The Alexandria herald. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1811-1826, 1822-02-15

:. -, s~s'3 W my IcHOW CNltlZenS, i
with such prospects in view
my can Tor moment listen to propo.
s..on Tor local government to be estab-
hshed Tor the whole district "a il now
stands As well might the city OF Bahi-
more be expected 20 consent to politi
cal connexion of its interests with the city
OF Philadelphia, at moment when the
leading object Of each is to acquire the ad-
vantages ofthe Susqehannah navigation, 81
~henth numerical prcponderance ofthe
latter would settle the question at once |
But there is another important considera.
ton belonging to this question: Ii woulc
involve even for ordinary occssions.S con.
sidering the population of the district an
enormous expense. 1t is true, that the
vast sums Of public money necessarily
disbursed in the city of Washington and
its immediate vicinity, might enable the
citizens Of that county to support such
pressure. But, alas zoe derive no por.
ton of that advantage, and feel its influ-
ence much less, than the distant cities of
the Union. But, it has been said, that
constitutional provision might be made, to
secure our separate interests ;--tiiut' the
moneys raised in each county might be
expended for its separate use and benefit.
have considered this suggestion in all its
bearings, and am satisfied of the entire
inefficiency oftbe plan. How long could
we expect to retain our rights as sefa.
rate county Have we not already heard.
and that too from one amongst the most
re pectable citizens OF the. district, III
general committee Of its delegates, that
the division Of the district into two coun-
ties is unnecessary and unsuitable That
one county for district Of ten square
miles is sufficient, and that the object Of
the whole district should be to concentrate
the public establishment of every kind at
the city Could it be doubted for mo-
ment but that the whole county of Wash
iDgton would respond to this idea, and
that sooner or later, with population SO
overwhelming, the project would prevail?
Such, in my view then, are the pros
poets before us, in relation to govern
mcDt for the District of Columbia; and
that such government must ere long be
interposed, to relieve the nation from the
details Of our legislation, is upquestiona-
BILE. But admitting FOR moment that
we could maintain our present position,
and leaving out Of the question the OBJ
vious disadvantages to which it, subjects
US. acknowledge myself to be SO we'd
ded to the principle Of self government
to that great principle which formed the
keystone to our revolution, * which from
its excellence is now spreading the glory
of America throughout the world-that
! would forego every other consideration,
and consent to the unnatural union which
is proposed, rather than remain an outcast
from the freemen of the United States,
and the slaves, even OF free people,
But, still indulge the hope that an al
Tentative remains, which, whilst it will
restore to Us our political birthright in
the old & respectable family from which
we sprang. will at the same time revive
and cherish that concert and harmony
With an extensive and powerful section of
Virgins, which can alone ensure to US
the commercial advantages Of our situa-
tiop, whilst it will equally promote their
interests, and CRAFTY their wishes. pro-
pose, in my next communication to exa.
nine this subject as it respects our con-
'exion with Virginia in case of retro
vession, and to weigh the advantages and
disadvantages of such connexiou, in
peouHiary point Of view. Politically
speaking, | presume no man could be
found to Question its expediency.
ViRGlNiENSIS.
s. Since writing the foregoing, the
Alexandria Gazette has fallen into my
hands, and have read with great plea
sure the effusions OF citizen who writes
under the signature of ssPendletan'' OIL
the same subject. II gladly yield the pen
f., to this able writer and consider j, for
tuDate for the county that he has been at
length drawn forth, by the importance Of
this subject.
| would merely remark that upon one
point he might possibly mislead the pub
lie either without intending it or from mis-.
| information. If it IL TO be understood
that the rettentant return of this county
to Virginia, woult; imply a charge of any
eThreSSed sentiment on our part upon
the subject of our alienation from the
parent state, would deny the fact; and
having resided generally within the town
for nearly forty years, ] think may
speak with great confidence on this SUBJ
| ject. 1t is true, that when this District
was about to be laid off, and The point
of beginning had been fired below Me
tozun by the commissioners, and they
| were proceeding 10 run the lines, il was