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

Amotivc of this kind, justly arose and was fairly
directed In opposition to the alien and sedi.oi laws,
and inspired the sage and commanding mind, which
on a memorable occasion, demonstrated their dan
gerous object aud unconstitutional character. But
SO easy is the transition from patriotism self In
teress, that views originating in tho first, ex-
tend readiy into the second, aud political move
ment actuatcd by public vrtue muy often terminate
in private ambition. The original motive i, lost
III resulting designs, and union of for noble
purposes, becomes transformed into a combination
for pernicious ends. The moment, therefore, that
parties ouive just operation of the that pro-
due them. they are converted into factions, and
are TO be considered not much the consequences
of freedom, as the causes of Tyranny. Selfish and
unprncip,ed men, daring from ambition, subtle from
wobigacy, or desperate from want, to whom the
fair competition of capacity and virtue would be n
sentence IF perpetual obscurty, cndeavor to widen
and cmbitter these distinctions, aud to confer on
names and professions more value and popularity
than ON deeds and merit. Hence, it sometimes hap
pens that an occasional difference of opinion, or Il
temporary diversity of Judgment is made pre,ext
Tor perpetual disqualhcations and inveterate pro-
scfpuon; liberal opinions denounced, gene-
rous and patriotic men tempted sacrifice love Of
country to fidelity to party, caulor and independence
discouraged,a calculating acquiesence aud angry
opposition insgatcd and the exisencies increasing
with the abuses of faction, the fundamcntal laws
of the state disregarded, the cardinal ,ims of
justice de6cd, and spirit OF dscord engendercd. in
comparison with the cruelty and violence of which,
the tempest is gentle, and hurricane calm.
BY process somewhat similar to this, the pre-
sent distinctions in the Uuited States have been
preserved with an invcteracy which tire success of
the causes that created them seems no longer to
justify In regard to those causes the capacity of
the nation for the formation of parties was freely
exer'cd, the political evolutions the republican,
side were etc!y successful, and the policy ofthe
government was faithfully adjusted to the coastitu-
tional principles which then prevailed.
In the success of these principles the natural
causes of distinction ccased, and the close of q
fortunate war; the nation acknowledged ereat and
pcrvading sense of unanmity. The administration
felt and obeyed the grateful impulse, and assumed
direction concidins at once with public sentiment
and constitutional prncipics-popular and liberal
elective and just; and the community was left free
to resolve itself INTO parties soon as due re.
gard to the course of the goverment and the intc-
rests of liberty should require! But there are poll
tcians who from interest or taste prefer dssention
TO concord; and these forsake the republican cause
at the moment of its triumph When natural causes
cease to produce distinctions, they cndeavor to Gre
ate them by artificial ones; become apostates that
they may be intoierant aud pretend that the free
dom of tho country depends upon the dominat ton Of
perpetual faction In order maintain this false
position in society, which illustrates the riumphs of
reason and TRUTH dninishes the public supply ofpa-
trotsn and talents. and gains ascen6ancy for info
rior qualifications, system of caballng has been
adopted, the most odious, the most obstinate and
the most dangerous that abused the confidence
| provoked the forbearance, tempted the power of
n great people.
Although the press has done much to produce,
ana little to prevent, this state of things, yet if our
attempt to explain the operation of party spirit has
been successful its power to correct it need be
despaired of. Its chief property that of reactiue
on ITSELF is necessarily the latest that acquires vgor
and activity: and until tins is matUred by cxpcri-
mental adaptation to the demands and condition of
the society upon which it is to operate, the effect
and salutary nature ofis influence will not be OBJ
iained 1t would seem therefore that the appear
ance of new journali in the metropolis of the United
States Is calculated to bespeak the favorable notice
of the people, and likely be kindly rega rded
| by those who arc most warmly devoted to their
country.
The editors of the American Gazette, in soliciting
| the coincidence and patronage of their fellow cti-
| zens-a patronage they hope not to disappoint and
confidence they intend never to betray--have no
difficulty i'll declaring their opposition I'd that mar
row ana exclusive system of political cement,
which originating inhonorable views, leads lis vo-
tares into factIous exccsses into central caucI,ses
ana provincial Juntos and inculcaes distaste for
The true and sublime political maxim-hat Me. frs.
magistrate Of tie Onion should Jc he CHIEF of Me
nation, moi The head of Il pariy.
However the limits of prospectus might counic-
rance reservation of opinion, regard To the con-
structon Of the constitutions the editors aresso SON.
Sbie OF the Importance oftle subject that conscious
OF the integrity of their sentiments they neither
aiicci ambiguity nor practice conceament. Although
1t may not be easy to be explicit subject Which
requires detail and eSempication it is not difficult
| to be candid
IL VIII be their endcavor support fair and ma
'urai Interpretation of that sacred instruments to be
guided by the intention of its authors, and the inn
port of ITS language ard not by views of local or of
PERSONAL advantage. To its express grants they are
inclined to apply liberal construction, to its i,np-
Ell powers strict one-by which means they should
nope TO reconcile justice with policy combine ex
pedience with safety. and to demonstrate that the
strength of the Union is neither exhaust the soye-
regnty of the states, be sacrificed TO their in
dependence.
Upon these principles, they conceive Mr.. Madi-
80" proceeded III his celebrated report the Assem-
bly, of Virginia-which as far as it goes they con-
Sider a model OF just and profound constitutional
reasoning, as well as paper of unrivalled contro-
versial elegance and power.
The Gazette will be open to the essavs of ,bose
who may wish to investigate and define the princi
pies of our govcrnment-discussiops upon which,
the editors feel disposed to promote and encourage
oeing persuaded that the better the federal consti
ton IS understood, the more il will be revercd and
valued ~
merSes profu'ado pulc7trior erena
Besides containing faithful account of tho
proceedings OF the great branches of the admins
traton, and literal and exact report of the debates
vi congress with the customary selections of do
nestle news the Gazette is intended TO furnish suc
cinct and candid reviews of the growing l;,.r,tyo
OF the United States. Earnest and unusual attcn-
ton will be paid to this subject from a convictiop
that liberty, which is fortified from a diffusion n
knowledge, is at the time ,nineptly favorable
to the cultivation of science, the advancement, of
learning, the creations of pcnius tjo