Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1815-03-29

me death OF Samuel Peasants, ESQ
(whosc virtues and merit were known and
appreciase'') and contract with his re-
Preventative have nlaced the Argus ercls.
siUcly under my auspices. 1t is, therefore.
tribute OF Justice and respect due to those
who have heretofore patronized this paper.
anc TO me community at large, to receive
from me an accurate knowledge of the
Pr'nc'nes winch viii govern me in the flu.
ture publication ofthis paper.
To those who are acquainted with the
history of the press, its influence on civil
society viii neiiher appear strange nor nm
common 1t is the great fountain of sci
ence, both m,ral and political, which pro
tuseiy dispenSes its blessings in innurnera
bic streams in whatever region it may be
established. But the press, TO he useru,
must be free, ard it is :mmaterial az TO its
ilitv or detrinent to society whether the
restrictions TO which itmay be subjected.
ne impose hy the str ng arm of power. by
the tyranny az custom, or BY ignorance or
caprice. Being republican, shall inva,
rlahly, according tn the extent of my feeble
talents, advocate strenu usly the measures
which are Likely to advance the happiness
OF the mass oi tbs American family, and TO
preserve nvioiate, and in their presiioe nu-
rity, the principles Of our memorable reyo.
luton, and the free institutions emanatine
from them. i shall not, however, fastdie
ously reject or exclude from the columns If
the Argus, speculative opinions, either of a
moral or political nature, because they are
not precisely coincident with my own !: but
on the contrary, will publish with pleasure,
al communications or ESSAYS. written in
spirit OF caodour and liberali y, on subjects
interesting to the community, with a reser.
rf 49,. r.
snch structures. as to my feeble Judgment
may appear just, appropriate and berthe mr.
Upon pointsof mere policy, there will exist
diversity OF opinion among even the most
mt iligent, rs long as men view objects thro'
different optics, or decide ON them accord.
ing to the different rejecting faculties of the
NINA. But On Governments, founded on
'ns precepts ct moral justice, and the axi
oihs Oh lmmutaoie truth. such shades in o.
pihion, Cannot prove essentially pernicious ::
as error when detected, will be avoided
ana the general happiness of the people.
the only object of such institutions be as;
dnously sought after aud warmly esponsed.
1t would be dishouorabIe in me, 10 attempt
TO Conceal or shroud my opinions on the me.
rits OF the two great parties into which the
american people are split; and why should
l. since 1t Constitutes my pride, to have nv
humble name inserted on the same roll.
winch Contains these of the most virtuous
and enlightened characters of this or any
other age. When / review the history of
tne distinguished character who now guides
me helm OF cur public affairs, and that of
.he Tesplendeht constellation of patriots,
statesmen and heroes associated with him
IN navigating our political ark over the b0is-
.erous ana difhcult ocean OF which it had
ChaH ytezw. Z
auspices, the energies of the American cha
rae er called forth and deVeloned TO An ~
tent winch commands the respect and ap.
plause OF an admirng world, but above all.
when contemplate that under their gui
dance, this salutary truth has been demon.
s'rated, mat mau can govern himself in
war; as well as in PEI &c without the aid of
hingS, MOBILES or Pont1s, approach them
win the hlial reverence and warm affection
OF son, whilst my heart is filed with era
ttuoe 10 Heaven, that was born under an
american horoscope. After acts thus pre-
em'nently meritOrious, which will give to
these characters, the most DISTINGUISHED
pages IN the American history, cannot i'm
plously tear into pieces the wreaths which
liberty has woven for brows, which, thor.,h
they do not court them, vet on whish they
must wear well, q appear Somely in the eyes
OF GOD add Man. After war into which
tne nation was plunged by an oyerwbelm
Jog necess'ty, which was conducted through
All ITS stages under peculiar circumstances
OF Irritation, and terminated VITA gloy-
| Tanst JON in the great Jubilee, and ex-
Cla'in' wen done good and faithful patriots,
your country greetS you with heartfelt sa.
iutatoos and grateful applause; it will not
"ithhoid IRON you, the only boon in its pow
er' and the one most acceptable o generous
souls, tue tribute OF its highest appreciation
and merited thanks