Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1812-03-20
FRIDAY, MARCH 90.
TO the Fresholders Of Fairfan County.

FELLOW CITIZENS.
Learning that some of my friends
have been pleased to name me as suita-
BILE person for yoar service IN the mex,
General Assembly. L feel il a respectful
dirty to YOU to make some declaration OF
my oolitical opinions. Though il is high
~ i,attcring to me to be thus called upon,
meet the call from sense OF duty; my
own Feelings. am free to confess, would
never have prompted me to seek pleasure
or elnosument, or glory, in the public SER
vice. My politics. ftllow-eitizen have
been formed and grown in republican at
tachments. Language is inadequate TO
the expression of my love and admiration
of the Federal Constitution. ihe man
who loves his country, the friend OF hu-
man liberty. must BE ever grateful to the
great and good men who framed it: nor
should we ever forget the obligations we
owe to those vino procured its adoption by,
the States. AS much as the Constitution
= now admired by all parties, a reference
to the history of those times will shew
how difficult it was in the first place TO
form this Constitution. and lii the secon'i.
haw much Iabour, eioquence, eruditsoh
and political tolerance, were necessary 10
effect lis adoption by the States. VINO
has forsotten the overwhelming eioqnence
and ingenuity Of the great Henry, or the
feryid and energetic defamation OF the
memorable Mason? Nor should it be
forgotten that this Constitution, recem-
mended as it was by its own merits. came
before the States under the especial sane
tion Of the political father OF our country.
The merits of this compact, though then
doubted by nearly one half OF the people
cf the States, and obstinately disputed by
many ef known wisdom and integrity, is
now conceded by all. The deduction which
desire to make from those facts is this
that Il is not within the scope OF human
wisdom to form political regulations and
laws to please or satisfy ait, nor is IL TO DE
expected the disaifected TO any political
regulation should not ON that account be
treated with severity. The uncertainty
which invariably attends all human affairs
strongly Shows the propriety oil treating
all differences of opinion with temperance,
urbanity and respect: $ DO unto ali men
as you would they should do unto you." is
net less valuable as political than re-
Egious maxim. 1t was in this spirit that
the federal compact was formed; and
\ will dare 10 assert that without il there
can be no efficient or energetic administra-
ton OF il. The direct responsibility OF
,u:,lic servants must be considered as the
,iirst and vital principle Of repubIieanisln.
If. fellow citizens. it should be your plea
sure to command my humble services,
though / Snail obey YOU with no small re-
luetance, pledge myself to be no parti-
zan--the Constitution shall be my guide,
the general good my object, To wars
am decidedly aserse, unless it is paipabiy
clear that thereby the general good Shall
ho promoted. 1t is my pride to walk in
the humble paths Of agriculture and
promise you that my vote shall never be
given to charge that interest for the as-
grandjzement Of any other" Speed the
Plough 'andl let the channels of commerce
be opened to IS the ends OF the earth, are
to my mind things deyout'y to be wished.
Respect farmy own and the feelings of the
community tesen had tilne) forbids that
7 should solicit in person the votes OF the
feseholders OF the county. Republican in
heart aaa from conviction, have no views
Oh. interests that are not politically COM
mon to all ny aeighbOrs. An economick
and efficient administration is all we want
and will at all times raise my voice for
substituting s. Economy for Taxation"
where the means are commensurate to the
object desired.
W&.E. FOOTE.
HaAfe;G, .'.are.h tea, t842.