Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-05-04
FOR THE WIG.
sWR. GILES 5h No.

could wish that every man in the U. s. would
read tins profound and unanswcrable production.
Mf. GILES deserves for it the thanks of every man
III the community. Although the style of Mr.
Giles is by no means good one, vet his arguments
deserve the attention of every intelligent man who
WISHES to understand The true policy of his country.
ihey are founded IN common Sc''Se--upon practical
pfihcipies-upon the state of man and of the world
as mcy are, and not u: visionary theorists would
picture them in their glowing ina gina,ions. Would
to God that such statesmen alone could be permit
ted to direct our political desrinies. But 1t seems
the uneSampled prosperity of the u. States-ztheir
rapid and astonishing growth to wealth and power
which has outstipped any thing OF the kind thar his
tory has recorded. which has become a subject of
wonder and applause in every part of ciylised Eu-
rope-is not sufficient evidence with some statesmen
III our country of the wisdom CT that policy which
has been heretofore pursued and which has produce
ed these wonderful results. In the short spaee of
about 4O years our population has increased from
5 to III millions-Our empire has been extended o.
yer an immense region of country-1l young flour
ishing and powerful states have been added to our
Onon-our commerce has penetrated into every
corner OF the habitable globc-the bountiiul hand
OF Providence has extended TO degree of ma
tionai prosperity, which is absolutely withou, pa
raici; and yet we are to be cursed with Tie poli-
cal schemes of q new order of politicians!
The visionary and extravaganza vino have vast
ed their fortunes by the madness produced by our
eIceSS Of prosperity again be legtslated into
WeaM and happiness by the and wonderful
wisdom OF Mr.. Clay and his followers.
Mr. Giles has been censurcd for the harshness 6,
severity with which he has treated MIR. Clay and
some other distinguished politicians, whose political
course has come under his observation. He has not
treated them in the language of an immortal writer
with those prudent forms of dccorum, those gentle
rules OF discretion, which some men endeavour to
unite with the conduct of the greatest and most ha
zardous affairs. Engaged in the defence of an ho-
nourable cause, ne has taken a decided part, and
has scorned to provide for a future retreat or to
keep terms with mcn who preserve measures with
the public. For this bodness and independence of
conduct he deserves the applause of his country
The policy recommendcdto us by these men deserve
not only the rdicule, but all the severity of nvec-
tive which our language can give to it.
The innocent experiments of men which have no
connection with the public happiness, however wild
and senseiess they may be, be looked upon with
indulgence and Indifference. But to extend this
careless feeling towards the measures of politicians
into whose hands are entrusted the public prosper-
~ and al that hold dear citizens of our free
and happy country, is CRIMINAL and disgracef,Il in
difference. The moment we prepared for this
slavish and ngIorious supneness, we are 10 longer
worthy or fit to enjoy the blessings which flow from
our free institutions. VIRGINIUS.