The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1823-03-14

extinction must fof the same reason, be an
parties in n state, has possessed itself OF
power and popularity, its measures are
narrowly waichedby IFS adversary. Eve
~ step is taken in cautious conformity 10
the wishes Of the people, and Is dictated
by an earnest desire To preserve their con-
fidence Il continued support. To deprive
tlrefn ofthese, IS the uneeaslng purpose oil
their rivals and ii IN the struggle, the orr
ginai distinction between them is lost, and
the contest adapting itself TO the changes IN
the opinions of men, and the situation of
the country, becomes ut last. only con
tess for Office, still the advantages before
described are not entirely lost, rs the mo-
tives sf actiea.common 10 either side re-
main the same. II the party in favor have
forgN those opinions, whose popularity
first installed them IN office, they will set in
their actual measures strive to support the
interest Of the nation, and by their oppo-
nents, every measure of bad or doubtful
import, will be reported 10 the people, and
they themselves be frequently rewarded
with the confidence the first had forfeited,
and with that power they had abused.
Such is the situation OF n party in pow
er, and such are the advantages that accrue
To the country, from the Trail tenure by
which they hold il. In the extinction OF
parties these substantial benefits are lost.
The people hayen no jealous sentn.lsto keep
watch oaer the conduct of government,
and the progress of events and the spark
of pohtich controversy, kindled by the
collision OF conflicting opinion, and which
had warmed them into an animated feel
ing for every thing that related TO the
county, is gradually extinguished in the
spirit of INCIDENT acquiescencc, which,
shrinking from the fatigue of Investigation,
reposes at length, in fancied security on the
integrity Of the magistrate. -The govern
nent, left to itself, and no longer awed by
the trent Of organized opposition, departs
from its orthodoxy, relinquishes the hope
of security derived from the favor Of the
people, and determines to withhold from
their fears, what they would no longer ex-
pcct to receive from their affection.
This is the natural course of things, and
this is that natural tendency TO increase Of
power which IL mentioned by all writer's
as the characteristics OF every government,
and which no doubt belongs to our own,in
common with the rest II j. obvious that
the people only can restrainth tendency,
and that they only can RESTRAIN ii, by the
most actual and incessant vigilance. II
Will not do, 10 repose confidently on the
patriotism OF our rulers, for they soon
learn to lock with compliment eye, on
the extension of that power which is part
ly vested inthcir ownpersons, and quickly
and even Involuntary, exchange tlle love
OF liberty and equality, for the love OF do
mnIon and the Esprit De Corps, The
time to apply the remedy, is Mt the cleo
lion, and the remedy Itsef is in proper Sc
lection and rotation IN Office.
Gentlemen 1t is not my purpose by
any thing have said, or any thing shall
say, 20 injure or offend any man, or any
set of men. Iconfess il was my intention
at first, To recommend two citizens OF this
county, either Of whom would in nay judg-
| ment make an able and fit delegate to
the General Assembly, to the frceholders.
But as | understand neither of'thosc gen.
tcmen can be induced to serve, and
that they could non, Indeed without great
sacrifice of interest, have of course abaD-
doned this purpose. 1T should, therefore,
| think fit to continue these observations,
II will orly be from the hope of efii-
ycning the attention of those who read
them TO public affairs; without the design OF
promoting the election particularly ofany
one, and certainly without the lwish or the
intention ofiniuring or disparaging any man.
| ANACHAiiSIS CIOOTS.
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