten-
plation.
am under no obligations to Mr..
Clinton nor to Mr.. Madison. owe
Mr.. Monroe an acknowledgment for
a personal favor at period when the
Presidential question was not anticipa-
ted, and which was the more grateful
to me, because it was an act of genera
sity to a valued friend whom he favo-
red because he was my friend.
But the question is not to be regu-
lated in my mind by personal feelings
either of affection or dislike. Ny el-
fort ever has been to act as politician
in that way which to the best of my
humble Judgment promised to conduoe
most to the general good. In the di-
visions and distractions stirred up on
this occasion, see many causes ope-
rating, at variance with every princi-
pie of political rule, but in violation
OF decorum and even common sense.
An observing man after travelling in a
coach with a number of persons, might
on the journey discover, that he was in
the company Of madmen or fools, and
at the next stage he would have dis
cretion enough either to lie bye or get
ahead of his fellow passengers, and
travel to his journeys end composed
Ily and securely. | cannot enter into
the mad contention, that disturbs Vir-
glnla, the state of all others most apt
to censurc other states for reputed tnr-
bulence; but which on this question
appears to be the only state that wran-
giles.
must confess that there are other
mctiVez which doobly reinforce nv de-
Examinations on this occasion. The
state of our foreign relations the ne
cessity of a continued adherence to
the same wise policy that has hitherto
conducted the U. States thro' so many
Perils the great convuision zohich Is
at this moment impending and menaces
a rep0intion in the qfairs Of tie uni-
Oerse, mare extraordinary and <1enffuL
than has even in these eventfuL times
yet habpened.---I feel it to be the FIRST
OF the interests of this nation, to be
at this crisis, calm, united, and undis-
tracted; men not governed by head
strong and wanton passions, would
make large sacrifices to promote such
digniiied state of concord and tran
guilty; and | am persuaded that those
who have energy and virtue to serve
their country, will very soon have am
pie opportunities, without seeking to
distract and to divide the people upon
a point which cannot produce any other
effect than i'll blood, and evil passions.
shall only add, that no man at any
time, nor in any form, directly orindi-
rectly, ever sought to influence me In
favor of Mr.. Madison--I owe him no
obligation Of any kind, but that respect
which every man feels towards a man
OF talents, who has rendered public
service. have. however, had manv
applications, and very pressing too, to
oppose him. never was, nor will I
ever be the creature or the instrument
OF any man. The same Judgment
that has led me thro' the tempestuous
times past-is my sole guide now-I
Judge and act as my own observation
alone directs.
WM. DUANE.