The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1812-04-07
[ Vol. 8---,.--No. 1917.

will say, for myself, spurn his coamenfa,-o
l-tor myself have 10 use for it--but d"
Know man who might be great, if Ii
would proiitably use the true text.
| The gentleman has told US that he is de-
ltermined to pursue that course which is APP
lproved by the dictates of his own Judgment,
| it he 6 should be overwhelmed BY popular
clamor Throughout the nation" l should
have felt no disposition to remark upon any
| Expressions which that honorable gentleman
might have thought proper TO adopt liz COM
munlsating the fixed spirit with which he
should pursue his course, provided that ex-
preston had contained nothing but his shi-
,7t. Nor do know, sir, that should have
caught at the expression popular GLAMOUR:
that expression is equivocal, and the appli-
cation Intended might, have been doubtful.
but this led him TO other observations, and s.
I prospect OF the future, which he concluded
10y saying that" popular. opinion is as varia-
| Die as the wind -" changed by a feather
or straw. Yes, sir, he cast hout at the
great body OF the American people. 1t is q:
hing at the principles OF our guvernment-
sap began at the foundation OF all cur re-
publican institutions. Can it be. that our go
rernment stands upon a foundation so feeble.
that 1t is SHAKEN by a feather or a straw ,
no, sir, there is fund of good sense perya
Ding the whole mass of our population suffi-
Gent to comprehend the principles, and a,
heartfelt vnFuous attachment to the practi-
Cal operations: of our government. A few,
false teachers cannot bewider the former
nor a few party stripes Corrupt the latter,
ne people put their faith in principles
not IN men. longer than they continue TO be-
lleve them the Representatives of those nr;n-.
ciples: whilst the press is free, the people.
may be deceived fora while by their rem
resentatives, but to communicate iaforma.
ton respecting the conduct of their rem
reSentatiVaS u. 4. q
ceiyed The great body OF the people,
stand fast TO their interests. Some few mol
tlcians face 30 the left about, and fipdinp,
that the people have not performed the
same manoeuvre, suppose that the relative
diference is owing to- a change of the peo
pie. For myself, sir, do not believe the
sentiments OF the great body of the people
are as variable as the opinions of members
in the two houses of CONGRESSES. But what is
meantb by this feather or this straw. which
can so easily change popular opinion?
suppose, Sir, a flaming speech, III the news.
lpapers e.. -
me honorable gentleman supposes, that
the preference for volunteers proceeds from
a lear OF standing armies | can assure
nm have no fears from this army of Is COO
regulars. feel an ample security in the
ViTtuous attachment OF the great BODY of
t"e people To then government, and in their
lpotism. And, sir have another security.
the character and virtuons principlee OF
those nf'iVers and soldiers who arc TO com:
pose the army, because they are to be Sc
lected from the body of our own people : and
will be connected with the people bv tbos.
social ties which bind man to man.-But If
could think so slightly of volunteers. and
lof the powerful effect of federal commits
SONS, as the gentleman seems to have done
IN MS argument, perhaps l might have some.
apprehensions.
hope, Mr.. President, I have not trespass..
ed upon the feelings OF any member. nor
transgressed those limits of debate which.
the most respectful attention to the Senat4
should have prescribed. { can, with as
much sincerity as that hon. gen, is in tia
haDt OF using to express his respect for this
oody,) declare that l entertain e. very high
respect fer this b@dy and for that gentleman
IN particular. But wheneyerI shall think.
that the great principles of our republican
institutions are revi!ed, or when those who
are placed at the head of our affairs, and
stand IN the affections OF the people as the,
types OF those principles, are iii my opinion
improperly assailed on this floor, so long as
have the honor of being one of the BODY.
hope shall have the disposition, if not.
the ability, to defend them.
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