The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1812-09-15
RICHMOND, SEPI,E.ifP -, is, 1915.
FOR THE ENQUIRER.


II REPLf 81 y
TO fhe address Of th-' Committee Of the
cftn fNe7D- York, in stthfiorf Of the nom
ination of
De WITT CLINTON,
10 The Presidency ofthe United States.
No. III.
AEIE have traced the Committee through
w much the larger portion of their Adj
dress. The various arguments, if they may
be so called, contained in it. have been faith
fully detailed, aud it is hoped fully answ
ed. Many have appeared not materially to
bear upon the subject under discussion
But, however slight their application, they
were intended To have some effect, and to
have passed them iii silence might have
oeen construed into an admission of their
truth. Eccentric as the course of these
gentlemen has been, it was deemed respect
iul co follow them. Nor have we been al
together uhrequiied for pursuing SO devious
a tract: we have stepped aside with plea
sure to witness their attack upon that re-
loubtable monster, the Washington Caucus,
and their gallant combat with the phantom
OF Virginia Influence. The annals of Knight
Errantry record not more valorous atchieve-
ments
The Addressers have hitherto carefully
abstained from bringing into view the rela-
tive merits of the Candidates for the Presi-
dency. proper regard for the fate of
their favorite should have taught them ne
yer to venture upon this delicate ground.
They have, at length, rashly approached
1T, and even affect to be insensible of their
danger. "There remains to US, SAY they, (a)
g another subject which we most reluctant
fy enter upon, and which we shall endeavor
to discuss with candor and .for6earance."-
We shall perceive Ill the sequel that the re-
iuCtanCe manifested OH the present occasi-
on, arises from their being compelled to
depict the evils of the present " ine6it lent
administration, and to dwell upon =" the
Snfserior 7u9rth and guaIfcafionS Of Mr..
CLINTON" An unwelcome task, no doubt,
and. mast reluctantly undertaken. We
are not" they proceed, enemies to Mr..
Madison, and should regret exceedingly if
we were considered as dtsharaging his re-
huta.fon. Much as we esteem MIR. Clinton,
and DESTROYS as we arc of his success, we
should reject it, if it could only, be accom-
Plished by outlying his competitor" -
Friendly professions are at all times made
with ease; never oftener than when inten-
ded to ensure success to secret enmty.-
They arc the concealed weapons of a. foe !;
of Il fee who cordially grasps your hand and
smlesin your face, while preparing to stab
you to the heart. Mr. Madison fears not
that his conduct should be scrutnized,-
The seyerest scrutiny could injurc him less,
than an insinuation that it was withheld
from tenderness to his REPUTATION. But it
has not been withheld In taking to the a
selves credit for /" Il c0udor and Joi5ear
rnce" they have not exercised, the Addres-
sers int.nded to give additional weight and
dignity TO their censure. Thus only could
they cast veil over the brightness of his
character; He has nothing to dread but
their friendship.
." We are not aware" they continue, Us.
" OF any advantage that can result Ivy estab !,
fishing the ruie that every President who is
not extremely disahfrooed IF shall be re-
elected" Perhaps not. BIT no such rule
exists. The Committee are combating an
other phantom. Such a rule would be
scarcely less absurd, than the Converse,
that no President should be reelected. how
ever Reritorious. And even ii the Converse
rule were established, it would avail them
nothing. 1t would still be to the last degree
improbable that their favorite could obtain
the SuIlrases of the People, who is scare w
known beyond the boundaries OF his native
state, and whose chief recommendation
consists, to use the language of the Commit.
tee, ia not being extremely diyafHroued of
" 1t is sacred provision of our govern
ment." say the Addressers. that the Pre-
sidcnt is the res ponsible o'icer under the
Constitution. The prero ,ative maxim NJ
britain cannot be applied to him, thaf he
ran do no sorong." That this maxim can
not be so applied, is readily admitted. MOI
If it could, would MIR. Madison have the
leaa. occasion 10 screen himself behind 81
letc stable a preroga,ive. That he can dc
M 5pr0Hs, his friends have never asserted
That he. mas committed essential crror, re
naItls for his easniies TO prove Bat " tx
IS Responsible for the pro iHent actS ant
omissions 0s his Secretaries" One of III,
acis cn.nnIain.I u lcA l. tha lschn.nn Z.