Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1816-03-20
NOMINATION OF PRESIDFNT

\
NOMINATION OF PRESIDENT.
| We enter the lists-From the moment
tnat TINS topic was started, we have been
Kept back from it by motives which we
are not ashamed to Notwithstanding we
felt was due even to the prejudices of the
world; and, though we have never given
way to the cant of the times, vet we wee
| zv'lEtnS that 1T should have ample scope
Ii was clear TO us, that the spectre Of Vir-
gina influence, was only coniured up
for the most sinister purposes: yet we
were willing that it should have the field
to Itself, and try all its force. It was fit
| that the world should be satisfied, that Col.
Monroe was not to succeed by the wishes
or the eXertions of Virginia. If he could
not prevail by the weight of his own cha
| racter, 1t vas idle to attempt to thrust him
upon our fellow citizens.-If he was not
the choice of their suffrages, as well as of
Virginia, 1t was time to lose sight of his
pretensions.
Actuated by these considerations, the
citizens OF Virginia held back from the
contest; not that they were Indifferent to
the result, but delicate about the means of
success. Virginia never listless about the
! interests of her country, was unwilling to
be suspected OF imputations which she
would have disdained. Hence, her voice
has not been hcard--her wishes have ne
yer been uttered. Her Legislature met
named her Electors and, without breath
ing the name of the favorite whom they
preferred. retired in silence Her public
prints put seal upon their lips, which no
calhmnies Could induce them to break
representatives az Washington had
more difficult part to sustain. They saw
the spirit of intrigue gliding around them
plots formed, and ISLANDERS propagated a.
gainst Monroe and the State which gave
him birth; but they kept on the s' even ten
cur OF their way" Their resolution was
taken, and they were silent. Their rising
indignation was suppressed, or only vent
ed to each other and to their correspond
ents in Notwithstanding to stand aIoof
from the field of cabal, and to leave Mon
roe, where it would be safe to trust him. to
the Judgment ofhis country.
The tide was left to itself; at every
moment it set, as they wished it, in favor
OF James Monroe. From Maine to Geor-
gia, symptoms were seen that he was the
man OF the people. Republican Meetings
were held in various quarters, which de-
clared in his favor. The Republican I.e-
gisIators of Massachusetts,, Rhode-Island,
Pennsylvania and North Carolina espous
ed his cause. The prints of that party, tho
not always the organs of public opinion,
vet, IN most cases, take or give the tone
these were, most of them, arrayed on the
SIDE OF Monrce---a very few for Crawford.
as few for Tompkins, the most we're for
Monroe-Those which were against him,
attempting to make up by the malignity of
their attacks for the weakness of their
cause--while those, which were for him.
had no need of any arts to blacken his OPP
ponents. While he has been assailed bv
almost every means which desperation
could devise, his advocates disdained to
retaliate. In Tompkins, they saw only the
patriot Governor, who had watched for our
safety and glory-and in Crawford, the
vlrtuous and able citizen. AS such were
they regarded ; at such were they treat
ed.
Yet, in spite Of these indications, it was
said, that the Representatives of the Peo-
pie were against Monroe that his friends
were afraid of a Caucus because thew
were aware " it would result in the nomi
nation of Mr.. Crawford" Predictions
were posted from Washington, to differ
ent quarters, that, when the Caucus should
be convened, Monroe would be found in
the minority.-It was indeed but short
time before it met, that little factous pa
per on the spot (the Washington City
Weekly Gazette,) boldly averred, that
" the opponents Of Col. Monroe and the
friends of Mr.. Crawford, among the re-
puhlicans, are considerable majoritv;
and, if strength and unanimity can give
confidence, they have every reason in the
world TO bel confident. 1t is ridiculous to
talk Of a mGjorftg's maneuvring." How
soon was this prediction blasted and the
iactious little Gentleman was condemned
TO eat his own expressions
his Caucus has at last met and what
IS the result Col. Monroe has IS, and
Mr.. Crawford So, Of the republican votes
as appears by the following letter:
To THE EDrroR--
I" Washington, .1farch rs,
81 s'cIock, p. ".