The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-03-11

his patriotism merit. Vet there is wide
distinction between that respect and blind
obedience, and very wide distinction be-
tween that respect and the contemptuous
manner in which Mr.. Randolph has treated
these opinions.
take it the intrinsic value of the maa-
sures proposed, is neither lessened nor in
creased by the SOURCE from whence they ORR
ginated. Mr. Randolph having taking this
circumstance, as at least the ground work Of
his opposition, has pursued train of invec-
tive against men, whose age and whose vir-
tues entitled them to some portion of respect.
With all the evidence of practical advanta-
ycs, with all the Evidence of a great majori-
ty IN Congress-, argument instead of decla-
NATION will be necessary to convince the peo-
pie that these men are led III blind obedience
by executive will, or that they are emily
in the horn-book of American politics.
That it is contrary to the true inter-
ests OF the people, to excite political divisi-
ons, is a truth which cannot require demon
stration. That unanimity is peculiarly de-
sirable at the present crisis of our affairs can
easily be shcwn. The last remains of the
federal party, were expiring, and the preva-
lence OF republican principles about to be
permanently established.
The course pursued by Mr.. Randolph, has
not only destroyed national unanimity, but in
".
is thus We find him unired to that party in
Congress lit is thus we find, that party united
for MIR. Munroe in Virginia. have shewn
them that the course pursued, has been inju-
rlous to the people, by exciting the spirit
OF party, & a division in his own state Icall
upon himself or hisparty, to Justify the com
sequences which follow from it. calf upon
him to shew the grounds of his opposition to
Mr;Jeiferson and the present administration.
l"cail on them to prove one instance, in which
their course has not been actuated by wisdom
and evcntuated in general good.
! have stated, that MIR. Randolph has pros
trated our dignity OH the shrine of his pas
sions. 1t the picture drawn by Mr.. Ran
dolph in 1866, be Correct, the government
OF America is indeed contemplate. If the
legislative body of the union be governed by
executive inHuenee-n they are only in the
horn-book of politics if the Secretary of
State is imbecile; if the American strength
could be annihilated by single blow of Bri-
fish power; if we are inadequate to war
with Britain, and are driven to preserve
peace through fear of her navies weare I'M
worthy the sovereignty we boast. What in
deed must have been the sentiments of To-
reign nations, when they heard that the A
merican congress of 1866 exhibited a pic
ture OF turbulence and indecorum, equal to
the conventions OF Reoespierre, or the French
revolutions Through whom was this scene
exhibited? Could it be expected that the
uncurbed tongue of passion, should riot in e,<
travagance without one attempt to restrain
it,
Mr.. Randolph then, has prostrated the dig
nifty OF our nation by an indulgence in those
passions which prudence and decorum called
| on him to restrains Again call ON Mr.. Ran
delphi and his friends, to justify his conduct
l call on them to assign their reasons for his
course. MIR. Randolph is the friend of Mr..
Monroe's election. That friendship must o.
riginate from personal or political motives.
Ii from personal motives. the people can have
no participation in them if from political, it
Will follow that Mr.. Monroe will pursue diff
terent course from Mr.. Madison. ffhe will, it
becomes necessary that the people should
know his principles. AS MIR. Madison has
been implicated i'll all the measures of Mr. JEFF
terson's administration, it is fair to presume
that he would pursue the same course. If
MIR. Monroe differs from Mr.. Madison, he
must then differ from Mr. Jefferson.
These points of difference are indeed all
important to the people. Great politicians
are not guided by ordinary friendship in
political matters. The friends Of Mr.. Monroe
then, must anticipate a difference between
the systems of the two candidates For them
to express the highest sentiments of respect
for Mr. Madison, and in the same breath, de-
clare preference for Mr.. Monroe, can only
| be viewed as an electioneering artifice, bv
which they may conceal from the public eve
| the grounds of their opposition to public SEN
timent. But it must be apparent to every
politician, that a change Of measures is anti
| cipated With the most exalted ideas of the
| talents and the integrity of Mr.. Randolph,
should be unwilling to see him placed in
| the cabinet. / should be unwilling to see his
| principles adopted as the rule of national
conduct. In the event of Mr.. Monroe's cleo
ton, his promotion to an office of high res
| possibility, is an event which foresee as
certain. The people are deeply interested
| in this enquiry. There is hidden and con-
Cealed in this prediction for men prefer
| ence to principles, which until they are avow-
ed, will excite my alarm for the peace and
dignity of my country. i call on the friends
of Mr.. Monroe to point out his course in the
event of his election. call on them to saw
what new features are to be pourtrayed, In
his administration. 1t is admitted, he is the
frind of Mr.. Randolph. demand of them to
inform the people whether that friendship is
to bring Mr.. Randolph into the cabinet With
sentiments of respect for the talents and the
independence of Mr.. Monroe, | cannot but
foresee the weight which Mr.. Randolph
would have at the council bard.
| Fellsw Citizens, before you yield TO the
influence OF great names; assure yourselves
of the principles which govern this predilec-
ton. When asked if Mr.. Monroe is not n
republican Answer that you wish to know
what are the differences between himself &
Mr. Madicnn and Mr. Ieffareop If a. -