Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1824-10-28

about so, it must be imagined that such
a great difference between them, would
have a material, if not decisive weight
in the judgment Of the House of Re
presenta lives when making the final
choice.-Rut if Virginia were to bestow
her suffrage upon him,the large addition
which itwould make to the vote which
already there is every reason to believe
he will obtain, would take him into the
house so respectfully supported, as to
render bis election highly probable.
We are aware that some of The rea-
soning Of this address, may be retorted.
1t may be said, why not give up Mr..
Clay; why not surrender a candidate Of
whose election there is bat remote con-
tingency, and let the support which he
might receive, be directed to the aid OF
Mr.. Crawford : We reply, that the gen
eral voice seems 70 proclaim a degree
of probability amounting almost to a
certainty of Mr. CIay's election, if he
enter the House Of Representatives as
one of the three highest, upon any thing
Ike unequal footing with the other two,
and that, in this respect, there IS wide
difference between his case and that of
MIR. Crawford. But further, candor
obiges us to own, that if MIR. Clay was
Withdrawn, there is great reason to be-
lleve that much the larger part OF the
support which is anticipated for Him,
would be diverted from MIR. Crawford.
- As to kentucky, we would remark,
that if she were now disposed to contri-
butte to the election of the Secretary OF
the Treasury, the effect which her suf-
frage would have upon the chances OF
his success would be much less consider
able than that which would be produced
on that of Mr.. Clay's by the large ac-
eession TIC hi, support of the powerful
state of Virgins.
Does not all the past authorize the
hope that an appeal to Virginia on be-
half of one of her own native sons, can
not be unsuccessfully NADER Can abe
expect on the great principles OF liberty,
on those Of the constitution, or or those
which should regulate its administration,
to find among the candidates, one who
will more nearly coincide with her than
Mr.. Clay? She differs with hun on some
points; but are there not greater differ
ences with most. if not all Of the ether
candidates? Her differences with him
are not on the fundamental principles
ofhuman liberty, nor on those by which
the federal constitution should be inter
preted She differs with him on the
power of the federal government 10 pro-
mote internal Improvements. 1t is not
our purpose here to yindicate his opln-
ions on that mos. interesting question:;
but we would remark that both he and
you agree as to the cardinal rules by
which the constitution ought to be ex-
pounded. You only do not agree In the
result of the appiicationcf those rules
in the particular case, to the constitu-
tional instrument. You must allow, that
at least, the question is doubtful. In
such a ease, will not the harmless ma
ture Of the power, the tendency which
its exercise will have perpetuate uns-
on, the tranquilizing effect of it upon
the western section, which believes 1t
indispensable to alowit any thing like
fair participation in the benefits of
the general government, reconcile you
to it.
You do not concur with him 10 the
wisdom of the Tariff. You must allow
at least, great disintereste,iness in his
opinions on that subject; and decision
of majority of the Legislature Of the
Union, would seem to give him some
sanction as to its policy. You must oil
low further, that he has been honest and
faithful in those opinions which he has
| long entertained and often avowed.-
Experience will decide whether he or
you be right. But are you sure that if
| you were to reject him on account OF
his opinions on those two subjects, you
would, in the selection of another, OBJ
tain one who would coincide with you?
Is there any difference between him and
the other candidates, but that his station
coinciding with his natural disposition,
has led him freely to express his opin-
ions, whilst circumstances have not e.
qualiy favored the PRONUNCIATION of all
the other gentlemen2 If, to escape from
bis opinions on those two subjects, you
should select another who should turn
out 10 entertain the same, and who,
moreover, might differ with you on ma
ny other great and important principles,
respecting which he concurs with you,
would it not furnish the occasion OF last
| ing regret?