The Alexandria herald. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1811-1826, 1823-02-14

absolute propriety OF keeping up the ba-
lance of power betw cen the east and the
west, by investing an impartial nmhire
with the necessary power to preside over
the mutual claims and pretensions oil
these two great rival interests, and that
umpire, il would seem, should bc the
hon. VIM. II. Crawford, for in him we
all have sure guarantees for justice, mo-
dcration, economy ard forbearance qua
litics which have eminently distinguished
him through life, and such as entitle him
to the respect, the confidence and the
affections of great nation.
Let us then rally around him as the
centre Of our union; as the political sun,
under whose vivifying beams the body
| polite will receive new vigor 6 strength,
! not by obiique but by direct rays, and
thereby irradiate the whole political no.
rizoD. JUSEITIA.
Mr.. Editor-l have no desire TO inters
rupt the delightful musings OF your cor
respondent "Heraclitus," who in his es-
say Of the 9th January, from Wsshing.
ton, has attempted to answer what he
calls "fhe fride Of scri66lers ;" but, in JUS
lice to the name he has assumed, beg
leave TO claim your indulgence for one
moment, while / endeasor TO separate
the aGthor from the philosopher---to un-
cover the ass-an6 exhibit his production
III its proper shape-if any it has. "He.
raclitus" with the rhodesty Of open dav
rather than the rose, assures us of his
literary fame-of his deep research into.
the mysteries Of science, philosophy and
poiiticks,of his capability TO manage even
the most profound subject wisif ease end
elegance, and would have us 10 know
that both he and his favonrite are too
tirmly perched to dread opposition from
any quarter. No matter how iempesteous,
how furious the storm, they can, and will
ride i, out, with safety. Whether this
modern "Heraclitus" is some under.
strapper or clerk, dependant upon the
smiles of those above him for his bread,
| care not--I will speak--to him. Twill
call him simpleton-llltell him that there
Is We. lett in this countrytoo much patrio.
tism,too much vlrtue,t TO suffer any body mo
matterby what means they have beer
elevated, whether by the subtle cunnip p
of the father, the plancy of principles.
the spirit OF weathercock, or what other
means soever--to domiDeer over the
people. The road to promotion, mean
to honorable promotion, is wide and open
IN this country and all men may pass
thereon. But, when a man comes before
the public to solicit their SURFACES for
The highest promolIon--the most exalted
office in the, world the presidency OF
the United States-he must expect his
conduct to be scanDed-his motives tn
be investigated-and hn character, 90.
ltical and moral, to be laid completely
open. This's fright peculiar to repub
lies, & to that form OF government where
all things emanate frorn The people -
And it, III the discharge of this right, any
motives or actions should be imputed,
| which arc not founded in ruth, and have
not the semblance of reason, o. which in
their nature require explanation, it is ex-
pected that those who may BIO interested
will come forward, and explain and vim,
dictate. Such course is fair and homo
rable but when the conduct and motives
Of an individual, however prosperously
soever he may have withstood the test of
criticism however exalted situation
he may now hold, or great may be his
literary abilities, is attacked, it is moi
Tor him to cover himself in the mantle
OF his own greatness, and treat with SOW.
ereIgn contempt the murmuriDgs of those
around him. From such course as this
ii think. MIR. Adams would dissent, and
hehas so shown by his late controversies
with Russell and Smyth. In this he diff.
lers from his friend "Heraclitus" or ra,
Their his friend differs from him..
"fleraclitus" thinks "Arislides" is no,
literary man; that he has not those
commanding abilities which can be used
so adyantageousIy'iD poIemic discussions
as to make the worst appear the better
Thing; and concludes by telling us thai
ne has waded through vast seas of litera.
uFe has explored the mighty regions
ii philosophy and he has no doubt hi:
pleBdour will cave him mere speck in
he great creation. Ii cannot be expect.
ed that "Aristides" should measure with
so mighty champion. will therefore
content myself by leaving this matter to
the Impartial decision Of the public, rest.
ing my claim however to their verdic,
on the merits Of his cause.
l wouI1 continue this examination if
could by any means discover any point
IN his position but in looking for that
fear | should be left where commenced