Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1811-06-06
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POLITICAL ETROSPECT.--Ino cur
nrft number we think it rot unreasonable nor
improper 10 notice somecfthe political events
which have lately occurred and which still
Continue to agitate the public mind.--The
dismissal, as il is termed b. some writers. or
the late secretary of state, will first claim our
attention, because the merits of it are more
cosc1red than might be expected from the
general notoriety of that transaction.--T'he
received opinion. however, is, that it origina-
ted trom an opposition TO the views of the
tresident--Ihis o;'ininn cannot be consider
ed as correct, when we reject, and view the
circumstances OF the case--Thc personal
resentment Of the President would hardly
nave been gratihed by removing the obknoxi-
ous individual from one of the highest Offices
IN his giit 70 another Of equal importance,
also within his gift, fer the little That was
wanting in dignity was overbalanced by e.
monument. From the contracted view we
have of the subject, were we to form a con-
lecture it would be, that the secretary OF state
took exception either to the conduct or acti-
ons of the secretary ofthe treasury, and in form
protested to the President, who in form ten
dered him the embassy To Russia as a remedy
Tor the grievance, which proved a still fur
taer source OF dissatisfaction to, and produced
the resignation Of Robert Smith The Pre-
the people. The elevation Of Col Monroe
forms another part Of this retrospect-.nd as
his advancement has been rapid it NAV not
be amiss to give brief view of his conduct
on his late steps to promotion Upon his
being offered as a Candidate TO represent the
county OF Albemarle in the Virginia Leeis-
iature, ne in his address to the Freeholders
or the day OF election, reserved to himself the
rlght to scan certain political measures of
Mr.. ieiterson'c, which right was acknowl-
edged by his election. His next step to pro
molten was the governorship of Va.-rhe
principles upon which he accepted this
oElce cannot be more clearly saewn than by
referring to the letter OF Chapman Johnson,
OF the Senate of Virginia, accompanied with
Col. Monroe's answer which, as we donot
,ecoi.ect ever having seen them in print here,
cannot be unworthy of notice, and shall
therefore subon them.
Here follow Df'. Joiin8on' sIettcr and mr..
D{onroe's Gn8zver.
His acceptance OF the office he row holds
was 20 doubt thro' licitation-DIr the
snort time he has been employed in IFS du-
ties nothing ofimportance can be recorded
perfect cordially is said TO subsist between
MesSrs. Monroe and Jeferson--Col. Picker
Ing has Tor some months past been publishing
long series of Letters, addressed 10 the pee
pie or the United States, the avowed object
OF which is the defence of his character
They are written in a strong and forcible
style, rather bordering on acrimony, and ap-
pear IN great measure to be aimed at the
late President of the United States, as well
as the present adninstration--U the
whole they rather wear the appearance OF
offence than defence. MIR. Gallatin still con-
tnues the controul of the Treasury DEPART
ment; is said to possess the confidence OF the
President, and that when the office of Score
tary ct State became vacant it was rendered
TO him By the latter, which was declined by
the former thro' motives of deEcacy, as in
that case the public might attribute 10 him
improper cnnduc. in the affair of Mr. Smith
Mr.. @. is at this time very unpopular in
the state Of Virginia--He is in high rcpute
with the different public bodies throughout
the union.
For the want, as yet, Of regular cores
pondence, we are obliged to apologize Tor the
little notice taken of foreign events whch in
deed would lead US TO this result at last in tue
four quarters OF the globe--in Asia we should
IND uSurpatOn and assassination, in Africa
barhaTism, in Europe bloodshed, oppression,
and wretchedness, and in South America,
anarchy, result which Slould make our fel-
low Citizens pause awfnily, and reflect ON the
distinguished advantages they enjoy, and ac-
kn1wiedging them, rally round the admins
tration ana the Constitution 20 pcrDetuate
these blessings. H.
A