The Alexandria herald. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1811-1826, 1822-03-13
For the Alexandria Herald.

Gentlemcn--M Many writer's have volnn.
teered their services, and offered their
opinions TO the public, on the subject now
in agitation; though bu, few Of them IN
derstand it, among this class would rank
your last writer, "Henry"; and indeed
there can. be found very few correct
ideas in the whole column of his remarks.
In the first place, he states that the
attention Of the advocates of retrocession
had sheen led away from the main argu-
mem to answer the attacks made upon
their motives" To this, though not ex.
actly correct, / would answer, that to the
unprecedented mind, the advantages of
our present situation appeared SO obvious,
IN searching for cause, that could have
excited desire of change, that which
appeared the most worthy of notice, was
that the oratorical talents of some among
us, might not be buried in obscurity and
indeed this opinion has been confirmed
by the arguments on both sides. 10 the
uniformed the charge may appear desi-
rable, for ''novelty is enticing"
'Henry' says that "by retrocession of
this county to Virginia, our citizens would
have a right TO institute suits in any of the
United States Courts" That 1 consider
of little importance. But if it were, there
ia no constitutional objections against it.
Unanimity is only wanting. Congress
will. without doubt, pass Law giving US
that right, were we united in petitionipg
for it.
Ills true, that appointments have not
been made according to our wishes. But
those who have been selected to fill off,
ces in this county have been men of I'm.
questionable integrity and capacity. But
cannot conceive how this would be re-
nedied by going back to Virginia. What
assurance have we that more appoint
rneDts would be made from among the
eiJizens of Alexandria, if we were to be-
come part of Virginia and if we may
Judge by what has passed, we would have
much greater reason to ---Dect the res
STD dctu ad posse udlet consecutio,"
is an axiom that cannot be denied.
1t is said, that eve should then, have a
right to ask the state of Virginia to i'm
prove and make roads to our town." Il
is not necessary to go back to Virginia to
obtain that assistance.
Is 1t not nom greatly TO the advantage
OF Virginia, for roads to be made through
the state 1t not only increases the fund
for that purpose, but affords a ready and
convenient passage for their produce t.
market.
But has she not already subscribed Il
one road to the District and authorised
subscription to another? What NOR.
could we wish for? What more could we
expect we're we a part of that state
Would not the large sum we should
be compelled 10 pay to Virginia annual
Iy, which would be locked up in her
vaults, be much better expended in The
building of penitentiary Have not con.
gress authorised levy for that purpose
and had it not been for the miserly dispo-
sitlon OF some among us that miserable
hole, too justly complained of, CT mean
the fin6iic tirison) the monument of a
pa"simonious people would Ger this have
been annihilated,
1t has been clearly, fully, and ably de.
mons'rated, what Injurious effects the
county courts would have upon our town .
tn they are the oppro5rium of Virginia.
and sure none who have experienced the
deleterious effects of them, can wish TO
see them established in Alexandra.
Bu', fellow citizens, the advocates OF
retrocession, finding how weak were all
the arguments they could urge in favor
of that measure, have eDdeavored to a.
rouse the tender feelings of your bosoms
They have endeayored to convince vor
FL. =.