Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1821-03-15
re- rBE EDITOR OF The ALEXANDRIA GA
ZETTE.

have noticed, with concern, tna' 0yu"o'
Bailey of Loudoen, is announced ID the pup
Tic papers as the opponent of Col. Mercer
al our next Congressional election, ana nave
,ooked for some public explication OF his
motives to warrant, what appears to me-
so strange procedure, but as yet nave
looked in vain. Wherefore is this Oppose
t;on among fe6eralists? Has Col. Mercer
disappointed the expectation OF those, who
heretofore elected him? Has he neglected
his public duties, or so performed them. as
10 give just grounds Of complaint to bis aus
,riet or his country? I believe not. On the
contrary. he has been an industrious, VI
o;lant, and an useful member-ii he is e.
oual in talents and intention TO his opponent
wby make a change? Where is the policy
of turning out q man well acquainted with
the duties of his office, and possessed OF IN
formation on various and important subjects,
lei, unfinished at the close Of this session OF
Congress, but 10 be acted On at The next,
and putting into bis place, another to whom
all these matters will be new, Why? re-
peat, make change that will be produce
tive of no public utility: That Mr.. Bailey
is better qualified, by genius or education,
10 render the required service. than Colonel
Mercer, is not asserted, | presume, by him.
self or by his warmest friend. Those who
know both, know this not to be the case
Does he, then, deserve preference on &C
count of past services? No-there is no such
claim set up for him. Mr.. Bailey is good
neighbor and good practical farmer; but
to any uncommon depth Of political know
ledge, or TO credit Tor any extraordinary
public services, in a civil or military capa-
city, he can make no just pretension. He
has refused to act as justice OF the peace
in his county, although recommended by
the court and commissioned by the COVER
nor. He has refused to take commission
in the militia. He has refused (when invi-
tedl to be candidate for the state legisla-
ture. saying be had no wish to 20 into pub
Tic life, and could not leave his family
He has, in fact, spent his life industriouSly,
serving himself at home, whilst COL Mer-
Ger has given freely beth his time and his
talents in various stations TO the service of
the public, whenever occasion required
them. When Col. Mercer. during the last
war, was exposing himself TO the climate
ofNoriolk, not less to be dreaded by man
from the upper couRtry than the bayonets
OF the enemy. Where then was Mr.. Bal
ley! answer, he was at home, enjoying
the society of his friends, and taking care
of his private affairs. mention not these
things to his reproach. He was not bound
by lauv to serve as justice Of the peace,
nor take a commission in the militia, nor to
be candidate for the state legislature, nor
to serve in person in the militia, (although
his country was invaded by foreign foe) il
his money would get substitute; but
meution them as evidences that Mr.. Bailey
has never made any sacrifice Of time or trou-
BILE in performing duties that produce little
honor and no profit.
Both candidates are a,owed federalists--
neither can claim preference on that score:
Happily for our country the distinction be-
tween iederalist and republican is nearly
lost-it scarcely remains in name, and does
not exist in fact, if We judge from the votes
lately given in congress on any and every
subject. trust there is too much good
sense among those denominated Tin older
times) republicans, to allow prejudice a.
rising from former opposition, when they
voted against colonel Mercer upon princi.
pie 10 operate on them at this time, when
no principle of the sort is involved.
wish not to disparage Mr.. Bailey; but
should he succeed in the present contest, I
must think il will be owing to resentment
in the republican party, unreasonably ex-
tended to Col. Mercer, growing out Of for
mer opposition, or TO versatility of public
opinion. sometimes, and certainly in the pre-
sent instance, unaccountable in is cause,
which has given to the enemies Of republic
can government too just grounds for the
charge that republics are ungrateful."
ALOCDOUN FREEBOOTER.
Washington Mar. Ia
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