Alexandria gazette, commercial and political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1812-1817, 1815-08-25
elevation Is which our sufrages have ex-

sen from rotten boroughs, or, who are
indebted for their places, to the ever
bearing influence Of some leraly patren.
Our representatives are elected by our
selves. land if good men are not chosen,
the blame rests not Oh the government
but upon the people.
Ourselections are free.
Our Judiciary is independent.
The Eabeas Corpus, and religious to-
Ieration, are guarded by constitutional
provisions.
The right of trial by Jury is secured.
The Press is free.
Every citizen has a right to bear arms
in self defence.
Indeed, every right which ct,r intelli-
gent and patriotick fathers deemed worth
preserving, is secured to rs N the strong
est manner that human wisdom could de-
wise.
With such securities that our laws
shall be wise, what more can forms and
constitutions provide ?
What more is necessary. fellow eiti
zens, to complete our happiness, and t.
perpetuate these benefits to posterity'
IA scise md frugal administration,
achich shall guard vish rigoar and COCOA
faith, tie rights committed TO their pro-
lection.
Were men perfect, government wou'd
be useless. Were rulers perfect, cen
stitutional cheeks would be unnecessary
and that vigilaut watchtuiness of theii
conduct, Row so necessary. would cease
to be virtue. But power corfapts the
human heart. Men, long invested with
authority, are prone to forget the peo-
ple-to think only of their own interest,
and of securing their own power. All
the lessons of history aid experience
warn US to guard our rulers with a jea-
Ious eye. The people must be vigilant
to prntect their own rights, Or they will
not long have rights worthy protect
Ing.
Unfortunately fer US our affairs are
now conEded to those who possess nei-
Their the qualities of greatness to excite
our admiration, nor of goodness to inspire
esteem.
Blessed with the best government In
the world, all our rights are jeopardi1ed
by the misconduct Of weak at'miDistra-
ton. tits wise to look back upon oug
past conduct; to review the read we havet
travelled. and from the errours we have
committed to learn wisdom for the fu-
ture.
When our excellent constitution was
formed. it is notorious that great Por-
ton of the Democratic party then demo
minated Fesleralists, were the yea
Ious-bitter-perseYering enemies to that
instrument. 1t was confidently predicted
that the nation would be ruined by its
abortion and it is fact that twas pub
Hckly burnt by the party, though they
now affect to revere it.
Their opposition vas unavaliing,--lhel
FederaIists succeeded.-The Constitu-I
ton was adopted-W ASlllNGTONI
was elected Observation-Disclosures and
PIcxnR1Sa were called to lis councils );
and for the sake Of harmony, JEFFERSON.
the enemy to the Constitution was ap-
pointed secretary Of state. fl
Young mcn can hardly believe i. The
anti-iederalists taking the name OF demo
Gratis, opposed to their utmost, every im-I
1ortant measure of the administration
IF Washington. His sacred character
was assaIed by the malignity ct party !
shirt. Jefferson eountenanced and sup !
nmted printer who was the most violent
cnroser of Washington and his admins |
tratior.-Ve-ifyins the fable OF the yiper
he stuns the bosom that had warmed
him to political existence.
The Revolution in France broke out.
Washington issued his proclamation OF
neutrality. The Federalists supported
the true interests of the country by pur-
suing peace. TIE democratick party,
in6aming tie public mind with most
unholy zeal. endeavoused to drive the
cosntrv into war Oh the side Of France.
Il was then insinuated that Washington
was devoted to Britain. That the Eel,
dera party were under the influence OF
British gold. That the liberties OF the
nation we're to be sacrificed, and al!--be-
cause we would not madly abandon tie
reace Of the nation and throw ourselves
into the vortex of French revolutionary
poiiticks.
In the mean time system OF finance
was established---the public debt lncuE-