The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-10-21
POLITICAL.
TO THE .
PEOPLE OF VIRGINIA.

PEOPLE OF VIRGINIA.
WE, THE vNDERsIc NED, MEMBERS OF THE
MONROE CORRESPONDENCE COMMITTEE,
TAKE Leave, ONCE MORE, TO ADDRESS
IT is wen known to you that we, were ap-
pointed by that portion of the Legislative body
which convened at the Capitol on the 22d day of
February last, to make the arrangements proper
and necessary to ensure the success of the Mon
roe electoral ticket. s-
Finding that there was difference of opinion
on the subject of the election, not only in this
state, but IN the United States generally we con.
ceived that when we were about TO announce our
ticket, we might take the liberty of submitting
81 tue PUBLIC Judgment, few arguments; which
seemed to-, entitled to great consideration aud
influence. We thought, ilat in free country,
Ona subject SO interesting, and at period so cri.
teal, honest men might publish their real opini-
,ons to the world, without fear of insult or pro-
,scription. We did publish our real, our honest
eur independent opinions, and we expressed them
Ia terms to which we were well assured no ex
ception ought to he taken. We did nothing. more
than exercise our indisputable right: a right
without which, free govSt ment cannot exist ::
and we think that the manner in which it was ex-
ercsed, was perfectly compatible with the res
pect due to the pu5lic, to our opponents, and to
the candidate in whose behalf they are SO much
excited For this conduct on our part, fellow
citizens, for this exerton of an essential and in
disputable right, for this performance of an i'm
portant duty for this avowa of our real opinions
An supporter p rnan, so long and SO we'll known
to you all, we have been, with that int emperance.
which marks the character of an American Ga.
zette, charged not only with departure from
the republican principles to which we are most
sincerely attached, but with entertaining views
hostile to the honor and interests of tie Ameri-
can people.
l..
into any explanation. We disdain to do So We
knosO that our motives are pure and we affirm
that our solicitudc for the honor and welfare of
the United States, is ardent 8. sincere, though
perhaps not SO enlightened, as that of the presi-
dent himself, or either Of the patriotic men who
have been named as his successors. On this sub
ject we are perfectly 1T ease.
But the foundation of this charee, is the wish
which we avow to see Mr.. Monroe President of
the United States. W. acknowledge again, be-
fore the nation, that the election of lanes Mon.
roe, to the presidential Office, is in our opinion. n
matter of the highest moment to the prosperity
of this country. You all see and feel the diff
cuities IN which we are involved. Our trade is
at AN end, and our people prohibited from carry
ing the produce of their land and labor, on the
great highway of the nations Of the earth. We
say nothing OF the causes which led to THE pre-.
sent state of things We enquire not whether It
might have been prevented, nor will I'VE under.
take to say what course ought to have been pur-
SUEDE, This enquiry would be unavailing now
We confine our remarks to the actual condition
Of our country. 1t is known to you ALL that Mr.
Madison stands fixed and committed on every
question involved in our foreign relations and
we therefore ask you, whether you can think that
his administration holds up to us that hope of re-
lief, which mar be anticipated from the known
opinions, conduct and character of Mr. Mon
roe
tits very possible, that on the subject Of this e.
lection we may be in minority but at this mo-
meut no man can say with confidence, what the
issue will be. great change has taken place in
the public opinion, within short time past, and
whe have good reason to believe that Mr. Mon
foe's interest is rapidly increasing in the.other
states as well as in Virginia We therefore call ON
his friends to be firm and active, and not TO sui.
fer themselves to be inti,r,dated BY de,anciatons
from any quarter whatever, from delivering their
opinions and exercising the questionable rights of
free and Independent citizens. The delusion pro-
duced by the caucus at Washington, is now near
ly at an end, and every man, who will open his
eyes, may see, that the members composing it.
did not invariably speak the sentiments of their
constituents. But admit that we may be in a mi
nority, we shall at least have the satisfaction of
knowing that we have acted with frmness and
independence, and that we have done our duty to
our country andto ourselves.
Indulge us for few moments longer-The
hfiShbo vi WI. aIC ChdiScu Will prOuu-
cling schism among The republicans. We deny
the, accusation to be true. We do not hesitate to
say that the friends of Mr.. Madison, are alone
responsible, because hey adopted the measures
from which it sprung. They withdrew from their
political friends at the Capitol. They announced
their intention to hold, and did hold a caucus,
from which the friends of Mr.. Monroe were ex-
cluded: they refused to engage in fair and pub
lie investigation of the merits of the candidates
and they now denounce their opponents as schs-
mates, because they have not tameIy acquiesced
in, decision in which they were not permitted to
participate.
But this charge about schism is a mere delu-
sion, as it relates to the presidential election
The person chosen president, must have majo-
rity of tic whole number OF the electoral votes
He who has them, will be elected, whether the
remaining votes are given to one, or divided a.
mong many. If the objection be urged to our
conduct as having tendency to promote the e.
lection Of afederal president, it is obviously fall
1acious because the whole force of the republic
can interest is employed in support of the repub-
licau cause, though in behalf of the same per-
son. The only effect Of the division, may be to |
throw the election into the hands of the states in
congress assembled. But if the objection be mr. |
ged with view to shew that our conduct in not
acquescng in the nomination at the Bell-Tavern |
is improper, because it leads to schisns and divi
sions among the republicans, must repeat that
disapprove the caucus there held, for the rea-
son already giter and further urge that the OBJ
lection goes to the subversion of the most prec
GUS of our rights, Of that right without which |