Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1815-04-01
PUBLISHED
N EDNEsDAYs AND SATURDAYS,
i By JOHN URKE.
TO THE PATRONS OF THE ARGUS.

appreciated) and contract with his re-
preventative have placed the Argus erciu.
sfOeiy under my auspices. 1t is, therefore,
n tribute ofju stice aud respect due to those
who have heretofore patronized this paper,
aud to the community at large, to receive
from me, an accurate knowledge of the
principles which will govern me in the flu :
tare publication of this paper.
To those who are acquainted with the
history of the press, its influence on civil
society will neither appear strange nor un
Common. 1t is the great fountain of SCI
ence, both moral and political, which pro.
fusely dispenses its blessings ia inuumera-
bic streams. ia whatever region it may be
established. But the press. to be useful
must be free, and it is immaterisl as TO its
utility or detrimeht to society, whether the
restrictions to which it may be subjected,
be imposed by the strong arm of power, by
tile tyranny Of Custom, or by ignorance or
caprice. Being republican, | shall inya
riablY, according to the extent of my feeble
talents, advocate stIenuously the measures
which are likely to advance the happiness
of the mass Of ths American family, and 70
preserve invoate, and in their prestine pu-
rity, the principles Of our memorable revo>
luton, and the tree Institutions emana,inp
from them. l shall not. however, iastidi>
ously reject or exclude from the columns of
the Argus, speculative opinions. either of a
moral or political natore, because they are
not precisely coincident with my own but
on the Contrary, will publish with pleasure,
all communications or essays, written in a
spirit OF caudour and literally, on subjects
interesting TO the community, with a reser.
walton alone at my rights as Editor to make
snch structures, as 20 my feeble Judgment
may appear just, appropriate and pertinent
Upon points of mere policy, thee will exist
diversity OF opinion among even the most
Intelligent, as long as men view objects thru,
different optics, or decide on them accord
ing 70 the different rejecting faculties of the
mind. But on Governments, founded ON
she precepts of moral justice, and the axi
oms of immutable truth, such shades in o.
pinion, cannot prove essentially pernicious
as error when detsSted, will be avoided.
and the general happiness of the people.
the only object of such institutions be asst.
duously sought after and warmly espoused.
1t would be dishonorable in me, 10 attempt
TO Conceal or strohd my opinions On the me,
F;is OF the two great parties into which the
American psopie are split; and why should
l. since it constitutes my pride, to have my
hanble name inserted on the same roll,
WHICH Contains those of the most virtupus
and enlightened characters of this or any
other age, When / review the history of
the Distinguished character who now guides
the helm OF our public affairs, aid that of
the resplendent Capitalization of patriots.
statesmen and heroes associated with him
III navigating our political ark over the bois.
ferrous and difficult ocean on which IL had
been launched---when behold under such
cI No
racJer called forth and developed 10 an ex.
tent, which commands the respect and an.
plause Of an admiring world, but above all,
when contemplate that under their gui.
dance, this salutary truth has been demon.
strated. that man ian govern himself in
war, as well as in peace, without the aid of
Kings, Nob'es or Pontiffs, i approach them
with the hllal reverence and warns affection
OF a son, whilst my heart is filled with gra-
ntude TO Heaven, that / was born under an
American heTcscope. After acts thus pre-.
emlnently meritOriOus, which will give to
these characters, the most distinguished
pages IN the American history, | cannot i'm
piously tear into pieces the wreaths which
liberty has woven for brows, which, Though
they do not court them, yet on whch they
must wear well, & appear comely in the ewes
OF God and Man. Alter war into which
the nation was plunged by an overwhelm.
inghecessity, which was conducted through
all its stages under peculiar circumstances
OF Irritation, and terminated with glory
l must join in the great jubilee, and ex-
claim, ""elI done good and faithful patriots.
your country greets you with heartfelt sa,
lutations and grateful applause; il viii not
withhold from you, the only boon inits pow.
er, and the one most acceptable 70 generous
souls, the tribute Of its highest appreciation
and merited thanks"
The Argus will preserve inviolate that
chastity which it maintained whilst in the
hands tfits virtuous and respectable found
er. IL will not be made the channel through
which party rancOr or individual malice
Will find It's way 10 the public eye. Ihaye
reiinqniShed the profession Of the Law, for
which was regularly educated, and have
resorted to the press, for the means of adj
vanciDg nay future interests and PROSPERITY ::
and from the benevolence of my country.
men, am persuaded that the laborieas ef-
forts OF young man, having in view the Mt
tainment OF an honorable support, will meet
with an encouragement, proportionate to
the merit they may be found 50 possess.
The Argus viii be Published ms hereto
fore, every "Wednesday and Saturday, at
the usual place.
JOHN BURKE.