The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1815-01-21
az Of holding Offices of trust, honor,

! pay of holding Offices of trust, honor, or
tIhat the stock of population already in
aese States, is amply sufficient to render
jshis nation III due time sufficiently great and
powerful, is not controvertible question:
Nor will it be seriously pretended, that the
national deficiency in wisdom, arts, science,
arms, or virtue, needs to be replenished from
foreign countries. Still, it is agreed, that a
liberal policy should offer the rights of hospi-
tahty, and the choice of settlement, to those
who are disposed to visit the country. But
why admit to participation in the govern
ment, aliens who were no parties to the con-
pact-who are ignorant of the nature OF our
institutions, and have no stake in the welfare
ot the country, but what is recent and tran
STORY II is surely privilege sufficient, to
sdnt them after due probation to become
citizens, tor all but political purposes To
extend itbeyond these limits, is to encourage
foreigners 10 come to these states as capdi-
dates for preferment. The Convention for
bear to express their opinion upon the inaas
picious effects which have already resulted
10 the honour and peace of this nation, from
thus misplaced and indiscriminate liberality
he last amendment respects the Limitation
OF the othce OF President, to a single constitu-
uonal term, and his eligibility from the same
otate two terms in succession.
opon this topic it is superauous to dilate.
he love of power is q principle in the hui
man heart which too often impels to the use
or all practicable means to prolong It's durati
on he Office Of President has charms and
k.'eractions which operate as powerful incen-
owes TO TINS passion. The first and most ma
turai eXertion Of a vast patronage is directed
towards the security of new election. The
INT rest OF the country, the welfare of the pco-
pie, even honest fame and respect for the o.
phi'oh OF posterity, are secondary considerati-
ons. All the engines of intrigue all the
means of corruption, are likely to he emn,ovo
ed Tor this object. A president whose politi-
Cal careerl limited 70 a single election NAV
ma no other interest than will be promoted
oy making 1t glorious to!himself & beneficial
to his country. But the hope of reelection is
Proilhc or temptations, under which these
maSnanlnous motives are deprived of their
PrinGipal force. The repeated election of
tle PRESIDENT OF the U. s. from any one state.
aiiords inducements and means for intrigue
"hich tends to create an undue local infu-
ence, and to establish the domination of Dar-
ticuiar states. The justice therefore of Sc
curing to every state fair and equal chance
Tor the election of this officer from its own
c'tizens IS apparent, and this object will he
essentially promoted by preventing an e.
lection from the same state twice in snc-
Cession "
Such is the general view which this Con-
s:h'ioh mas thought proper to submit of the
SITUATION OF these states, of their dangers and
thelr duties. Most of the subjects which II
embraces have separately received an amsIe
anu lI luminous investigation, by the great and
aoAe asSsrters OF the rights of their country.
III the National Legislature and nothing
more Could be attempted on this occasion
tlan digest of general principles, and of
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS, suited to the present state
% Puoiic affairs. The peculiar difficulty and
ucm I'll OaCy OF performing even this undertaking.
VIZ os appreciated by all who think seriously
upon the Crisis. Negotiations for Peace. are
ae TINS hour supposed to be pending. the issue
et winch must be deeply interesting To all
Nc measures should be adopted, which might
uhIaVourably affect that issue: none which
should emJarrass the Administration ;f tbe;r
progressed desire Of peace is sincere and none
"nlCn on supPosition of their sincerity. should
morn tnem pretexts for prolonging the war.
IeheV,hs themselves from the responsibility
VI uisionoraoie peace. 1t is also devout-
~ to be wished, that an occasion NAV he
anorded to all friends of the country. Of all
parties and IN all places, to pause & cons;dar
'he AWiul state to which perncious couns.Is
ana oiind passions, have brought this DeonIe
lie NUMBER OF those who perceive. and who
~, iSauy 10 retrace errors, must, it is belize
Ved' vet sufficient to redeem the nation Il
- noCe's"iy 20 raly and unite them by the
assurance that no hostility to the Constitution
10 NEGOTIATED, and to obtain their aid in nla-
eng !. c u er guardians. who alone can save
IL from destruction. Should this for,upsto
change be effected, the hope of happiness
"ilu hoDor may once more dispel the sur
rounding gloom. Our nation NAV vet he
great our union durable. But should this
prospect be utterly hopeless, the time viii
not nave been lost, which shall have r;nened
general sentiment of the necessity of more
mighty efforts to rescue from ruin AZ ieas,
some portion of our beloved Country.
=. L mere Joho7o the ReaoiOes ofthe Conyeu-
lion Qlreaay hubished1 ''''e''-
Extract of a letter from verv ;,1.Ii;o-or.