The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1812-09-04
Address


TO THE PEOPLE or THE UNITED
SIXTIES.
FELLOW cITIzENs,
THE most important interests os the United
States are interviewer with the acts of their Chief
Magistrate. Every citizen has, therefore, a deep
concern in the choice that high officer, and an un-
deniable right to lay his reflections that subject
respectfully, but with freedom, before the commu-
nifty, OF which he is a member On that broad basis
we might perhaps justify this address, and trust
the correctness Of the principles maintain, for
vindication With our countrymen; but we induc-
cd to present ourselves before you by another and
We think sufficient consideration.
The state of New-York has, by an open nomina-
ten OF candidate for the presidency, entered its
formal protest against the practice of congressional
nominations Convinced as we are of the superior
worth aud qualifications of Mr.. CLINTON, are
also mpeled by the sncerest respect for the federal
constitution; by desire to preserve the sove-
regnty ct the states, as guaranteed and marked out
by that instrument; by regard the rights of the
people and to the freedom Of election, to maintain
her in the stand she has taken
The general coms,ittee OF correspondence on the
part OF the state, have appointed select commit
Tee to explain and vindicate the grounds on which
the nomination has been made, and to aid in carry
ing It into effect. We have accepted the trust, and
shall perform it at least with fidelity. The fear Of
criticism and censure shall overawe the sens. Of
duty, nor silence the strong convictions OF judg-
ment. Our interests and obligations whether ci-
tZens OF this state, of this confederation, have,
know, reciprocal relation and cannot be true
Nevertheless, we feel much constiant and embar-
rAssment in thus appearing before the American ma
ton; We sensible of the deiicacy of the udertn
King, and enter upon it with diiidencc and socitude
While most anxious to avoid blame, and to obtain
consideration only through the purity of our mo-
tives, am, the soundness OF opinions, antic-
pate harsh animadversons; shall be held up to
she scrpuous rs rash, and to the formal innova-
TORS; our appeal to your tribunal will be stgmatiz-
ed, as .presumptuons sincere persuasioms on
subjects OF national concern, will be imputed TO un-
worthy motives; will be treated with evity by some
and opposed with bitterness by many.
We are, however, convinced that those will be
toudest In their nveetves, whose interests engag
cd. al whose preudicas have been enlisted against
the cause we esponse, and in favor of the doctrines
ve conceive II our duty to dispute. Does the Mus
selman who venerates the Koran, and bows before
the crescent abide the scrutiny of the understands
ing, or weigh the force Of argument, when he reves
The Christian infdei that rejects the Mahommedan
faith
Free citizens of America be not deceived by such
as, wrapping themselves up in the mante of infai-
eihty, disdain to enquire after truth by the sober
light OF reason, to learn wisdom in the school of
experience; dstrust those who shrink from investi
CATION, because it is their interest maintain pre-
vailng tenets, and to continue existing practices;
examine national questions for yourselves: decide
upon them according 10 the counsel OF your I'M
biassed Judgment.
We have said that the state of New-York has en-
tered its protest against congressional nominations
In doing SO, it has acted wisely The nomination of
candidate for the presidency OF the U. States, by
an association Of members of congress, convened at
the seat OF government is hostile the spirit of the
federal constitution, dangerous to the rights of the
people, and to the freedom Of election,
Whoever examines that constitution with attenti-'
on, will perceive that the election of the president
intended to be made, not by the people of the Unit
al States, in the sense in which they may be said to
choose the members Of the house of representatives
but by the states composing the union, in their
separate sovereign capacities, each voting in
the ratio of its population.
he asaed IF ia oil sc
state sovereignty has been guarded in that instru-
ment with jealous care. No SENATOR or represen-
tative, or person holding an Office of trust profit,
under the u. States shall be appointed an elector
Even state, in delegating its own sovereign right,
b restrained from confding its power any person
sonnected with the congress the general govern
ment.
Permit now to ask, did this pointed exclusion
Of the Individuals composing congress, interested
in the general government from participating in the
election of president merely contemplate the avoid
ing of corrupt influence Even that were its only OBJ
ect, evasion Of it should be tolerated; but we be-
heve further and more particularly aimed main
tanning the authority and rights Of the individual
states and we are confirmed in that opinion by OBJ
serving that where the members of the house of
representatives. are, from necessity permitted to inter-
fere in the election, they compelled to vote BY
states. The constitution thus, in every case, main
tanning the principle that the chief magistrate is to
be chosen by the states, in their separate sovereign
capacities.
1t is perfectly manifest therefore, that those who
compose congressional caucus, are, except in one
event. and that in the last extremity excluded by the
express words of the constitution, from intermed-
ding in the election of president. Can their st
tempt then in the first instance, to nominate the
candidate for that Office, be consistent with its spirit
Who should nominate Some among the states
which enjoy the constitutional right to elect Sure
ly none OF those persons whose interference is eau
tiousy prohibited as teeming with danger, and who
arc therefore made subject to an ncapacty imposed
upon no other citizen-and yet, these prohibited
and disqualified characters, stand forth and de-
signate the president with authority conclusive,
that to differ from them, and exercise an indepen-
dent right agreeable to the letter and spirit of the
constitutions is stigmai'zod nothing short of politi-
cal heresy!
The very power possessed by congress of selecting
among the different candidates, where a choice has
failed through division of the electoral votes aho'
it may be, and we believe has been, the motive and
groundwork OF congressional nominations, ought i'm
all dec2cy and fairness, TO be insuperable bar a.
gainst them The bias of that nomination is certain
OF influencing the result Of that selection. The con-
neXion between nomination originated thro' mem
bers OF congress, and eventual choice ly them
conformably thereto, is obvious, and has, we fear
been contemplated. But is it consistent with tire
spirit OF the constitutions the principles of Justice
that those should decide IN the lest appeal who had
made them5elves partsans in the first resort, and
had committed themselves by previous engage
ments ;
We Of the distinction tax EN- by the
members Of Congress. When making those nom;-
nations, they affect TO act only in the capacity of
private citizens Is il possible that the good sense
of the community can be deceived by such shall
low aItifce If in good faith they TO act OH
~ private citizens, let them do SO in their res
pective states, to which the right of election, and
tho consequent right of nomination belong. There
fnsr fp4ttt