Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1816-02-21

Electors, or as Members of the County. and DO
rough Corresponding Committees.
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.
In the course we have pursued relative
to this important subject, in the remarks
we have made, and the sentiments promul-
gated in our paper, we have endeavored to
be uniform, consistent, and explicit. In
doing this, we have expressed not only our
own feelings, views, and opinions, but those
OF the republicans generally in this section
of the union. While in other sections, and
in other states, we regret to find differ
ence Of opinion among those who profess
an attachment to the principles of republic
cdnism, and have heretofore been remark
ed on the american side in the great politi-
cal divisions, it affords US much satisEac-
tion to find in this, in Maine more particu
larly, but one prevailing sentiment. Our
means of ascertaining this, have been very
ample, and we have endeavored so TO i'm
prove them, as to render our paper cor
rect. full and lair expression of the prevail
ing sentiment. In continuation of this.
we are happy to learn, that the democratic
members OF the Legislature, and other gen
tlemen Of the same political character, from
different parts of the Commonwealth, have
recently had meeting at Boston, in which
the nomination of JAMES MONROE, as a
candidate for the presidency, ,cas unani-
anously approved. Here then is pubLic o.
pinion--that opinion, which our paper has
constantly advocated. The republicans
here are actuated by the most liberal and
patriotic views. They spurn at those con-
temptible and selfish geographical distinc-
tons which have been brought forward to
sway the public mind in New-York, and
some other places. They recognize no
claims whatever, on account Of birth place
or residence. They regard the American
people as one fdmily-a great aChole-and
in selecting one from this body for the high
est office IN the government, they would
only inquire, whether he is The best man
not whether he is from Georgia or .Ne,c-
York, Ns,c-England or Kentucky, Virein-
ia or elsewhere. These do not enter into
the account-It is sufficient qualification
for the candidate in this respect, that he is
a ndtire citizen Of the United States. Mr..
| MONROE being considered better qaiali-
fled for the presidency than any other man
that can be brought into competition with
him, the republicans of our state have come
forward in support of him. We trust, that
though nominaLiy minority, their voice
will be heard--that the republicans of other
sections will be induced, by their patriotic
example, to sacrifice state pdrtiatities and
tocat attachments to the common coed of
their country--and that the friends Of the
AMERICAN UNION will yet rally under
the same standard, and exhibit to Federal
ism, and the opposers ofout country's pros
perity---to all our foes, both foreign and
domestic, a firm, solid, and impregnable
phalanx. Eastern .qrgus.
The presidential question is now reduced TO a
choice between MIR. MONROE and Mr.. CRAW-
FORD. We think Il strange "passing strange %
that this state ofhngs has been suddenly brought
about bat u exists in reality, where we apprehend
It cannot in time be changed and republican, have
to decide ia favor of or the other Of these gentle
men. Mr.. CRAWFORD. Thoughts worthy and
an upright man, has not exhibited talents, has not
rendered services sufficient Justify selection oi
him as President Of the United States he has
with becoming modesty declared that he was not one
OF those from whom a choice ought 20 be made aud
whatever right the people have 20 claim his seryi
ces in any capacity, u Is n right which, we think
they will and ought 10 waive on the present ocessi
on. We therefore hesitate not to saw, that q,
JAMES MONROE aud WILLIAM II. CRAW-
| FOHl1, we entertain decided preference for Mr.
1 ttiAt tue Republicans OF this dis
triet and of the state at large, wCuli be exrene,
dissatisfied az the nomination Of Mr. CRAWFORD
should il unfortunately take place.
ln relation to the yee-presidcncy, the patriot
4 TOAIPKlNS is The man who, shove All others that
| have been named, would, VIC believe be preferred
Tor that Office by our republican, friends and the
nomination Of any other man. serve as ycc-presi-
dent With MIR. MONROE as president, would In
lure the cause OF the latter, aud possibly defeat
his election This idea cannot be too steadily kent
in view ~ the friends Of Mr.. MONROE
Ban. Pat.