Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1821-10-02

arded In Fridays Gazette, have ehclleo
from the National lntelligencer reproof
which surprises, though it by no means
confounds us. For the private and pro-
,e.sjopal characters of the editors OF that
journal. we have always felt good will and
respect, and we should certainly prefer
rsnlyino 10 the animadversions of less
friendly hand. But as these gentlemen
have unnecessarily charged our harm
less speculations with cruelty" and''want
of generosity" silence on our part, In re-
gard to this accusation, might be repre-
sented by themselves, and received by the
public as an admission of its Justice. The
pretentions of all individuals whom we
mentioned as probable candidates for the
next Presidency had often been the sub
iect of newspaper disquisition and pro-
phecy; had furnished continual subject
Of conversation and controversy in many
parts of the Union, and especially in the
metropolis: and in no instance OF which
we have ever heard, has 1T been denied
that these statesmen entertained the views
which we have ascribed to them.
Certainly then candid and dispas-
sionate inquiry into their respective
claims, comes as fairly within our pro-
vince as any other matter touching pub
lie affairs, we 90 farther: and as we ne
YER belonged to that school of jesuitical
and metaphysical politics, which profess
es 20 distinguish between private and po-
iitical morality, we contend that any au-
thentic information respecting the person
al characters Of candidates for high pub
lie stations, which an editor possesses, Is
perfectly proper to be submitted to the
tribunal of general opinion. Is a man
VIGOROUSLY or demonstrably deficient in
the cardinal virtues. tit subject OF pub
lie honor or confidence? Does the neg
lect or the violation of domestic or social
duties imply an extraordinary suitable
ness for the performance of pubic du-
tieso OR rather would not the prophet
be though. mao who should graveiy fore
tel any thing, but embarrassment and
ruin from the sway of rulers thus wanting
in moral rectitude
But these positions are stated merely in
compliment to the opposite doctrine of
Saturdays Intelligencer. As to the pres
cnt question they are altogether abstract;
for in our article of Friday nothing was
said of the pirate characters of the sup
posed candidates for the next presidency,
though he Inte!igencer has enormously
ascrioed to it such an Investigation. In
truth we spoke altogether of their pub
lie acts.
But says the Inteiligencer, Gas it is un-
necessary, it would be ungenerous if
not cruel. to take up thus early, the
& names OF those men, who might be deem
A" ed aspirants to the Presidential Office,
8 and expose them, even years before the
question can be settled by election, pub
: licly to that species of animadversion &
g scrutiny, which always attend the exa-
$ animation of personal character and qua.
(" LITIGATION" Now ofthis considerate sensi-
bility, s shrinking delicacy we profess our
Sc, res 10 be destitute. lfthese politicians
su Ter themselves =" for years before the
&c question can be settled By election to
be considered "as aspirants to the Presi-
&c Dental Office" the public hGoe right
to use the most dHigaat aRjmaduerSiOnS
and scrutiny, ia re gard to their qualifica-
tions during the whole of the interval
Will it be contended that too much time
and opportunity can be allowed to the
people of ascertaining the characters of
those who solicit the highest and most
responsible public employments ? Are
they to be kept in the dark as to the cla-
mants FOR their favor, until caucus at
Washington, like the deceitful oracle Of
old, promulges itswili. This indeed may
be the fond hope of a fsetion but can ne
YER be the sentiments of free, intelligent
and virtuous nation.
What possible effect such speculatons as