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

count; and therefore il is highly proper that we
should commune together, and Interchange Cpl.
ons, so as 10 be able to make the best selection
from among those who can be said to have any
fair professions to that high and important sta.
ton. Judging from the newspapers of the day,
It would seem, that the people were on tip-toe,
pryng and listening, all eyes and ears, all anxi.
ETY., t. know the result of the congressional ca,I-
Gus at Washington. AS to the proprie,v and uses
OF this caucus, there is great variety Of opinion
he fet'erallsts, one and all, condemn and repro
bate caucusing of all kinds and particularly this
congressional caucus, for the nomination of suit
able persons to fill the Offices of President and
Vce-President. But it is evident 10 every one
that in this particular they are not governed by
principle, because they carry on the most system.
attic caucussmg imaginable, through the medium
ct their Peter Washington Societies, as we df Ma.
ryland know to our cost. The true ground off
derai hostility 10 democratic caucusses is that it
produces democratic unanimity. Among the re.
puhlicans, some are opposed to congressional
caucus nomination.. because it is calculated to
disappont their sinister views. John Randolph
ot Roanoke, unjustly and causele,sly abused, and
endeayored 10 njure, Mr.. Madisou-of course he
hated HIM; and of course lie reprobai ed the eau
Gus nomination which ensured his election. Az
TO me opinion OF the federsts, and this class of
pretended republicans, they are alike contempti-
BILE and unworthy of notice-their follies and vi
ces have reduced their numbers, and rendered
| them alike odious and hamess.
but among the great BODY of the republicans
OF the union, an honest difference of opinion ex-
ists. The foundations of this difference Of OPT
mon deserve to be particularly we'll invcstga' ed
and considered at this time. Those who are dis
posed to approve of, acquiesce in, congress.
s'ohai caucus, say that it has very useful ten
dency to harmonise. and by the most easy ard
gentle means to draw public opinion 20 one point.
and fix it upon asngle object known and approx
ed by all, yet Likely to be altogether lost if the
public sentiment were suffered, without gu de or
help, TO be jostled to and fro between objects
equally well known and well approved. On the
o her hand, it is said, that caucus may palm
| upon the people man as President, who IS alto.
gether, or at least comparatively, unknown. un
tried, or unworthy; that concurrence of cir.
cuinstances Will place it in the power of such a
| caucus to put in nomination one whose political
Skin and integrity have been exhibited no where
/ beyond the boundaries of his own state, except
perhaps in certain notable speeches which the
| republicans noticed, and may be supposed to
nave medtated on with any sort of feelings other
than those OF delight or appreciation. That such
character, so new and untried, if achiated by a
certain degree OF obstinate pride of opinion and
seif-concet, will most probably be supported,
caJoled, battered, and made perfect nose of wax
III the hands of the federslists, and that 10 pre-.
vent the happening of any one, or of all of these
evIis the only way is to leave the choice of Pre-
sident to the people at large for they will be sure
1 10 hx upon man who has been long known
4 one who has considerable stock of reputation
at stake who has been tried in various WAYS. and
has given abundant proofs of his ability 10 ,cn;t
himself well in that most tempting and irving of
all situations, the Chief Executive Magistrate of
/ the nation.
1t is admitted ON all hands, that it would be
highy criminal TO attempt to thwart or divert the
public will out Of its natural channel, by nom;.
mating for the presidency, man who was nm
known or displeasing to the great BODY of the
people "A great confidence is felt bv rnanv Tho,
such nomination will not, cannot be made. As
to what the caucus 7pH do, hope for the best !.
IS 10 what it can be brought to do. c1n only
say, that have heard much of intrigue and IF
state bargains and compromises, and that have
my tears-But as no nomination is vet made Il
may be both amusing and useful to see how The
caucus ought TO act as the faithful Representatives
4 OF the people, by enquirng how public opin;on
IS formed relative to such matters: how and Ly
what sort of index the voice of the people has
oeen hitherto directed, aud zOhetheT il .vonld he
SAFE to dispense NTH any Of hase kinds of bnblic
repeated ana notorious testimonials of ftness and
a6ihty to fR the office Of Chief .lfogIstrate, which
hare been heretofore isoled for aud required.
i Public opinion is not that set of Theories and
nations entertained by the few men of lrenius
who investigate, think and speculate in a sort
OF phllosophIc retremeut--neither is it the sem
| timent, or rather mere animal feeling, of those
whom misfortune has condemned to trudye on
laborlously from day to day, without moments
leisure to oestow 4 thought upon the matters
near and round them but public opinion is d
rected and formed by that intelligent class who
have enough of leisure to attend to affairs sbout
them, TO read of what is passing elsewhere. and
VINO IN general give correct judgment, because
they have no Interest," in giving any otLer-sucb
is public opnion-it is always safe to follow 4 !.
IN all countries it has some influence and in ours
twill command But this public opinion II ;s
evident, IS bottomed upon extensive and various
Information, and when candidate for the pres
aency rs she subject, it is, has been and can only
DC performed by many and Tebeafed notices oftke
: 'ndUidnaL Benjamin Franklin was one Of the
most iilusirious ofmen-during our revolutions
ry struggle, public opinion looked towards him.
telt cneered and fortified amidst the most fear.
fui and perilous times His name was that of
wisdom and satety-so high was public opinion
IN his favor and how was it raised The Droofs
are at hand his vindicaton of colonial rights
MS Canada pamphlet, his exaninat ons before
the British House of Commons, &C. &c all gave
ample assurance that he was for any station On.
pablo and trust worthy. Public opinion in IA
Yor OF Washington also, rose to prodieious height
and on what was it founded Not on whIm.
caprice or management, but on a knz EE of me
most unrented and trying ssfUice TO his coIr,,z
. ItIom youth 10 oldGge. An irresistible force OF
public opinion elevated Jefferson to the presi.
dency and The luminous vigor of his intellect
and the integrity of the man as governor. score.
tary, ambassador, &c. gave il that force When