The Alexandria herald. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1811-1826, 1824-08-04
For the Alexandria Herald

ADAMS TO the chief magistracy of these
states. his enemies, like proving wolves,
are watching to take advantage OF every
transaction,whicb CANDY any legerdemain,
be used to initiate against him /: and
among others, one who signs himself
aSidney" has charged him with re-
liDquishing principles which have al
ways been commended for by the states
men of this country, and iDsipuates a
want of political integrity with dere-
LECTION of duty.
Sidney is either grossly ignorant OF the
subject, which he has attempted 10 write
upon, or else has very maliciously at
tempted 10 mislead public opinion He
says resistance against the right OF
search was one OF the principal causes of
the late war, and SIR. Madison, when
secretary Of state, manful!y opposed it.
But, will ask, was the war declared
against principles recognized by compact?
or, did Mr.. Madison resist a mutual prIvi>
Iege secured to each party tor particular
purpose! for purpose which is an honor
TO the parties concerned, and lasting
monument to their memory as virtuous
and humane politicians.
The treaty SO much reprehended, by
the writer, IS mutual in its operation upon
both parties, and definite in its provisions,
which explain clearly the circumstances
that will justify an exertion of the power
mutually granted but the principles
comba,ted by Mr.. Madison were founded
upon the common law OF nations. and in
opposition to privilege assumed by one
party in direct violation Of the rights of
the other, fairly established upon plain
construction Of the law of nations,
This treaty is, in fact, virtual repun.
citation, on the part of the British govern
rnent, of the right of search, except in |
cases recognized by compact, and will
be, IN case of any future eauso of een,en-
ton on that subject, one of the most
powerful arguments which can be used |
against them; but the imagination Of !
"Sidncy," like the disordered mind of |
supcrsti,ious enthusiast, sees spectres
rising from this compact as future objects |
of alarm. But upon what are these fears |
founded, when either party, as he him
self admits, can rid themselves, almost
Immediately, of the operation ofthe tree
~ by a declaration TO that effect
The senate of the u S. is composed
Of men, selected from every part of the
union, distinguished fortheir virtue, wis
dom and political experiences and may,
for talents and integrity, be put in compe
tition with any body of men in the uni.
verse a majority of this very senate |
distinguished for its wisdom and its viz, |
tues, feeling a conviction of the policy |
and utility ofthe measure, did ratify and |
Confirm the treaty-for which Sir Sidney |
says Fthey ought not 10 be ,forgiUen."-
How contemplate mushroom politi- |
elan, an anonymous scribbler, to arrsign !
the justice Of the decision of that dignifed |
and honorable body merely TO CRAFTY his |
political caprice
The writer says "ihe treaty was near
being lost after such uncommon exertions
Tor its ratification"
Is 1t fai: principle of reasoning 10 say,
because body Of men differ in sentiment,
that the measures adopted by majority
OF them are reprehensjble
1t was with the utmost difficulty that
the treaty commonly called lays treaty
wss ratified, Sc great was the opposition
against IL and after its ratification il
was censured most severely in all parts
OF the country at the time. But who has
the hardlbood 10 assert that the nepocia
tors and rstihcIs OF that treaty should mo-
De 'JorgtVen." The treaty which recej
we'd so much ceDsure, and the authors Of
which we're abused in every possible
manner, did in fact, save this now pros.
porous and happy country from perdi.
lion and there is reasou In bone m, nm |