Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1815-07-12
FOR THE VIRGINIA. ARGUS.
REFLECJJO.nre
ON TIE POLITICAL LIFE OF TIE
HONORABLE JVILLIaJM r.. GILES
II Senator IN tte Congress of The Unite.
States, from the state IF Virginia.
No. 7.

IN free country, and under constitution.
smlably calculated TO render the people pros
porous and happy; where genius talents and
worth, wherever they may be found, are equally
regarded by society, aud are, in general consider
ed the sure means OF conducting those who pos
sess them TO high and distinguished stations. nm
der government, already in possession of all the
advantages to be derived from IN honest, bold and
honorable exercise, OF those rare and valuable
QUALITIES on the part of HIM whose GOOD fortune
1t may be topoSsess them, and in times too oftbc
most extreme peril and danger; it is much
to DE regretted, and deeply to be ciepIored. that
mere are 10 be found instances where the most
ohS.ilg'hshed merit not only Is passed by without
ITS just reward, but where genius, and patriot
Ism, are attempted to be construed into their d.
rect opposites. Much, however, as it is to bere-
! GREETED, that such deeds of injustice have been
Witnessed, do not pretend to say that there is
| any remedy which can be applied, that will carry
with 1T. any prospect OF success Our happy
form OF government cannot be expected 10 dis
close no defect inits practical operation it must
be remembered that il is the work Of man, that
man is himself am imperfect creature, and imper
feet man may look m vain for perfection IN his
own deeds.
Iconclude, then, that this is one ofthe few evils
which spring from the form and spirit offree GOV
eminent, and which, compared with the many
solid advantages which such government rs
ours afford to the people, ought scarcely to be
complained of; yet still, when prominent cases
present themselves TO our observation, where
worth and virtue are almost prescribed. the pbi.
lantiropist and true patriot can never fail to catch
them as they pass before his ewes; and although
ne RISKS similar fate, by being indepenG eat
enough to censSre any iniustice he NAV have
marked, or utter any sympathy which lie may
teei for the injured man, yet If he be indeed a
phIanlhropist, and patriot, he will scorn t. re-
| caro- SO unworthy consideration: equal ;,tgt:ce
10 an men being the rule Of his action. he VIII
disdain TO Withhold the language of Justice from
| any apprehension ofhis own SUBSEQUENT denupc:a.
ton and although such consequence NAV arise
l 70 hinn, and by ms Just and virtuous deeds he
shat BRING upon himself the frowns OF an erra,.eI
party, covering space 50 wide rs to embrace
some OF his best and dearest friends he Will ne.
yeFtheless be patient, and with forttufIe bear hi
tate, for IN his own bosom he Will fr,I . cor,I;oI
in all his Affections, and an approving conscience
wlll sweeten the pillow ofhis evening slnnbers.
! unfortunately, man does not al'vays exhibit
the sane character zrheffer he lie q free coe,. N
Get|1r himself or 7pheter he be coatro,yed 5y er5;
trG'y' and &fg'o,ic r'tiss of yovsran.nt see him
IN ms lonely contemplations, see the g.v and
InWthtcl hustle or the more dignfed assembly
| OF national law-msl,ers sec indeed. whole MT;
J ons. mark them well for wears together and 7
THINK am well supported in the opinion, that
| man, whether he is viewed as an irdividnaI o- IN
| more enlarged character, dors not ALWAYS evh;-
DIT TIC same uniform course of action ard hence
It IS we very often see men raised to the highest
hohols on state, under q system of management
| Or conduct, which would REFUGE others, Derbops
81 higher clam, 10 the lowest Grade Of nubl;c
opinion and hence too, it Is we sometimes eee
| particular individuals cares-ed BY society for
| having certain qualities, which qualities. when
| possessed by others, seldom fail 70 drive ;hero
| from the cOuntenance ofthe same society II ;s
| not necessary that should attempt to account for
this strange and variable quality in the human
character perhaps 1t is natural defect intended
! for wise purposes, and admits of no cure hut
that IT does exist in man is, ] think. unques
tionaby true; otherwise, distinguished Creciq7
patriot would nothave been driven from his ma.
I'VE land Wy the voice determination, and aft err.
wards recalled BY the same people to preside
over tier councils, IA tirne5 Of unequaned perl
| Mfl dangers fortunate indeed was IL for him.
mat his Successors we're not Just and rs virt,i-
Gus - he was ifthcy had beer, it is very certain
tiat tbs great and good man, would have linrer-
| Ell and died, IN a foreign land, Iva DISGRACE. and
WIN the excavations Of the Lace en,onian people
| hanging heavy on his head the God OF Heaven.
| however, looked upon his case, and resolved TO
/ rescue lum from injustice and oppression. add
! restore him TO the land which he loved, and to
] TIE peopia oFhis bosom lie was accordingly soon
/ al towards recalled, the people Acknowledged
uleTnJ towards hnn, and this distin rush I'd
man, IA the evening Of his life, felt himself happy
IN the affections of the people, and The ENJOYMENT
(of their highest honofs. If the character Of man
was not variable, and ohaageablc, we should ne
J yer have seen the people Of I'fsnce at one time
devoted 10 the iil-fated LOUIS the 10Th and after.
wards applying the Gu.llotine TO his neck. for mo
ou'er Faults thar those which existed, and were
known 10 them at the tiH,e Of Their greatest adj.
}0fstion Ofhs character. 1.-THE temper and ca.
Egeteg Of nan Y9s Fixed ard ar.sorsn, wby did he