Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1816-02-03
JOHN BURKE.
Nj gnod tacuisse uel;m.

nected with himself, his motives, and his Views.
were If not that in the threshold of an undertake
ING ~ e the present, he is compelled by the i'm
perious law of custom to address those whose
favor he wishes TO conciliate, and by whom, of
course, he ought to be perfectly understood -
This delicate task, however, can be performed.
i'll a few words.
AS stated above, the undersigned has engaged
to cooperate with Mr. John Burke in the Editori.
al department of the Hirginia .7rgus, and to de-
vote to that paper, the portion of his time and
attention which IS not essentially required BY the
DdiiJ COMPILER. When, in June last, the under
signed entered the editorial career, he immedi-
ateiy formed the plan ola periodic cal work, SUI
pcrIor in many respects, to n rapid and lunted
narrative of passing events, and favorable to ex-
tent, variety, and freedom of intellectual exertion
IL was intended to make The work alluded TO-
not only transient web Gle of ephemerai intelli-
gence and present qualification, but permanent
fund OF future reading, a valuable repository of
occasional reference. Under the double excite
ment of social and parental motives, that design
was conceived with ardor; and the undersigned
was, under the same influences, and, indeed, IN
der additional stmulants, preparing to carry in
to effect his favor,te scheme, when, like many
other projectors, he found himself stopped at the
very entrance and threshold ofthe conJemplat ed
enterprise, by difficulties which the enthusiasm,
natural to ardent minds had caused him TO over
iook The heavy expence TO be incurred in
bringing TO maturity the intended publication.
would, ne ascertaIned, far exceed his means He
therefore reluctantly, but unayoidably reccded
from purpose in itself commenciable, and on
winch he had permitted his honest ambition and
ms hopes OF social and private usefulness to
o"ell with unusual complacency Pursuits of
different nature were then pre- iented 10 his view
but even while yielding to the stern mandate
OF necessity, he was unwilling TO have his time
snat cred, IN its course, by the interfering CLAIMS
OF mixed occupations. Hence the arrangement
made with Mr.. Burke-an arrangement which
does not direct the attention OF the undersigned
| 20 Objects incompatible with an honorable fulfil
Hient OF hs previous obligations, and promises
At tlle same tune, to render his exertions more
profitable to others and to himself
! IL IS well known that the undersigned Is n ma
we OF France, and of course, only a naturalized
iuzen OF the United States but he would deem
| u an insult on the feelings and the Judgment of
nose among whom he lives, to intimate that
certain PreIudces may, on that account, exist
against him. He IS deeply convinced OF the
contrary The observation and experience of
nea' ~ twenty three years have proved 10 him
| thst no such alloy debases the intellectual cur.
rehcy OF Virginia. Indeed, he might say that he
considers himself as Virginan When tossed ON
me waves or revolution mcomprehensible even
| 20 uiose VINO have witnessed its agltations, Vir.
gina hospitality received him in its fos erine, bo
SOM In Virginia, he formed the most endear,n,,
OF co pnect'o Ia connection which further enstir.
ca 70 ms children, as their ind .sputable birtn-
rl8lt, the best or treasures, LIBERTY In Virgin
Ia ne mas actively employed the most efficient
PART OF ms exist ence, one while as Professor OF
VILLAIN and Mary, at other times, as the head
IotreSpectabe and fourishing academies in diff.
using elementary and useful knowedge-thus
oischArginS,, to the utmost of his physical
lCt ~ f,grfh .,,ly I'll 4.
tude which ne owed and still owes TO the coun-
try that has welcomed, protected. encouraged
ana latronIed him. To Virginia bis tenderesr
recoiiections, and even his misiortunes, agon 2.
ing as they have been, bind has heart and If ad-
dltional motives for local attachment were want
ed, the contrast between the DEGRADED and
wretched condition Of the country of his birth.
and the free and happy state of the country of his
choice would more and more, endear the latter
to his affections Even he ltie, ola TEMPORARY
absence for iavorite obec,s of q literary and SCI
entiflc nature, he has totally abandoned. The
aspect OF physical ruins of intellectual hraldom
and moral abasement, could afford hun no soIace
solace IS 70 be sought and found, not amidst gloo.
my scenes OF violence. oppression and vandalism
nut IN cheering views OF nate na prosperity, and
anmating pursuits Of soc al and parental useful.
ness u a'lght can rouse the broken sprs from the
gloom and torpor of life loathing despondency.
- - w 0h'AHl pfbSpcCl VI nuNldn nap
pness, and tire Gertrude that ones children will
participate IN the universal gladuess of the land
HE tale OF egotIsm--a tale no less painful
10 the undersigned than IL may prove rksoIne to
others, is not yet told. The undersigned will
probably be asked for an ample and categoric
statement OF his political PRINCIPLES This, he
Tears, IS attribute winch every Editor is bound
onmakin5 sde6a, To p,yto the Pubic Theun.
der igned trusts tina he will beexempted, at least
from the minute OF this tribute. Enough of his
primo pies has, he thinks, been already developed
IN various ESSAYS, TO afford a satisfactory view oil
the rest. Besides, his Continuation Of Bu r.,
hist ~ Of Virginia, VIII soon be before his Eel
low-CitIzens; and, as the period ci he had Il
retrace in iha work, was emiaentiy favorable tc
the illnstraion ftbe great fundamental doctrine,
otnaiursl and social rights, c,vl liberty, and po
puiar government, he has necessarily interviewer
With his narrative, iull aud, he trusts, lasting
and honorable exposition of his political tene,s
TO these tenets, his attachment is strong and
sincere il was the early fruit OF ardent feeling
practical observation and philosophical reflection
nave since matured and improved it, Beautif,
| tbeorIeshad warmed his youthful Imagination
and convinced his expanding judgment. In 1898
Itheexcesses OfaGberticlde and sangtnnary factor
IN France, his native country, deeply injured tn,
cause Irrational freedom, and threw INTO discred
Jie principles of polItIcsl philosophy in the I'm
led States, however, he found most happy, mos
'orclbie, and i@ost aauring aPpllcsuos OF thos'