Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-11-16
GEORGE HAY, ESQ.

AZ it is probable that this gentleman will be
nominated to seat in the Senate of the United
States, at the approaching session of the Legis-
lature fairness requires, that specific objecti-
on which has already been urged against him,
should be examined and explained. We aIlude
TO the question of his residence. A writer in
this paper has asserted that Mr.. Hay was a per-
nanent resident ofthe District of Columbia, and
we believe that that opinion has been extensive
iy entertained. We do not think it correct,
aud frankly acknowledge that our own impressi-
ons have been changed by certain circunstan-
ces which have come to our knowledge.
1t is true that MIR. Hay has resided generally,
for the last three or four years, in the City of
Washington. This was unavoidable from fani-
Iy considerations, unless he could consent TO a
separation from his family. For several years,
the health of Mrs. Monroe has been extremely
delicate, and her situation has claimed all the
sympathetic attention which filial affection is
most prompt TO render, and which female ten
derpess knows best how to bestow. But three
alternatives were presented to Mr.. Hay--to Sc
parate Mrs. Hay from her mother in her sick
Condition--himself from Mrs. Hay--or to reHn-
quish for time his personal residence in Virgil
MIA. Mr.. Hay as we humbIy conceive very
properly, and disinterestedly, embraced the last
--cis2osng rather to subject himself to inconve-
nience, than to inhict pain on those with
whom he was so intima tely united, by disturb
ing an unioo necessary to the happiness of both
AIRS. Hay ana Mrs Mon roe. This view of the
subject, makes Mr.. Hay, as he has 1lways con-
sidered himself, III fact, only visitor of the Dis
trct He has never proposed permanent To-
cation there, and has taken none of the steps
which Indicate the selection Of fixed residence.
His estate, his interest, his feelings are all in
Virginia-aud to Virginia he will return, as
soon as the temporary cause OF his sOjournment
In the District is removed.
We cannot forbear from adding here our tes-
tirnony (such as IL is) to Mr.. Hays long and
faithful services to the Republican party, and
from expressing our sorrow at the poor requital
he has. received from its hauds. Who is the
man, after the fathers of the church Messrs.
Jefferson, Madison, Monroe and Galiatin, to
whom that party owes more? We do not be-
1ieve that he lives. 1t is true, that Mr. Hay has
proved his attachment in no station of arduous
responsibility; but in the humber though not less
useful labors of the vineyard, his exertions have
been constant unrcmittiug and highly service.
able. For these, Virginia, who felt the benefit,
has been slow to reward him, and the General
Government, from considerations of personal
delicacy with the President, has omitted to do
BY the fastidions scruples of Mr.. Monroe,
he was excluded from the situation of commits
sioner under the treaty of Ghent--a situation
for which his order of talents peculiarly quail
fed him, add his appointment TO which was soil
cited by many of the first men in the country
lie presents the novel instance in this countr,
Of man excluded by family connection from
all trust and conference.-the Legislature of hi
native state, fearing the imputatiop, from his al
lance with the President, of improper influence
rejects his claims upon their gratitude--and Tn,
President with more reason, fearing public cen
sure from the appointment of bis son-in-Iaw
overlooks his services. Thus between tn
etrs AMI the delicacy of those powers Mr.. Ha
a;rt- besB suffered to go altogether uurewsrded