Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-06-25

traton OF our governments has been SO often and
SO glorSously directed. Is she prepared to fritz
ter away her strength to som discord among her
own citizens; aud thus, perhaps, enable her OPP
Poncn,s to bring men into Office whose princi-
plies do not approximate the nearest to her own;
whose habits may be entirely different from her
own. and who might administer the government
ON tenets essentially distinct! Arc we prepared
| to strike the republican standard which has so
long marched to victory; and to enlist, perhaps,
under a different banner; to contend for princi-
Piles, either different from our own or so mixed
| up and amaigamated as to throw every thing in
to confusion and disorder
Far be 1t form us to perpetuatc any odious &
improper party Determinations. But there
surely is difference Ut opinion among politici-
ans, as to the rights, powers and duties of the c
derai government. Some construe the consti-
tuition in one way and some in another. One
indivi dual is in favor of splendid rational po>
vcrnment, with great and overshadowing pow
ers: He advocates gilded schemes of nationai
Independence, national improvements, and nall
otot glory. Another objects To all this n,arni.
fcence he contends, that the constitution
| originally contemplated no such government
that this exercise of SO much patronage ; this
dispensing with the paternal care and soIicitude
OF the state governments this Watching over
all our interests, administering to all our wants,
subvcrsivc of tire great ends which were de-
signed by the patriotic founders of our Institute
oa-that such a scheme is in fact, dangerous to
our peacc-to our happiness-to our liberties.
The friends of plain and frugal government
which shall be &c neither felt nor SEEM" (yet not
SO PLAIN and SO frugal as to strip Of enc atom
OF the necessary defence of the nationl reason
from the history of nations which have gone be-
fore us. Convinced of the tendency of human
establishments to retain all the power which
they have acquired, and to square all that they
can, they perceive the necessity of rigidIy adj
hereing to the land marks ofthe constitution, G.
of limiting the federal government to the obvious
and enumerated duties which have been conf |
ded to its jurisdiction.
Virginia has enlisted under the banner of
this republican party. She has fought manful-
ly IN defence of the battlements of the Consttu-
ton; and is not disposed to yield or to vary the
positions which she has supported. She will Sc
fect the candidate for the ChiefMagstratc ofthe
nation who will come the nearest TO her views
who will administer the government according
TO the best principles ofa republic, E. most com
pletely possesses the other high qualifications
which are demanded by SO high an Office.
In the election of our chief magistrate, we
should discard as far as possible mere personal
considerations, or mere private prcdilections.-l
We should disburthen our minds, as far as many
be, from all selfish or interested motives The
question before you is not how to compose an
administration, by the union of many aspirants
after Office for the tempting purpose of aggran-
dlzing themselves, their friends and relations.-l
But, in the selection of the first Magistrate, the
only object ought to be to promote the happiness
of the people. We should act with Single eve
TO the public welfare. We should be guided on
ly by the qualifications of the individual whom
we shall select to preside over the nation. We
should fix our eye on the man, who is distinguish
cd by his virtues in private life and by those
strong qualities which are calculated to do no.
a q IN nj IIot I,. A.
experience. and knowledge of mankind, which
will enable him to discriminate, in the dlstrbu-
ton oil lbs Official patronage, between the real
patriot, and the mere tine-str and Office hunt
err He should, himself be incapable of being
dazZ!ed by vain-glory or seduced by political de-
lIsions. He should be duly impressed with the
convection, that to attain the happiness of the
people, 1t is necessary for their representatives,
and for all their public functonaries to practise
| economy, moderation and justice; to preserve
| the peace, and husband the resources of our
country; to keep clear of cntangling alliances
to forbcar involving us IN the vortex of foreipn
politics; and TO permit the industry Of our ciii-
zens, unsliackied in every department and walk
life, to reap the fruits of its own free excrtion.
In fine, he should be man whose native talents
have been improved by long course of politi-
cal experience, whose strong common sense will
cnabic him to catch the characters of the men
with whom he associntes-who has firmness e.
nough to turn his back upon bad men and upon
/ bad measurcs-a frankncss which will utter what
1t thnks-a temper which will enable him to de-
iibcrate deeply upon all his measures, an nterri-
ty which nothing can corrupt-a frmness which
nothing can shake.
! This IS Il brief outline of the character which,
in our opinion, should belong to the Chief Ma
gistratc of these states. We do not hesitate TO
bold up to: your support the man, whom we
| think, whom your representatives thought
most c!n!ncntly possessed of these valuable anal
itications. We present you, in a word, WIN.
H. CRAWFORD. Notwithstanding the efforts
which are making TO injurc linn in the opinion
o. ms fellow citizens, we do not hesitate to OK
press our fullest confidence in his integrity. his
talents and his patriotism. Persecution has as
sailed him IN every variety of mode The untir-
ing malignity of bis enemies has arrairned
him at the bar of the public, and before the
great council of the nation. Though he has kent
! aloof from all the intrgucs and struggles of the
election, though lie has trusted his triumphant
detencct the energy of his friends and the pu-
rity of his own character, vet we have seen
him, in one instance, officially called upon for
his vindication, and passing through the fiery
furnace like the purest gold thrice-tried That
vindcaion has been so able, dcnfed and man.
~ as to increase the confidence of all his friends
and to disaPpoint the anticpations of all bis e.
nc;nics.
We have great confidence in his ultimate Sue
cess. information from all quarters of Viro-i
mia satisfies us, that VIM. ". Crawford will oh
tain triumphant majority OF her votes Yet
let Us not repose in listcss security. Let G.
very voter repair 10 the polls in November next.
In the mean time, let us not suffer ourselves to
be mislcad by the idle rumors of the dav. The
health OF Mr. Crawford is rapidly reviviDg. He