Alexandria gazette, commercial and political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1812-1817, 1812-10-08

ing an eleCtOr arc siiIPiS "''''
every person may soon possess them'
who is not convicted of felony, or who
has not yet attained the legal age. Nor
is anv person excluded from becoming
representative except the public teach
ers of religion, aud such as are not SUBJ
jects of the king. Is not this constitu-
ton perfect above all others! In our
laws and il stitulions thtre is so much
wisdom, sech All anxiety to keep the
moral code always in view, such an at
,ention to our feelings, such regard to
the preservation of cur rights both in
person and property, such steady abb
horrence of vice, and such strict en-
forccment of virtue, ii. AS far as it can
become the object Of puolic regulations
as merits on our parts, Tie most steady
attachment; and in putting them IN
force there is, if possible, more to praise
than in the laws themselves. II ever
impartiality in the administration of
Justice was attained, We lave certainly
attained it. There is no interference "a
the part Of government. The true u
terest Of the rulers as we'll as tie peorl'
is known to depend upon The uni, tered
operations of the laws The Judges AND
crown officers selected from an honora-
BILE and liberal profession mcn whose
minds are raised By their education, fl:
above all narrow and sordlL views, a.
appointed to put the laws II force -
When VIC behold these uprlgnt di5P~n-
scrs Of Justice without a"y temptation
to the right or to the lett, prepared by a
long course Of study for t;eir awiui snd
important functions; when we b hold
them hearing with the greatest candor
and most invincibie patience, not merely
the causes between different subjects,
but those between private citizens and
their sovereign, and instead of leaning
to the rulers who appoint them, giving
every proper facility to the prisoner, at
tending particularly to his defence, and
even becoming of his counsel when he
errs. Shall we not feel grateful to
government which promotes and Sane
tons so great uprightness, and which
seeks so eagerly the happines of its peo.
pie. 1t is net enough that we be ODE.
dent Subjects to such government as
this; 7oe must be active in its d.fsnce a.
Sa1HSt ohen enemies end internal ,foes.-
Is there any person who is not conscious
that he is completely master of his own
conduct-that the quiet possession of
bis life, his person and property, and
good name, are secured to him by the
laws. Do we not feel that our govern
ment is able, and not merely able, but
careful 10 protect the rights of every
individual, and to allow him as much IL
berry as is compatible with the rights of
his fellow subjects; protecting him a.
galnst all oppression, giving free scope
to the exertion of his taen,s, and in eve
ry way contributing to his comfort and
happiness. Such is faint sketch in
deed Of the glorious constitution which
we enjoy; and this we are called upon
to exchange for the government of the
United States; government which has
ohtressed and impoverished its own peo-
pie, and drtrivea them virtually, Of all
thTT pafna6le Privileges. For how can
liberty exist among people where off.
GERS OF state and representatives crouch
to bloody tyrant. Be vigiIant against
such enemy; the contest is indeed aw-
ful and to be deplored; but Of the event
your representatives entertain no dread.
1t is not necessary for us to examine
the causes alledged by our enemies for
this unjust and unnatural war, because
an Address from the House of Repre-
sentatives of the State of Massachusetts.
the most respectable in the Union proves
In the most satisfactory manner, that it
Is "anton and unprovoked, and is the
Climax OF the various outrages previous
'y committed against Great Britain. In
this statement they have been Joined by
the Minority in Congress, whose expo.
sitlcn OF the secret reasons of the war,
and the falsehced of those alleged by the
President and his friends, is unanswera-
Die, and must hand down the promoters
of this diabolical measure TO the cxeera-
ions of postcrity. Indeed the more en-.
ishtened and best informed persons in
The United States, all men who love their
native land and think with impartiality,
are against the war; and as they form
N increasing majority, we have every
'eason to suppose, that the will be able
% hurl their opponents from power, and
speedily to restore peace to their coun-
ny.
Finding on their meeting that the Pro
lice was actually invaded, it became
immediately necessary for your Repre-
entatlves to give as much efficacy as
possible to our natural means of defence.
'or this purpose. several alterations
AVE been made in the militia laws. which
icing framed for state of TRANQUILITY.
we're too weak in their provisions for
ctual war. These alterations render it
,asy for the commander in chief of the