Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1821-08-02

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should regulate his department
could have never anticipated the period,
when he would appear in the style that
has so remarkably distinguished him
They could never have contemplated the
time, when he would step from his lofty
seat to combat in the arena with the
Reviewers and other libellers of Europe,
and to avail himself Of an opportunity,
when in the act of cxpounding the glorious
principles of the immortal Declaration OF
independence. That paper is a sacred
instrument and ought to be touched by
none but the purest and most delicate
hand. 1t speaks for itself, and in truth
requires no commentator. 1t is impossl-
BILE for any pencil however bright, to add
to its beauty or sublimity; but it is in
some measure furnished by being apPro-
priated to factious, odious and invidious
purposes.
That solemn Declaration spoke the
language of truth justice and wisdom
1t was penned by the same energetick
hand which held the sword, and contain
ed these godlike sentiments Enemies
in war, in peace friends" But how was
its dignity violated? how was its majes-
tick c~ountenance insulted by the bold
Orator, who must have forgotten its
Characterised precept, when he threw
down the gauntlet of defiance to all the
poets, philosophers and other worthless Of
a nation at peace with us. That the Sec
rotary on such an occasion should have
come forth the champion armed cap-ap pee
to attack and ridicule the genius and lit
erature of any nation, must a~stonish every
rejecting mind, and that he should have
cunningly selectedt that nation over whom
u arms were so consPicuously trium-
plant in the contact for liberty, is still
more astonishing. Why did he not en-
counter all civilized nations; for in turns
we have been the subject Of their refec-
tions. l trust that the motives which
governed him, were directed by the pu-
rest flame Of patriotism, and l hope when
he mounts the roStIum on a similar occa-
sion, that he will commend and not con-
denim the philosophy of any country; in
that respect he will follow the example
of an ancient orator, who infinitely sur
passed him in the graces and beauties of
eloquence.
1t becomes every real American citizen
to protest with manly frmness against
the course which has been adopted by the
Secretary. 1t is an unhappy precedent
which may be perverted to the vilest and
most mischievous purposes. 1t prostrates
the dignity of the nation. 1t transforms
the exalted Premier Of the United States
into a pitiful c%aviller. It. is calculated to
sink us in the opinion of enlightened and
high-minded legislators. The literature
of our country stands in no need of de-
fence from him, when displaying his tai
ents on the sacred festival of our liberties.
Blessed with self-goverrment, we are un,
der no obligation to abuse those who are
not SO fortunate. The Orator could with
modest propriety have left the difficult
task Of proving oar superiority. to those
whose abilities ant leisure have rendered
them better qualified to execute the lau-
dable and arduous work. If it should so
happen that in a correspondence with TO-
reign ministers the integrity and genius
of our country should be involved in dis
cussion, let him put forth his mighty arm,
and advance strong in the justice and
power of his cause. The resplendent orb
would then shed light, glory and happi
ness, and irradiate all within the attrac-
ton of its sphere. Being invulnerable to
the gross libels of European s%cribblers,
and innocence forming our best safeguard;
how can we be injured by the "mime ct
balatrones ct id omne genus" of foreign
writers.
PHOCION.
New York, July %.
POLICE
A mysterious circumstance IL will he