Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1811-07-06
FOURTH OFJULY.


The anniversary of American Indepes-
dence was celebrated in this Town On
Thursday last by military parade aud a.
Their demonstrations Of respect worthy
the occasion.
The Washington Society met at Brooks
Hotel at II o'clock and after transaetinc
the usual business Of the society, the chill.
dren Of the Washington Free School
were introduced and underwent an exa.
mination which did much credit to them.
selves and their teacher. Several ofthcm
delivered short Orations composed for the
occasion, with considerable ability.
Alto O'Clock the military composed
of the different Uniform Companies com
manded by Captains Mandeyille, Mar
steller, M'Alister, M'Guire, & Midnight
paraded and formed line Oh Fairfax
Street under the command of Mtjor Lynn;
where they were reviewed by Col. Yoaag,
and then marched to the Mall where
Sham fight took place whicl, was e1ecut-
ed in handsome style. The intense
heat Of the weather prevented so great
display as would otherwise have taken
place, but on the whole they presented
very handsome appearance.
The Military and a number Of Citizens
dined together at the Broom Lawn and
spent the day in the greatest harmony &
conviviality.
A number Of select parties honored the
day, among all of which the greatest good
humor and shilarity prevailed.
The National IRtelligencer, according
to promise, has commenced the reply to
Robert Smiths pamphlet. 1t is one of
the most furious productions We have ever
seen, and on this account, as impartial
spectators, we beg leave to remark, that
Mr.. Smith has vast advantage over his
adversary. The cry of "fool. Ounce,
traitor" and so forth, at the commence
ment of contest, has always bad ap-
pearance, and generally bad Effect
People are apt to suppose that in such
cases " the CALLED jade winces )" while
deliberate reasoner is regarded as a
disinterested party, anxious for nothing
but to promote the cause Of truth. Mr..
Smith, having chosen his position, al.
Vances coolly to the attack, in we'll disci-
Plined order Of battle; but his antagonist
seems Disconnected by the first volley, and
prepares for defence in evident confusion.
The following is the manner in which
the htelligencer introduces his ." Review"
Of MIR. Smiths publication
can opinion had long prevailed with
many persons both in 4 out of Congress,
that Mr.. Secretary Smith, from want of
capacity and want Of integrity, was quite
unfit for his place. And towards the
close Of the second year of his Office this
conviction became SO universal as not to
leave the exception probably of Mr.. Smith
himself. We had all been aston. hcd at
his appointment !; We all learned the his.
tory of that miserable intrigue by which
twas effected !; we regretted the necessi.
ty the President was under of casting him
off, and thereby offending the fec frien&'
Of the family, whom he had lately graft.
fed at so dear rate and we consc-.
quently looked forward with considera.
BILE anxiety to the time when the govern.
ment should relieve itself from SO iHcOn.
yenient burthen.''
Here then it appears that Mr.. Smith
was long considered by his own party as
unfit for the station he held that it was
obtained by miserable intrigue" and
that the Office was conferred upon him 10
crafty few friends Of the family. Tbes:
are precious confessions. Is the Spartan
purity of our constitution thus disregard
eds merit, the only qualification ''la'
ought to be required in a republic, thus