Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1824-04-22
FREDERICKSBURG, va.
ADDRESS OF THE ADAMS COMMITTEE TO
THE PEOPLE OF VIRGINIA.

THE PEOPLE OF VIRGINIA.
In dscharging the duties enjoined upon them
by the meeting held in Fredericksburg. or the
18th instant, the undersigned committee feel
themselves called on to explain to their fellow
citizens the motives and views which actuate
them in the measures resolved on by that meet
ing This explanation seems to be the more
necessary, as our object is in direct opposition
to the nominations recently made by large
portion of the members OF our State Legsla.
ture, and the subsequent measures taken to
give effect to those nominations. We are a.
ware that the practice of Legislature caucus nomi-
nation to Offices, the filing OF which OF right
Belongs 10 the people. has the sanction OF Gus
tom in Virginia; and the supine acquiescence OF
the people has given it a weight and influence,
that in its real character it by no means merits.
We disclaim, distinctly, any intention OF i'm
peaching the motives of those of our fellow ci-
tizens who advocate or submit to this. practice;
but by whatever specious pretexts OF expedi-
ency or necessity it may have been originally
resorted to; or whatever weight 1t may have
obtained by the long suffering and tame sub
mission of those on whonit operates, We can
not but view its continuance as fraught with the
| most serious evils 1t is not the least Of these
evils that in making those nominations our re-
representatives. go beyond the pale OF their duty
neglect the legitimate objects for which they
| were elected---and take upon themselves a
power that has not been delegated to them, and
which the constitution never intended they
| should exercise Let it not be said that in ma.
king those nominations, they act not as lsgisla-
| tors, but as private citizens. The sophIstrY IS
too himsy TO require exposure and refutaton,
| and has no weight with any thinking man who
is not willing TO be deceived. Its influence
upon the political character of people, can
not be otherwise than deleterious Its obvious
effect is to forestal public opinion TO prevent
free discussion and inyesugaton-to embarrass
the exercise of the elective tranchise--to beget
an indifference and contempt for the most va
liable rights and privilege 1t may be
made the means of elevating to the highest
Offices individuals of inferior worth, who would
not be the choice of the people it left to their
free unbiased will. =,
The considerations Of party ascenalaney and
state influence by which. the friends OF the late
caucus nominations endeavour 10 enforce lhem
upon our acceptance, We consider as no less
Objectionable than the nominations themselves.
We ave Instructed, in the parting admonition of
ouFsb03iscal Father the truth OF which IS con
armed by cur own experience, to view with
distrust not only those who USE such arguments,
out the cause in which they are used
Deeply impressed with the importance of the
above considerations, we feel ourselves not onk
warranted, but imperuusly called upon by our
duty TO ourselves, our couGtrynen y, and our pos
terlty, to spread before The NCildAeur solemn