Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-07-16
JOHN @. ADAMS.

Great though insidious efforts are MAKING IN do
stroy this gentleman, by identifying him with Mini
an Edwards. The Washington Gazette with its
wonted eiifentery, has openly, the Richmond En-
qurcr with its characteristic disncenuousness has
coVef'y, iabored 10 nculcatc the opinion that con-
splracy bad been formed among the Dirnitares at
washington, Mcssrs. Adams, Calhoun, Writ Nc
Lean and Southland, to screen Ninan Edwards and
ny cXhiolting him as worthy of their countenance
ana support, to- give that authority to his -csati-
ons OF MIR. Crawford, winch the Committee of In
vestiSauon had denied them. These Editors arc
MOI satished with the Memorable acuuittal of MIR
Crawiord-thcy are determined in their turn 10 la
Dor IN the work of detraction, and to sacrifice some
honest reputation, as an eXpiation for the attack
made upon Mr.. Crawford. Ii is ia yair, thar ,be,,
strive TO conceal their ruan designs by pretending
TO act only on the defensive for Mr.. Crawfnrd-eve
ny man Sc That as far as Ninian Edwards is con-
ccfhed MI Crawford is not OILY acquitted, but re-
Vengcd by the complete disgrace and prostration of
his enemy.-t is apparent that their object now is
TO get rid of formidable riva-and by insinuatire
the existence OF an intimacy between Mess. Adams
and Edwards, which from its nature can never be
directly disproved to work on the honorable minds
oil tie American people, whose straight forward ho-
| hesty VIII acknowledge no distinction between the
receiver and the thief or between the villain nd
ms protector, that effect which they have complete
iy Jailed to produce by all their misre
oil Mr. Adams political opinions. They are avail
ing themselves of the strong tide of indignation
MIR. Adams from the elevated position he occupies
PreVious to these movements they had acknowledg-
ed me course OF Mr.. Adams to liza been honorab Bile
and dgnifed-hat reposing on the conso icusness of
his services, he had scorned TO mix in the intrcues
OF the occasion, and had left his claims to be fulfill
ed rejected, by the unbiased decision of the peo
pie of the United States Suddenly, however their
| tone is changed. His conduct is now as infamous
as ahi within three weeks, and during the preced-
ing period OF the Contest it was fair and lofty. Now
when his prospects are more fattering than ever
when the inducements to sinister cxertion are d.
unfinished, aud when the applause which his elevated
course rxtorted from his enemies is still fresh in hi
recollection, and the benefits of that course are pre-
sent to mis- consciousness, Inc has descended youn.
ariiy nom lis "vanagc ground" to scr: en- by the
sanction OF his countenancc convicted Villains tC
direct III person, the petty intrgues Of w asngion
and to fish in the troubled waters Of individual dis
content. Shall we believe the first declarations o
| the Enquirer and Gazette, the last Shall we
attach most credit TO the confessions of an enemy
made at moment when Honesty predomina:ed o.
policy, and truth Interest," or to his declara
| lions wien he has an obvious occasion to serve? Or
| shall we steer middle course, and believe in both
cases, much, and much only, as VIC can rec on
Gle 10 reason, TO probability and circumstances:
| One mouth ago, when the recovery of Mr.. Crawford
was doubtful, and when it apparent that the
great body of his friends in Virginia, would take up
| Mr.. Adams IN the event of his death, great spirit
of orbearance marked the language of the Enquirer
towards Mr. Adams, and all foresaw that the poll
| TIC Editors of that paper, who always have been,
aud always will be, if they can discover popular
sentiment in the State, the side of the majority
were smoothing the way to future coalition with
his friends. Now, he is the alder and abeitor Of Nj
man Edwards. Does well written article appear
in the National Journal, the Enquirer does he
state to say, though it is impossible that the circum
stance, If so, could be proven, that the Secretary
i State is the author. Edwards Replication is wei
wrItien-t!ie conclusion is, that ii is from Il more
skilfu and rhetorical pen than his own"--and with
out having the courage 20 say so, the Enquirer drops
hint, which no doubt the ready and submissive do
ciliiy of its readers will receive, that Mr. Adams
the author. Mr.. Ada..,s is charged with mixing vi
his compositions with those Of the Editor Of tn
JourDal--with being the most intimate footin
with Niuian Edwards, and with writing his Address
Could we believe these things, we would Withdraw
from him the little support we have endeavored t
render him Yet could the contingency be tested, W
do not doubt for moment, that the Richmond En-
quirer, If Mr.. Crawford were withdrawn, would to
morrow, transfer its support to the is thus al
tempting to render infamous.
Let Us humour the argument, and suppose for il
. sake, that Mr.. Adams is so corrupt to conspir
with the infamous Edwards to ruin Mr.. Crawford
and so base as to act as his counsel, aud draft hi
5 defence. The fairest mode Of deciding the cor
duct of men, is to enquire into the motives whic
produce particular actions. If then, MIR. Adam
be villain, Notwithstanding for thirty years, b
has displayed his integrity, by filing with honest