American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1824-05-07
The Presiaency.
From the Cincinnati Gazette.-TConc

founded III principle. nor agreeable to the genius am
spirit OF our government. Indeed the subject, in al
its analogies might be extended to great lengths,-
we might carry the reader back to Republics Of old
end show in what manner they were harrasssed ant
finally destroyed by military men and a love OF mil
itary fame. But we have second branch OF thu
subject TO discuss and must omit for the present
iurther consideration OF the first
1t has often been said in the community that gen.
eral Jackson il elected would :" cleanse the Augear
stable"l This has been used as an argument in
his favor-It has been urged in the streets, repea-
ted and dwelt upon in the papers, and many have
been induced in conses OF its force TO SO
his support. He will cleanse say they the Augean
Stable! He will ferret out corruption, and overiurn
things at Washington city. Old Hickory will in
;roduce order, subsection and economy into the 60
rernment and nothing unholy cs unclean shall con-
taminae his administration. We have often been
amused at the eagerness with which these sent-
ments have been repeated, and the stress which has
been laid upon their Importance Bit what is their
importance! Let US examine the subject with can
dor, and with foil determination not to be deceiv
ed let the truth OF the matter be brought to light,
and let it operate on every unprecedented in the
formation Of his opinion Of general Jackson and the
administration. The cry Of reformation in puplic
affairs, when specific evil is shown, is deceitfuI
the people have always found it so. 1t is hobby
on which men rde-a mere spring to catch wood
cocks: and when 1t becomes prevalent 10 the coun-
try, il is a warning to honest men 10 guard their
understandings, and take Of the wiles Of the
demagogue. We would not here be understood as
opposing an immediate and prompt remoya! Of all
species Of evils in the councils of the nation. We
commend the watchlulness of the people, and would
go all lengths to expose pecultion public officers,
ard 10 bring the offenders TO exemplary punishment
But it is an old maxim, that wrongs must be dis
covered before they can be remedied; and that guilt
mus, BE a1ce.'lned before it can be punished
He s4,Ject then naturally divides itself into the
following bIaoches What is there wrong or IN
clean III the aiminstl alton to be removed And il
any thing, hoy is general Jackson when elected to
the Office 81 President to or cleanse il? I'll
+ cera'gig rot only proper bpt rational, to exam.
lac these points before ascribe miraculous pow
er 10 the general. If it should prove that the gov
ernnmtnt is honestly and faithfully administered |
then the reason for supporting the general on the
score Of cleansing it, fails. 1t the contrary should
turn out to be the fact ana the mischiets are
found to be beyond redress by President the
reason also equally fails How is it then? Is the
government Of the United States honestly admin
isered or NOT? If we say it is, the inquiry is at an
end five say it is not, then Mr.. MONROE, HIS
CABINET, AND THE SEVERAL SESSIONS OF CON-
GREss SINCE HIS ELECTION MUST ALL BE CON-
DEMNED condemned for corruption, NAL admins |
tration, or tor that political unceanness be it what
il may that general Jackson if elected will remove
Now do the friends Of the general mean to take this
ground: and take 1t they must, il they support
their reason that it is accessory to elect him in or
der to cleanse the Augean Stable"! But they dol
no such thing In general they approve Of Mr.
Monroe's administration. They speak OF him in
IKE highest terms-ca him a patriot, an honest
iran, our worthy and venerable chief magistrate
and yet say, It is necessary that general Jackson
should succeed him in order to cleanse the Augean
fal, NJ -, ,J.nc. al
1t IS showing their political hypocrisy on their own
grounds. 1t is a vile trick invented to deceive the
people.
But let Us inquire more strictly into the admin.
isiFaon, and eDdeaVor, to ascertain something Of
this political uncleanness about which so much has
been said. In what department does it exist? Who'll
has been aole to bring home to the knowledge Of
the people those fragrant wrongs and abuses so Law
ish'v charged upon the members of the government?
Has Mr.. Monroe been guilty Of corruption and
abuses Or is the evil to be found in the secretaries
departments or among The members of congress ;?
we again ask the grumblers to locate the mis-.
chief and to single the offender and not by one
general sweep involve the innocent with the guilty |
Perhaps something may be wrong at the METROPOLIS
but justice and every sentiment Of honor reoire
that distinction should be made between the faith
full and the proAlga;e Where then has Mr.
s1ionToe done wrong Do any of general Jackson's
friends accuse him oil corruptionl re so let them
make the CHARGE and we will put them TO the proof
For ourselves consider Mr. Monroe an honest
man, faithful public servant and though he NAV
have sometimes erred in Judgment for to erris hu
man, still we believe he has been guided by the pu-
rest motives and wish TO promote the well being
OF his country He will leave the Office with little
need OF ahsolusion by general Jackson or any one
eise' on the score of corruption or intentional
wrongs.
HOW stands the matter in regard to the secreta-
res OF the different departments? Is there any
Deter proof against them for corruption and abuses
ihsn against Mr.. Monroe What unclecnness has
been discovered IN their part Of the administration