The Alexandria herald. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1811-1826, 1824-04-05


OF this article admits every material Eact
stated by Mechanic; and it is TO counteract
the force and effect ofthese facts, having
no arguments to offer, that he has resort
ed to abuse. But is this fair play 2 Is it
honorable 2 Is it such course as real
friend to mechanics would pursue? No q
Ii IS such course as a sham friend,
cp,designing, treacherous friend would
pursue and should have no effect upon
You, mechanics. LII calculated only to
inilame the passions, no, to convince the
judgment. 1t appears, indeed, that Me.
chanic IS so well convinced of this, that
he has not tho ught it necessary to take
any notice of "Fair Plays" and I, as one
ofthe citizens who signed the memorial
"feel that only do my duty in volunteer.
ing" TO defend myself and my associates
from violent and unprovokcd attack. I
say uuprovoked, because cannot per-
ceive single word in these essays tina,
can be excepted to. But, my friends,
let US now see who this "Fair Play" is.
If have not most grossly mistaken my
man 'he has painted his own portrait"
He is one of the few choice spirits who
prefer slavery 10 freedom, with all his
6oasted republicanism, and therefore bet
ter qualified TO be subject of the holy
alliance, than citizen Of The free and en-.
lightened state of Virginia. He is one
OF those restless shirits, who having been
disahhoinfed in His own ambitious f,ros-
fecfs, is now seeking every means to
prevent others from attaining that ele-
waited rank in society, which a fe,roces.
sion offers, and which it is no longer in
his power to obtain. He is "distrrber
OF the public peace" by assailing in the
most unprovoked aad wanton manner,
the characters of gentlemen of the first
respectfully. He is one of that &c ho.
sen band OF choice spirits, the most spe-
cious and seducing, radicals and fire-
brands of dissention, who, under the most
aagitious disguise, are lnfesting every
ward of our town. every corner Of our
Streets and with the most unparalleled
effroDtery, cajoling and wheedling the
good citizens, by misrepresenting the
intention and objects of the retrocession
lists, with view of making those, the
willing victims Of their own disfrsn hise-
ment, their own and their children's sla-
very---the intention and effect OF which,
if they succeed, will be, to rivet you,
chains so mach stronger, that il will be
impossible ever hereafter to shake them
Off" And, my friends ifthis Gisinge-
nnious, this dangerous band Of choice
spirits who are couspiring against your
liberties and your happiness, at the head
of which stands "Fair Play" (alias Foul
Play are not put down by the good
sense of the people, your case will fear
be hopeless. If you do not at once put
down the promoters Of This 4fernicious
frGecf, by refusing to listen 20 them, |
fear the time is moi Tar distant when your
beautiful and once fourisbing, but now
depressed and sinking town, may indeed
be reduced to a level with Dumfries or
Colchester, The course they are pursu.
ing is leading you rapidly TO that point.
But let me ask you, Mechanics, what
entities this self-important man, Fair
Play, to be called the D1ecAanics' Friend?
What interest has he in this business
What has he done to entiile him to the
honorable appellation of Mechanics
Friend Is it that he is advocating the
liberties of Greece, while he is endes-
Voring at home TO rivet upon you and
your children the nanacles of everIast.
ing Slavery that state and condition,
which must, in the natural course OF
things, produce poverty, ruin, and dis.
grace, upon yourselves and your chill.
dren, and destruction to your beautiful