Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-07-20


anu inspired the sugc and commanding mind, whicl
on memorable occasion, demonstrated their dam
gerous oniect and Unconstitutional character. But
50 easy is rho transition from patriotism self in
tercSt, that ,icws originating in the first, ex-
tend readily into the second, aud political move
ment actuaied BY public virtue, may often terminate
in private ambition. The originaI motive is lost
II, resulting designs, and union Of for noble
purposes, becomes transformed into combination
for pernicious ends. The mQnert, therefore, that
parties outlivc just operation of the causes that pro.
duce them, they are converted into f,ctio,,s, and
are TO be considered not SO much the consequences
OF freedom, as the causes of tyranny. Selfish and
unprincplcd men, daring from ambition, subtle from
proiiisacy, or desperate from want, tn whom the
FUR competition OF capacity and virtue would be u
sentence of perpetual o5scuriy, endeavor to widen
and embittcr these distinctions, and TO confer ON
names and professions more value and popularity
than on deeds and merit. Hence, il some times Ina D.
peas tina, an occasional difference of opinion, or
temporary diversity of Judgments made pretcxs
Tor perpetual diSquafcations and invcterate pro-
scription liberal opinions denounced, oven gene.
rous ana patriotic men tempted to sacrifice love of
country to hdelity to party, cantor and independence
discouraged, calculating ac1uesctce and angry
opposition irstisatcd and the exigencies, Increasing
with tie abuses OF faction, the fundamental laws
of the state arc dlsregarcd, the cardinal maxns of
justice defed, and spirit of discard engenderedin
comparison with the cruelty and violence of which,
the tempest is gentle, and hurricane calm.
Ey process somewhat similar to this, tho pre-
sent distinctions in the United States have been
preserved with an invetcracy which the success OF
! the causes THAT croatcd them seems longer To
Justify In regard to those causes the capacity st
the don for the formation of parties was freely
cxcrted, the political youtors on the republican
Side were completely successful, and the policy ofths
goverpmcnt faithfully adjusted to tic Constitu~
ional principles which thcuprcvailcd.
In the success of these principles the natural
causes OF distinction ceased, and at the close Of
fortunate war, the nation acknowledged great aud
lperrading sense of unanimity. The Administrations
felt and obeycd the grateful impulse, and assumed
direction soincding ut with public sentiment
and constitutional princples-popular anti ilberpi
effective and JUST and the community was left FREQ
To resolve itself into parties soon Us due re-
gard TO the course OF the government, aud the nte-
rests OF liberty should require. But, there are poll.
ticinns who from interest taste prefer dissention
70 concord and these forsake the republican cause
at the moment ofits triumph. When natural causes
cease TO produce distinctions. they cndeavor to Gre
ate them by artificial ones; become apostates that
they may be intoerant, and pretend that the free
dom of the country depends upon the domination OF
perpetual faction. In order to maintain this false
position in society, which illustrates the triumphs Of
reason and truth, dminishcs the public supply ofpa
triotisn and talents and gains ascenancy for infe-
rior qualifications, SYSTEM of caballipg has been
adopted, the most odious, the obstiuate, and
the most dangerous that ever abused the confidence.
provoked the forEearancc, Or tempted the power OF
a great people.
and little &c prcveut this of things, yet if our
ttenptto explain ,le operation of party spirit has
been successful, IFS power correct it need he
despaired Of Its chief property, that of reactiug
on itself Is necessarily the latest that acquires vigor
and activity and until this is n,atured by expert.
mental adaptation 10 tho demands and condition OF
tho society upon which it is to operate, the effect
and salutary nature Its influence viii not be ob-
tanned. IL would seem therefore that the appeaf-
ance Of new journal in the metropolis of the United
Estates calculated n hla tira
Of the pc pe. and likely to be most kindly regarded.
tby those who are most warmly devoted to their
country.
The editors of tie American Gnze,te in soliciting
tic confidence and patronage Of their fellow cti-
zens-a patronage they hope not to disappoint, and
a confidence they intend never to betray--have TO
difficulty in declaring their opposition to that
row and exclusive system Of political Inanagencnt
which originating i'll honorable views, leads its y,J-
tares into factions excuses. into central caucuses,
ana provincial juntos and incalcates diStase for
the true and sublime political nlaSim-t,as the first
magistrate Of the Onion should be the chief of tie
nation, not the head of a party.
However the limits Of prospectus might counte.
nance reservation Of opinions in regard to the con.
srucon OF the constitution the editors so SEN
shle of the importance the sitcc:, that conscious
"t the integrity OF their ownsenmcnts they neither
affect ambiguity practice Although
II may not be easy to be expe6 subject which.
requires detail and cxemplc alton, il is not difficult
to he candid.
II WIZ DC their eniieavor to support a fair and
tlra Interpretation Of that sacred instrument to be
g"ided ny the intention of its authors, and the inis
pert OF ITS Language, ard not by views of loci or of
personal advantage. To its express grants they are
inclined TO apply liberal construction, 10 its m,,;.
cd powers strict one-by which mea ms they should
hope To reconcile justice with policy, to coubiue ex.
pcdience with safety, and demonstrate that the
strength OF the Union is neither exhaust the sc--
reiSny OF the states TO be sacrificed to their in.
i dependence.
! Upon these principles, they conceive aIr Mad.
sen proceeded in his celebrated report the Assein
bly, OF Virginia-wbich, far II goes, they con-
slider model Of just and profound constitutional
reasoning, as well as PAPER of unriyalled contso-
versial elegance and power.
/ The Gazette will be open to the essays of these
who may wish to investigate and define the prii,ci-
pies of our govcrDment-dscussions upon which,
the editors feel disposed to promote and encourage
Icing persuaded that1e better the federal cons,i,-
ton is understood, the Il will be revcrcd and
valued
! n,erscs profitldo, pulckrior erc,aa.
Besides containing faithful account Of the
proceedings OF the great branches of the admits
tfaton, and literal and exact report OF te ebates
OF Congress, with the customary selections Of do.
nestle news, the Gazette is intended to furnish sue
cinct and candid reviews of the growing liirrnfnro
of the United States. Earnest aud urGsual atten-
ton will be paid to this subject, from conviction
! that liberty, which is fortified from a diffusion OF
knowledge, is At the time eninently favorntle
to the cultivation of science, the advancement of
earniUg the creations OF genius, and the enbcllis-
meDts OF taste. II is lime that The literature If the
/ country should emerge from itscoiorial state.
! W bOevcr rcyertS to the ORIGINAL of i,tS