Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-11-12
VIRGINIA ARGUS.
RI CHI Nj O Nd:
THURSDAY. NOVEMBER fa. 1912.
PRESIDEwTS MEsS.tGE.
No. I.

IL always gives US pleasure to read pro-
duction from Mr. Madison's pen, not only
because the thoughts which he presents for
consideration are generally Just, but because
we are sure to find them well arranged, and
giving to one another that illustrative force.
which constitutes, in a great measure, what
Is called good composition.
The very FIRST paragraph with which he
has introduced his message Of the 4th inst,
IS proof or his intellectual ability, whether
We view it IN relation to the occasion that
produced It, or as a moral observation. en-
citing the mind to reflect upon the peculiar
ly favorable condition of the American ueo-
pie.
The period at which the congressional ses-
sion opens, is one certainly not the most ia
vorabie for the President to lind topics az
cougratuiation. The NORTHWESTERN army
surrendered, the battle of Queen's-Town.
however eventually profitable, terminating
in the captivity OF many OF our bravest men.
the enemy still adhering to The unjust prac-
tices that drove us MO ghe war, and "A fac
ton unsubdued in the bosom OF the country.
offer nochoice OF incidents for pleasing nara
i've. With these objects before Inn, and in
evitabiy compelled 20 adver, 10 them in his
state paper, Mr.. Madison places in the fore
ground the image OF cur happy situation as
a nation, favored by Providence with health
and abundance. The subject to which he
thus invites attention, is SO strongly felt nv
every man in ;he community, that 1t furnish
es a consolation ufder the recitation ofeyents
which, in succession, we encounter IN the
message. These events, II rs true, are NOT
heart breaking; they woG;d be nothing to
the old and warIike powers cf Europe~to
France, for example or TO Great Britaipl
But on the score of military losses, the Uni4
ted States, being young nation, are partis
cularly tender. L Is, the. lore, ~ith great
proprIety, that the President introduces the.
various points Of public Concern with tao.
pleasant idea OF The singular blessings which,
we experience.
Looking at the introduction to the MESSAGE.
as moral remark, it interests us still more.
n man will deny that this country has been
favored by Heaven in most extraordinary
degree. If we begin at the revolutionary
contest, we shall find most wonderful por--
ton 81 blessings Rowing into our cup uf life.
We were favored in the war Of Independence
I'VE were favored at Us close in escaping
from a mona,chical governmcn,-we were
favored for fifteen years at least IN eluding
AL hostility with the nations of Europe-- and
during the whole Of the time we have had
domestic liberty Of every kind, the wealth of
| individuals and Of the nation has been a.cu.
HluldttnSi ana, what Us very great favor
indeed, we have not been suffered by the
Deity 70 degenerate into society Of mercc~
nary citizens, insensibic Of honor aud If in.
jurles, by the prosperity which so long daz-
lied our eyes, and warmed our hearts To
commercial enterprise. This. indeed, is a
IToUideHtfal favor; and which, more than
any thing else. fixes the grandeur of our ia.
ture destiny. For these benefits il is suitable
to our nature, and congenial to reason, to
put in The frst place, IN a message to the as
sembled representatives Of the people, cir
| cumstanccs which become motives of thank
fulness 10 the Great Author Of our Being for
his experimenting care for our welfare.
From this pleasing picture, the President
! proceeds TO the case Vt General Hull. TIE
! delicacy with which he touches the behavior
ofthat officer merits commentator. Itwouid
have been matter Of real regret if Mr. Mad.
ison had expressed a strong sentiment Of re,