Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-08-03

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cd TO the chairman and secretary, for tile zeal and
ability with which they have discharged their res
pective duties, and that the be Inherited in the
Journal of their proceedings.
Resolced, That the editors of newspapers in the
state of Va and the District of Columbia be re-
questcd to insert the above in their respective news
papers,
On motion of Mr.. Wallace the meeting then ad-
journed sine die:
THOMAS L. MOORE, Chairman.
JONI MERCER GARRETT, Secretary.
THE ADDRESS.
Fello,c- Citizens,
We are at length enabled to present TO yo,j
an electoral ticlfet pledged To the support of
Gen'l Jackson and Mr.. Calhoun, for the two
highest offices the gift of the nation. Had
the election been permitted 10 take its natural
course, and the different candidates been pre-
sented TO you, simply the grounds of their re-,
latve fferits, should have been contented
to rest the claim of the distinguished citizens
whose cause we advocate, on their past seryi-
ces, their superior talents, their unquestonabye
integrity, and the general correctness of their
political principles. But an attempt has been
made to give new character to the election.
an individual, certainly not superior to his COM
peitors, either in the qualities of his heart or in
endowments of his mind, has been held up 10
you as the exclusively republican and national
candidate; and the popular forms Of party usage
have been prostitued for his support under cir
cumstances and with solelnnity calculated to
mislead the public mind.
We feel ourselves constrained therefore Ia
invite your attention to the real principles of
those who have assumed this imposing attitude:
and while we warn you Of the dangerous ten
dency of the means by with they have sought
to insinuate themselves into your confidence to
shew you, that the system of administration of
which they, are avowcd advocates, would be
wholly Incompatible with the general interests
and permanent welfare of the nation
Without stopping to enquire how far the at
tempt to influence the public mind, on the SUBJ
ject ofthe presidential election, by congress
stonaI caucus, is in accordance with the spirit
and avowed intention of that provision of the
constitution which excludes from the electoral
colleges members of the national legislature,
we feel ourselves constrained to reprobate in
the strongest terms, the effort which has been
n:Hde by small minority of the representatives
OF the people, to secure the government in the
hands of themselves and their adherents 10 the
exclusion, not only OF those 10 whom they pro-
fcss to be opposed, but of n large majority of
tlose also with whom they profess to act.
Whatever grounds of justification NAV have
been assumed IN favour OF the caucus sYstem asst
has hitherto existed, would be wholly inappca-
hle with it in the shape in which il is now nre-
| sented to you. While controlled BY majority
| of those whose sentiments ii protested to repre-
| sent; while II sought only to unite the members
of the party for whose benefit il was intended.
and above all, while it lnoJestly assumed its :
proper station in the rear of public opiriion-it
was dangerous only from the abuse to which
subsequent events have shown it to be liable.
But now, for the first time since the organization
OF the government, ii has assumed a bolder tone
Dlsregard'ng the wishes Of large majority Of
the party, FROM whose name il seeks to derive
its imposing influence, sowing dissentions in the
very ranks which it declares itself intended to
and III
perogative of giving direction to public senti-
ment it becomes an instrument iIf the hands of
unchastened ambition, dangerous alike to the
purity of our elections, and the stability of our
government.
Against such a system fellow citizens, we
would awaken all your iealousicS; and we have
very little doubt, tlat when its principles shall
be completely developed, it will meet with an
opposition from you vigorous, as your power
to destroy 1T is complete. Nor are we alarmed
by the effort which is making TO impose its adEe-
rents on you as the legitimate and exclusive re-
presentativcs of the most popular party in the
nation. A recurrence to the history of the times
Will show that the greater portion of the mem
bers of the late congressional caucus have been
the only uniform opponents of republican adj
ministration, elected by the almost unanimous
voice of the country, and commanding BY its
wise aud energetic policy, the appreciation of its
constituents, and the admiration Of tire world.
have been government of experiment. until
towards the close of the late war. It bad been
administered, at different times, by two different
parties, each advocating system peculiar to it.
self, and neither claiming for its favorite princi-
plies that authority which long and varied expe-
Renee alone can O rive.
One of the hapPiest effects Of the late war,
was to open our eyes To the exccencies of both.
and TO pave the way for the adoption of a system
of administration perfect as human wisdom.
| aided by recent experience, generous spirit OF
concession, aud patriotism enlightened as
it was disinterested, could possibly have de-
vised.
TO unfold to you, fellow citizens, the various
eHcellencies and numerous details of this sys-
tern, would require greater extent, botf or
time and space, than we should feel ourselves
justified in devoting to it. Its chief exccllencV
may however be portrayed in very few words
II consisted in vigorous effort to give strength
and stability to institutions, to dcv eopc cra-
dualy but completely, the varied resources on our
country. aldto ensure to the nation tic benifits of
that policy which avoids war by IFS preparat ions
! to meet it. The fayorite oifsprines of this bos
Icy are national bank, essential TO the ludici-
j Gus administration of our finances and the
wholesome condition of Currency-an ex-
tended system of fortifications--an efficient nas