The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1823-05-13
LYNCHl,U1,G, NAY Is, 1893

the next ffrsiuenlinl election SeFcIA uhy DC
coming more apparent, and assuming more
definite form. The friends of the respective
candidates, who have heretofore expressed
their opinions with GOODNESS, begin TO grow
mere vehement, and others, who have been
undecided, are messhalling themselves under
some oae OF the numerous banners which are
displayed .--Noiwithstandng, however, this
increasing zeal, there are many who still told
their arms as il they were wholly uninterested
III the result OF ths great aud important con.
test aud look upon it as matter Of less mo-
rncnt than the election Of a member to repre-
sent them 10 the councils OF the state. Why
this apathy Why this disregard Of che proud.
Is, privilege Of freenen' Why thus slight the
elective franchise Why comment with such
yeprehenatie ssreyity on the only grea, prinsi-
pie by which we are distinguished from the
people aud governments Of Europe why Is
II that or electors degrade the right of ,uf.
frage, ana, turning Il from Its original high
purpose, use II as a means OF gratifying per-
sonal animoshiss, as tribute TO personal
sectional aggrsndise msnt, We will not an.
swer the question, because we dislike TO libel
our country meo--We do not wish al this mo.
ment, when the old world is about 10 be agi.
tated by u contest, the result OF which will
affect free principles all over the World 10
give In 10 the opinion, that because the an.
eient landmarks OF party have been broken
down, zee arc becoming indifferent TO the pro.
gress OF liberty, when its brilliant light is just
beginning 10 dawn upon another hemisphere.
We will moi say, that because the expression
Of our political apostle, uttered in cons,ia
moment, and without any idea OF its connec.
ton with'iaet, We are all tedcralsls, we are
oil republicans" has latierly boon unexpect-
eddy practically verified, that we are there.
fore lost TO love oil country - No IL cannot
be, TINT tn. oaly free people ON earth care no.
thing Tor the .perpetuation of their freedom-
II cannot he, that for the pcltry a triumph of
an hour" they will jcopardze the interests
OF the nation. We have endca,ored TO open
the eyes OF the people in this section Of coun-
try TO the importance Of electing mon TO re-
present them, both in the national aad state
legislatures, who are disposed TO speak their
sentiments. We have much reason, however,
to fear that we have labored in vain. Indeed,
we cannot think otherwise, when we have IN
numerous instances, seen the avo~ eddy warm
friends of one OF the Presidential candidates,
give their vote at the hastngs tor men direct
Ia IL l.. a.. - =
Congressional districts, however, the success.
full candidates, deeming 1t imPrudent or unnc.
eessary TO avow their private predictions,
have pledged themselves TO follow the instruc-
tons OF their constituents aud les pledge
ourselves to perform the part Of faithful sen.
tlnels, and nail them down to the Rub, il our
ssertions eGn do so. dhe only way in which
this can be done, is for the people 10 call
meetings, and instruct their representatives,
previous to the meeting Of the next Congress
We have no doubt they will do so; aud we
shall then see whethorthe vsice OF. the people
or the seice OF their servants will be the lac
ef ne land.
MoRpEcAt NJ. Moan, Editor of the ".
York Advocate, ridieules the expression of
osr sympathy for Mr.. Adams, as an in
jured aud prosecuted man. II would have
been fairer in Mr.. Noah, to have given the
whole contest, and not, by detaching the
limb OF a sentence, have perverted the true
slgnifcatien Of what was said--This SYM
pathy was stated as an accidental senti-
ment, which concurred with gravcr and
more serious considerations, ia deter
mining our prefercnce--it was never quo
ted as reason in itself for that pref, snce.
But Mr.. Noah thinks that Adams has ne.
yer been ia.lured or prosecuted, unless sire
wards aud patronage be injuries and perse.
cutioIs." TINS is Jeicish notion, deriv-
ed from Mr.. Noah's historical familiarity
with the sulferiDgs aud prosecutions of the
ten tribes. Among christians, a man Is
supposed TO be injured when factious and
gratuitous attacks are made on his reputa-
tion--when the rectitude of all his motives
is questioned and the teusr of all his ac-
tions misreprrsented. Even Mr.. Noah
knew how to call this injury and persecu-
ton, when it suited his purpose. Whea
Governor Tompkins was smariing under
the lash of Chntonian asperity, Noah was
loud in railing against his prosecutors, and
earnest ia invoking the sympathy, of the
country. Yet the Governor has always
come eff with reasonable share Of /" re-
wards, patronage and favor. Consistency,
Mr.. Noah is virtue in an editor. 1t is
the best evidence of principle, and the only
means ofsecuring respect without il talents
are deprived Of their natural weight, and
exertion of its just reward. With it, medi-
ocrty Uses above its natural level without
it, superiority falls into contempt--We beg
leave to recommend to your imitation in
This respect, the example of the National
1nfelIigencer M hirh. during an existence