The Alexandria herald. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1811-1826, 1823-06-20
4, For he Alerandria Herald.
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.

IL seems. that ..sWythe' and sCarnot,
have acquired some degree of fame, In
conse oueuce oftheir charges against Mr..
Crawford and it is very remarkable,
that the result has arisen from the weak
ness of the charges, with one exception,
which they have brought. against him.
Upon so important subject, as that OF
the Grant Off charter to bank by the
U. States, the latter champion has in.
reduced his artillery. 1t is true, that
many varieties of opinion. have existed
onthat subject and it is equally true,
hat great labor is exercised, in drawing
between tho granted and i'm
piled powers OF congress. That every man,
born ina free state, should be disposed
to support its rights against invasion, mono
can deny I; and he who would not, would
be considered as leaning towards aristo-
cracy. This great doctrine of national
and state rights, has, hitherto, divided a
large portion Of the people and that fact
OF itself, proves, that they are jealous Of
their liberties, and watch their preserva-
ton, with the most nceasing solici,uds.
l am then, not at, all as,onished, when
Virginians take the alarm at such en-.
croachments on their power. The prin-
ciple of the constitution, was probably
settled by Mr.. Madison, in his celebrated
resolutions Of ,9S and no statesman was
more sdequate to the task. He, empha-
tically, was the boldest defender Of the
constitution and to him, more than to
| any other patriot, living or dead do we
owe the creation of that charter of our
liberties. In despite of the splendid de-
clamation of Patrick Henry it was advo.
Gated, and established by the are. ment of
the wisest statesman, OF whom Virginia
can boast. With all Difference to the
sacred name of MIR. Jefferson, the prime.
val source and supporter OF democracy.
think | am correct, when essay 10 as
sert, that our fourth chief magistrate, was,
possibly, a wiser and more exalted states
man. Should there be an error in these
positions, the wisdom Of my native state,
will afford a proper substitute. 1t is in
truth matter of curiosity, thai, all the
charges, with the exception of one a..
gaiDst MIR. Crawford, are bo,,omed on
grounds, which absolutely prove him to
be substantial republican, In the state
of Virginia, that proud and towering CO.
lumn in the republican building which
has right TO act with some degree of
priority, on so great an occasion, as that
of the election of chief magistrate, the
only accusation they now produce against
MIR. e. is, his advocacy of the bank. If
| this be the only inconsistent trait OF his
character, il is certainly one, which Viz
ginans will feel disposed TO extenuate,
when in ..tha, instance he agreed with
their exalted favourite. =
With view of bringing this matter
| home to the bosoms of men, it is certain.
! ly right that it should be stated correctly;
and no necessity can ever exist, in a fair
contest, of exercising disingenuity. I
shall not wilfully, distort single princi-
pie oftCarnot,f who, uDquestionably, is
a genuine republican,, according to the
premises Of his argument. If'Carnor
should be convinced; that MIR. Crawford
on the occasion to which he alludes, act.
ed with perfect integrity, he ought to
abandon his ground Of attack, and Join in
union with the republican Standard
What are the facts stated That Mr.. T..
in the year 1911, in advocating the re
moval Of the old U. s. bank charter, ex.
pressed sentiments that were supposed
TO be hostile to state rights. Such q
| conclusion cannot be fairly drawn. On
| an impartial section of his speech it will
be discovered that he commended for a
balance OF power among the several
states. His argument simply is, that il
the great states have right TO instruct
| congress to follow their advice, that the
small states have the same power. II
the voice of the latter is disreearded a
fear might srise, that consolidation o.
states must necessarially take place
This opinion :hen Of MIR. Craw ford is by
no means novel. 1t was advanced in the
convention which formed our consiitu.
ton; with regard to the right of the states
making banks, Mr.. C.. said, "that they
have this right under the constitution i:
extremely questionable" Who car
doubt, (afier the charter ofthe u. S. bank
that this opinion was the result Of a fine
regulated judgment.
| That a contrariety of sentiment exist:
at this day on the right Of congress &c
create bank in any shape is well known
Ii is, however, ascertained that tho SUI.
preme court have established the validity
Of the bank charter. Whether ever
they are right, is also prOblematical.-
Had il not been for.the sanction of MIR
Madison on the subject of that bank
greater difficulties than at present would