Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1809-06-27

Mr.. GARDE NIER, said, that having
been one of those who had looked up to the
elevation of the present chief magistrate as
one of the most calamitous events to this
country that could take place, he rose to
make that atonement which was IN his pow
er for that error. Yes, sir, (said Mr.. G.
this tree from which | honestly expected so
much bad frat is bearing frnitsof gladness
and rejoicing for our country. II am, not
only willing but take pleasure IN making
this avowal. The Erstimpostant act OF the
chief magistrate Of the y. States is one.
(which, while it calls for the confidence OF
the nation, demands no less the expression
of il lay this house. Being of the old
school, sir, am not very much frightened
at the speeeh--not from the throne; thank
n God ne have none, aad / hope we shall
long be. without any--but by the idea OF the
terrors which are carried in the countenance,
of the executive magistrate. It he would
favor us with his presence make his
speech, my poor eyes would stand the daz-
ziing glare of such an exhibition. Even IN
the British Parliament have never seen in
their debate thar the minority have been
abashed by it; for Notwithstanding the,
speech, they have carried the terrors OF their
eloquence to the throne itself, and they havs
carried it By means of the answer to the
speech from the throne. On that occasion
it is that The rights of the minority are un-
restrained ; is is then that they speak to the
throne in language Of freemen--tor the
house of commons, elected by the people,
though .irregularly, cons titute the democrats
&c ane. consequently free part of the English
constitution. If you were 10 exclude them
from the right of expressing their opinion
on public measures, they would say with
greatsinstice thar an ancient and constitu-
tional right was withheld from them. They
would protest against any measures ,calcu-
lated to deprive them Of the right Of speak
ing with freedorn OF the measures of the
ministry and king. The course which has
been here pursued, in theory tho pleasant
TO the eye, has in practice been course
which has fortihedt.ls executive magistrate,
and built saround him a wall which prevent
ed approach, through which the ,aeasures
of his administrations could not bearevlewed
by any members of this house; because
forsooth, the house might be disposed to
press Hattcring reply upon him-but, in
point Of tact, that this minority,a strong
ungovernables ANNA, might be muzzled.
Your president was not unwilling to turn
the delighted ear 90 the addresses of the CT
tizens assembled In meetings; and at no
time has he frowned with severity at that
courtIy adulation of the Legislatures who
haze sung his own language IN his own ears.
He has thanked them, for their patriotism,
4 and republicanism too, IN addressing him
4 in this way. But if the executive nagis.
trate was, under the good old practice, aat-
tered by these. addresses In answer to his
speeches, it was here to be canvasssd whe-
Their he was entitled to that incense to be
offered up.by the majority; & much doubt,
when the praise of the majority was mixed
up with the dispraise Of the minority, if
the bitter did not prevail over the sweet.
The practice OF communicating by message
was one will not say gone into fol the
purpose OF precludins debate, but the effect
has been that if we ever did examine the
measures OF administration, we were Obliged
TO examine them piece-meal. We could not
take them all in one view to make, that i'm
precision, which is so proper for keeping in
check the executive branch of the govern
naent. There might have been an apology
made for the lafe President of the y. States,
which, If my late information be correct
could hardly be made for the present.
understand that in, Great Britain the king
can speak but cannot write. Now / think
livery well there that the king should have
as1east something to do in pubic concerns,
-.