Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1821-08-16
THURSDAY, AUGUST Is, 1921.

SlR,-Amongs, the many disputes about
the Secretary's Grafton, there is an I'M
portant view which seems to have escaped
the various writer's on that subject. 1t is
somewhat remarkable that matter of so
much Importance should be passed by
without the most diligent investigation.
Many criticisms have been made on the
s,yle and manner of the grafton, but no
person hath thought it necessary to con-
slider it in higher point of view. 1t is
true, Sir, that difference of opinion may
take place on almost every affair; but it is
the duty of every citizen, if he can, to
form and establish correct opinions. An
Grafton delivered by SO illustrious an Of
fcer hath necessarily excited popular in
euiry. His exhibition on grand festival
hath rendered him prominent mark of
distinction. If the precedent set by him
should be founded on national polity, let
it remain; If not, it ought to be instantly
exploded. These remarks then lead US
to ascertain, what effect such proceed
ing may have on the reputation OF the
President of the United States.
AS the acts of his minis ers are subject
to his scrutiny and control, he is In
high degree responsible for their conduct.
The constitution places him at the head
Of the nation, and considers him as one
Of the fountains Of its virtue, honor and
integrity. His reputation may be wound
ed through the sides of the prime minis
ter, who in q great measure, is connected
with him in political concerns. Whatev-
or sentiments may be adopted, whatever
acts may be committed by the Secretary
OF State, in public situation; they de-
rive their authority and force from the
intimate relation which exists between
himself and the President. The former
possesses a power to g i've tone to public
feeling, and to expose the ascertained
Opinions of the Cabinet The counsellor
and organ of The President should be kept
free from the mlnu'est imputations Of en-
w, self interest g. every other unworthy
motive
Sir, mischief hath arisen from loose
and unguarded declarations of persons in
public employments. All must be aware
that the revelation of State-secret once
kindled fame of discord, which extend
ed from the centre to the remotest ends
of this Union. If then the first minister
be allowed TO publish those sentiments,
which in their tendency are suited to pro-
duce high excitement, or to inculcate low
and debasing principles, State policy may
be baffled and its intentions betrayed
Double language cannot with propriety
be used Duphcity is too contemptiblea
vice to be countenanced by the Chief Ma
eistrate. The unsophisticated respect of
the people for his virtues and talents, re-
ouires from him an answer to the wishes
of their hearts. They call on him to
maintain the authority of his station;
they ask him to condemn practice which
must be productive of confusion and can
render no national service. Tney believe
shat the minister of foreign relations
hath violated the rules of decorum; that
the Address, delivered by him hath not
received the appreciation of the executive;
and that it is insulting to the taste and
understandings of an enlightened portion
of the people. Talents of sublime order
are undoubtedly his; the correct exercise
ofthose talents ought to be viewed as ma
tionai property lie is the servan' of the
people and accountable to them for their
proper application.
The President, Sir, is supposed to be
an ardent friend of the arts and sciences,
and it will always afford the highest de-
Eobt to behold in him the Mecenas of his
country Let him then frown with indig-
nation Oh every attempt to treat philoso'
Ply with centsmptuous merriment, or on
che enC,ea vor to ring it into disrepute,-
TIE undisuiied course of the Secretary
Is an anomaly in this government: 1t
Islands without parallel. The incest &
most delicate parts OF the temple Of