Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1821-03-20
cONMUyIcATI0N.

lhe contest between Sudiic'
and Syinor Bailey to represent the counues
of Fairfax Loudoun and Prince Williams
in Congress not being founded IN poll
teal warfare, the selection between these
opposing caRdidates-bo,h very respecta-
BILE gen,lemen-ought tC be made accord
ing t., their respective capacity to represent
in behting manner, their constituents I'D
the councils of the nation.
Therefore, without meaning to derogate
from the responsibility of either, let us test
their distinctive merits by their usefulness
to their country, as politicians and states
men.
Mr.. Mercer is generally acknowledged to
possess fine talents, with that expansion OF
mind which combining the theory OF legisis'
ton in the abstract. with the practical know
ledge, forms the powerful feature OF the
useful and accomplished statesman.
To these Mr.. Mercer adds industry and
energy of mind, which enables him. not
only 10 develope extended schemes OF n
nance, but to approach and enter into all
the minu,ia of Detail TO satisfy ourselves
as TO this, it is ony necessary to recall 10
our re. = ction his useful activehess while
a member, during an interesting SESSION OF
the Virginia legislature.
1t may not be superauous TO add, that Mr..
MERGERS principles are based on honesty
and integrity, and his conduct squared by
the incest principles Of honoT-lrank and
nrbane in his intercourse with society.
None will doubt this sketch, altho' drawn
Nv feeble pen, to be devoid of every
thing adulatory. which the writer scorns.
The experience which Mr.. NJ. has had 10
legislation, is another most important point
in his favor, when Mr. Bailey is placed in
competition with hun.
The character OF Mr. Bailey stands high
as respectable, honest and worthy man
and probably the county OF Loudoun does
not possess a more intelligent, scientific and
practical agriculturIst. He is further,
man of good sound sense; aud had he, as
his friends have often wished him 10 do, ia
ken a poll, ere this, TO represent the coun-
~. we should have been better able to have
Judged OF his merits as legislator. AT pre-
sen, be is an un.r,ed man, and contrary to
former general usage, aspires at once to a
seat in the national legisature-to follow
:, once in the wake Of such trsed politl-
clan as Charles F. Mercer Such was not
the mode of procedure adopted by the late
Richard Brent and Levin Powell-the
heads. in their day, OF The two great poll
IA! parties of;the tlstrict--These gentlemen
considered it duty to their constituents, e.
a useful incipient step to themselves, first
TO appear in the state legislature.
Mr.. Bailey, therefore, # may he per-
mit,ed the expression, flies at too high
quarry at first-let him undergo the ordeal
of the Virginia legislature-mature himself
in the principles of legislation-as men, his
predecessors, OF superior talent did in for
mer days; and then ,iMr. ~. be not dlspos-
ed voluntarily as Mr.Lewis did TO Withdraw,
let him firmly enter the lists for a seat in
Congress, and try his character as pvliti-
clan and statesman. with his constituents.
The democratic party in The district pos
sess probably the greater proportion OF ia
lent-they therefore, il they interfere. will
most naturally attach their vote to the high
or grade of mind of Mr.. Mercer, and to
his known usefulness as their represen-
tatiye as the contest is between two Of the
other party. OAN oiOoo'
The U. S. brig En;erprize, arrived at
Charleston on Sunday the llth inst. from
Havana.
Neu- York. March Ia.
We have seen letter from dD oh Ger on
board the U. S. ship Columbus, at Mahon,
dated Jan. IS.
The U States ship Columbus sailed from
Mahon Cd the Sd day of Jan. On cruise;
on the evening OF the same day!a gale com
menced from the S. w. during which she
carried away her iron tller,sand was obi-
ged to put back to repair damage. She sue
ceeding in gaining the port again on the
evening OF the 9Th. A brig had arrived at
Mahon from Boston, with stores for the
SQUADRON. The Spark was to sail on the
l4tb of January for Alicant. and the Pea
cock the same day for Gibraltar.
(.qmeracan.