Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-07-27


on memorable occasion. demonstrated their dam
gcrous object AID unconstitutional character. But
so easy is the transition from patriotism to self in
terest, that views originating in the first, ex-
tend readily into the second, and political move.
men' octuated by public virtue, may often terminate
IN private ambition. The original motive is lost
III resulting designs, and union of uncu for noble
purposes, becomes transformed iuto a combination
tor Pernicious ends. The moment, therefore, tina,
artes ouve just operation of the causes that pro-
duce them, they converted Into factions, und
are 70 oe considered not much the consequences
OF freedom, as the causes of tyranny. Selfish and
unprinc'picc inch, daring from ambition, subtle from
proh'gaey, or desperate from want, TO whom the
fair competition of capacity and virtue would be a
sentence OF perpetual ob5curty, endcavor to widen
and cmbitter these distinctions, and 10 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 a
temporary diversity of Judgment, is made prctext
Tor perpetual disqualications and invetcratc pro-
scription; liberal opinions denounced, gene
rous and patriotic men tempted to sucrifce love Of
country to fidelity to p-..y, candor neutrality-suspicious.
discouraged, a. calculating acqu;cscnce and angry
opposition instigated and the exiecncies, increasing
with tie abuses of faction, the fdt3afhentol laws
OF the state disregarded, the cardinal maXs of
justice dehed, ana spirit Of discard epgendergdf IN
comparison with the cruelty and violence Of whici
the tempest is gentle, and hurricane calm.
By process somewhat similar to this, the pre-
| sent distinctions III the United States have been
preserved with onInveteracy which tho success OF
| the causes that created them seems no longer TO
justify In regard to those causes the capacity of
the alton far the formation of parties was freely
exertcd, the political eyoutions the republican,
side were completely successful, and tire policy ofthe
government was faithfully adjusted TO the consti,us
| uonal principles which then prevailed.
In the success of these principles the natural
causes OF distinction ceased, and at the close of
fortunate wal, the nation acknowledged great and
persad,ng sense Of unanimi'y. The administration
| fl ar = LII, III.
directios coinciding at with public scntinent
aud constitutional ptincples-popular and liberal
elective and just; and the community was left free
10 resolve itself into parties as soon as duo re.
Safd TO the course of the government, and the jnt.-
rests OF liberty should require. But there arc poll.
tcians who from interest or taste prefer dissention
10 concord; and these torsake the republican cause
at the moment Of its triumph. When natural cause,
cease to produce distinecs, they endcavor to cre-
ate them by artificial ones; become apostates that
tley may he intolerant, and pretend that the free
dom of the country depends upon the dominate of
perpetual faction. In order mantiin this false
position in society, which illustrates the riumphs Of
reason and TRUTH dininishcs the public supply ofpa-
riotis and talents, and gains ascendancy for infe
nor qualifications, system of caballing has been
adopted, the most odicus, the most obstinate, and
the most dangerous, that abused ;,,r confidence
provoked the foIbcarance, or tempted the power OF
u great people.
| Although the press has done much to produce.
ahd little to prevent, this state of things yet if our
atfemptto explain the operation of paIty spirit has
been successful, its power TO it need not be
despaired Of. Its chief property, that of reactns
ITSELF IS necessarily the latest that acquires vgor
ana activity: and until this is maturcI by cxperi-
mental adaptation to the demands and condition OF
the society upon which it is to opcrate the effect
ana salutary nature of its influence will be OBJ
tanned. 1t would seem therefore that the appear
ancc OF new journalin the metropolis of the United
states is calculated to bespeak the favorable notice
! people, mo fivr
by those who are most warmly devoted 10 their
| country.
The editors of the American Gazette, in soliciting
the confidence and patronage of their fellow citi-
zens-a patronage they hope not to disappoint, and
| confidence they intend never to betray-have no
diihcultyin declaring their opposition that mar
row and exclusive system of political mana CEMENT
WHICH originating i'll honorable views, leads its va.
arcs into factous exccsscs, into central caucuscs
ana provincial Juhtcs and nculcatcs istaste for
the true and sublime political maxim-ftat The tirst
magistrate Of the La,ion should DC tie chief of The
nation, net the heed Of a parIy.
however the limits of a prospectus might ccun,a.
nance reservation Of opinion, in regard to the con-
sructlon OF the constitution, the editors are SO SON.
sDle OF the Importance oftc subject that conscious
OF the integrity Of their sentiments they ncite,
Affect ambiguity nor practice conccalment Although
1t may not be easy TO be explicit subject which
requires detail cxcrlifcation il is not difficult,
TO be candid.
\
tura Interpretation of that sacred instrument, tn NO
guided by the intention of ITS authors and the inn,
port OF lis Language, and not by views of local or of
personal advantage. To its express grants thew are
inclined to apply liberal constructions 10 lis limit;
CD powers strict oneby which means thcv sho,Id
hope to reconcile justice with policy to combine en-
pedience with safety, and to demonstrate that the
strength OF the Union is neither Exhaust the sovc-
rcIgnty OF the states 10 he sacrificed to their in
dependence.
| Upon these principles, they conceive MIR. Madi
son PROCEEDED III hIs celebrated report The Asse,n
bly, Ca Virginia-which, as far as il eoes they con-
sdcr a model of just and prcsa:. - ,i,utiona
| reasoning, as we'll as paper of unriyallcd coptrc
versial elegance and power
| lhe Gazette will &c opcu 10 the ESSAYS of those
VINO may wish to investigate and define the prirci-
PICS ot or gnyernment-discussions upon which
INC editors feel disposed to promote and ENCOURAGE
being persuaded that the better the federal cons,t
ton IS understood, the more Il will be revered and
| valued -"
neTses proftnado, pulcIrtor crs;,i,
Besides containing a faithful account ne ,bs
proceedings of the great branches of the adn;r;s
tration and literal and exact report of the debates
OF congress, with the customary selections of do
nestle NC, lie Gazette is intended to furnish sur
circt and candid reviews of the growing literature
oil the United States. Earnest and unusual atten-
non VIII be paid to this subject, from conviction
that liberty, which is fortified from diffusion of
knowledge, IS at the same time eInincntIy favorable
10 the cultivation of science, the advancement of
iearnng the creations of genius, and the embeiisb-
fnents oil taste. 1t is time that the literature Of the
country should emerge from its colonial state
whoever reverts to the recent original of this