Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1809-04-07
FROM THE 3osToN CHRONICLE.
THE RETROSPECT.

In retracing eveas, as much concise
ness will be preserved as the subject viii
admit of. The disiin Gtion of Federalists
| and An.i- Federalists, originated vi h The
supporters of The Present Cnnsti,u ion, &
tn sc who opposed it, Bui the essen 4
character has since changed ground
white II has been assum d az a mask by
certain men, end misappled w III rssnec,
to the real Federalists of the United States.
Washington, Jefferson, Madison, the two
Adamses, and other fist men of nu
country, were decidedly Eederals.s ans
those Of hem who survive, remain so To
The preseat day. BY accideA the monar.
chists found themselves unite d W; h these
men, whose talen S, patriotism AID popu-
larity, they hoped fortuitous events nigh,
render serylceab,e To their views. The
temporary ad6lation and praises bestowed
by he monarchiss on Gen. Washington
and Mr. Adams, ID aimed the confidence
OF those gentlemen when in The Office of
Presiden.: but it was finally forfeited by
premature dis closure oftheir real designs
against the peace, liberty and happiness
of America. Washington was convinced
of his when he wrote his Farwell Ad-
dress; and Mr. Adams was und ceved
too la e retrieve his popularity: hence
the disgrace of Timothy Pickering, and
Alexander Han,illob's virulent attack on
the revolutionary patriot. At this period
we recognize the comb nation of thu Es
sex juno, with Picksring at their head,
and Their unceasing endeayors 10 destroy
all confid nee of the people in their best
friends. A large m 'jority ofthe conven-
ton OF his Sta were opposed 10 the
new Consti ut on, on democratic priaci
plies, SHAT he Executive powers were
toe great, and not suffic emily check. d :;
hat The appointment Of Judges for life
was reDde 'ng the judiciary independent
y. OF all power, and above all controui :;
the exlens on Of the elective franch Sc
TO SIX years in the Senate, and W
years in he Representative. of Con
gress," as dangerous to the liber,!es of
tn people.-These objections were mad
by the republicans, for the purpose of
guarding The rights of the pc pie & o
prevent The abuse OF powe, by limiting
its duraticn. Among the advocates { :
the Constitution, were found all he mo
narcblss who could not succeed IN get
ting it more favourable TO their vi W. ::
some OF whom VIII u derstood the plan
81 Hamll on end Morris, hat at future
day (when in power tbemSelves) they|
/ could consuuc he indefinite articles in
their own way and imp owe them 10 hen
own adva'tag. They have done so 3
and on former occasitn were ready to
array heir thou ands Gin opposition TO the
choice OF the people) to place III traitor
! Burr a, The head the nation and mo
recently have they prevented The spiri of
The Const'u ion, in the extrasagant hope
OF eievaling British PsrIizan 10 the chair
OF safe. In recurring To the first opera.
ten Of the Federal Govern nent, he NJ
far'ou plan OF cheating he revolutionary
'odi-rs 10 enrich Spectators. canno be
pas ed over IN silence. We'll may the "
eul'gize Fisher Ames and exal, their con-
hdenisl Trend at hat time IN Congress
Who scored th@m from FIVE 10 eight for
one, IN the purchase of soldier notes.
Msny who now strut in the ms,lence of
india ed pride ard unmerited afIluence,
spurn he war'worn veteran whom they
have despeiIed Of his right, and sn, err at
the tauered gsrmcnts which scarce cover
the sea of wounds received in defence
OF Anne &c IN indie pendence.
Our excellent Constitution had but
just begun 20 prove its happy influence
IN succe sful experiment, and its superi
orr oyer all other governments on ea,th,
when new era commenced in Europe
winch opened the way for intrigue, and
u Tor rinalely produced events unlavoura.
BIZ to he principles of civil liberty, and
the rights Of man. The French Reyolu-
ton alarmed the D-spots Of Europe and
to check its far operation, the most pow
eriul ccmbinaton wss formed that the
world eyer koew The Treaty Of Pinilz
has never been fFicialy disclosed in a "A its
parts btN us mm dIa,e effects were Sc |
rously Felt N this country by lie capture
of cur yesseis\snd properly in every sa
and under va'ioQs pretexls, the BRUSH 90 |
Vefnnent authorized its Courts OF Adm
ary to condemn all Causes on trial 70
cap ure. The prsNk nj ard pacific pol cy
ct PreSid;nt Washington disappointed
their project of bringing us into the war,
as party, brund BY solemn treay 10
France and IN their emily TO the e
quail rights Of man and the Republican