Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1824-04-13
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FREDERICKSBURG, VA.

ADDRESS OF THE ADAMS COMMITTEE TO
THE PEOPLE OF VIRGINIA.
In dcharging the duties enjoined upon them by the
meeting held in Fredericksburg, the 18th instant the
undersigned committee feel themselves called explain
to their fellow citizens the motives and views
ate them in the measures resolved by thai meeting Th
explanation he the more necessary as our oiect
is in direct opposition the nominations recently made bv
large portion ofthe members State and
the subsequent measures taken give ec; nom
nations We that The practice gstipe eau
to the people has the sanction custom in Virginia and
the supne acquieseence of the people has given weight
and Influence, that in its real character il means
its We discaim distinctly, any intention Of mpeaehiu.:
the motives OF those OF feIow-cizens who
submit this practices but by whatever specous pre-
texts Of eIpediency necessity may have originally
resorted to: whatever weight IL may have obtained
Ivy the long suffering Ind those on whom
it operaos but view its continuance as raurht
with the most serious evils. 1t the these evils
that in making those nominations representatives, 70
beyond the pale Of their duty-neglect the legitimate
Jects Tor which they were eectedand take upon
selves power that has been delegated TO them and
which the constitution intended they should
Let it not be said that in making those nominations they
act not as legislators, bu, private citizens. The cphism
IS imsy require exposure and refuaton has no
deceived. Its influence upon the political character of
people, he otherwise than eleerous Its obvious
effect is foresta public opnono prevent free discus
sion and inveSigaODO embarrass the exercise Of
elective ranchise-o beget indifference and contempt
for the most valuable political rights aud privileges land
may be made the of eevatiug highest Offices
individuals of inferior worth, who would choice
of the people ifleh to their free unbiased will
The considerations OF putty asesndcy and Influence
fsssv tttaT a.
our TO enforce them upon acceptance consider a
less Objectionable ian tie nominations themselves. We
instructed in the parting rdmouitpn or political
Fathe the truth Of which cohfrned y our own expert
ence, view with d.rur only those who use such
arguments, but the cause in hich they are used.
Deeply impressed with The Importance Of tie above con-
siierutions, feel ourselves not Gully warranted bat i'm
perousy called upon Jy duty ourselves our country
men, ana postery, to spread before the world our
solemn protest against the sytsn hon
Orable practicable within our power to preyen
rs continuance.
We readily admit that the which We rely for
rejecting mud denouncng the sy.ea will not bear us
opposition 80 the adridais nominated by the
late Richmond Caucus. For that opposition however We
will also endeaycur assign good sufficient reasons
We have careless the events our
lime We contemplated with proper national pride
rising greatness Of the several distinguished individuals
who stand before the nation as candidates Tor the
highest Office in government. They are men Whose
high honor, pairietism moral worth, splendid,
wouid shell ustre any age NJ country. fhey
whose pubc services entife them N hoif counrys graft
,udc aud whom she delights honor Eat the Office -
President requires qualifications which possessed
by all IN equal degree, and Which indeed will seldom
found united 10 the individual II calls FOR talents
" bs r order, united 'oiong experience u 'e iiis