Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1824-07-15
To the People Of the Electoral Disfr'e'
composed Of the Counties Of L0''d0'''',
jefferson, and Berkeley.
FILLow CIT1zESs:.

,ed States is to be elected, compels us to reflect
with anxiety, on the consequences likely to re-
sult from the selection which may be made to
Gil that important office. Actuated by this feel
ing, the people Of Berkeley at late meeting
have appointed Us a committee TO address you
on this subject. In doing so It becomes our
duty to consider the policy, in our opinions best
calculated to promote the general as well as
our particular welfare, and to enquire who
among the prominent citizens offered to the
consideration of the people for that lish
station. is most likely 10 preu ote both. To
us, this seems tie post rational foundation on
which to form preference.
To consolidate this union not BY obliterating
state institutions, but by the indissoluble bonds
of commerce, Of mutual interest and Deepen
dence; to connect the east and the west by a
liberal system of impro, ements, commensurate
with the means and the wants of the nation, 5
a policy which we hazard nothing in saying is
dear to most of you. For ourselves we see no
constitutional objection to this policy. II we
did, we sincerely hope no local interest would
influence US to advocate that which could net
be effected without violation Of that irstru-
meRt.
But the nation at large has long called for its
adoption, and majority of Congress have long
been willing to commence it, but have hereto
fore been disappointed in every effort by tie
constitutional scruples of our presidents, who
have the power of rejecting any law not sup
ported by two-thirds of both houses of Con.
gress.
BY the bill of the last session, appropriating
money for making surveys, happier prospect
is now opened to us, and we may reasonably
hope a commencement has been made in that
system of internal improvement, in which we
particularly feel SO deep an interest To no
section of the United States does it offer more
immediate or greater advantages than to the
northern and western country Of Virginia.
The Potomac afiording the shortest and best
communication between the two great divisions
Of thu Union, must become an early object of
attention to the nation, when once the princi.
pie s established. that the national government
may constitutionaiy appropriate its money to
such objects. The interest of the whole west,
increasing daily in wealth and power, will i'm.
medately be connected with this scheme, and
although in great measure neglected by our
state government, there is probably no one OBJ.
ject which can unite so large mass Of general
interest in its favor.
To US then, it becomes an objectof peculiar
interest not to lend ourselves to the elevation
tionai scruples on this subject, will destroy in
the bud, ali these fair prospects. For ourselves,
we acknowledge. that we consider this as the
most important subject likely to occur in the
administration of the government, during the
ensuing presidential term and we feel that it is
matter of no small importance, that friend
that high station Let us not dash the cup OF
promise from our lips by aiding in the election
of any one inimical to this system. Let us not
place these interests in jeopardy by electing one
whose sentiments are even doubtful on this all
important subject. Let us bear in mind that by
so doing, we deprive men of abilities, who from
their talents might ever look forward to any of
the high Offices of our country. of the strongest
motive for boldly advocating such opinions: if,
whilst thew are SIRE of mourning the Doliiical
enmty of very powerful party in the country,
they fail of receiving support from those most
deeply interested in them.
Let us now examine what is known of the
opinions of those presented to the public as
candidates for this high office. General Jack.
son. it is true, gave a silent vote in favor of the
bill at the last session, and has thereby given US
some hope offuture support; but then that bill
was not considered by all as involving the con-
stitutional question. Mr. Adams and MIR Craw-
ford have preserved prudent silence, which
leaves them at perfect liberty hereafter to pur-
sue any course, Without the charge of inconsls-
tencyi and the latter gentleman is expressly
supported by his most jealous friends, on the
ground of his being more inclined than any
ether candidate for the presidency, to that con-
struction of the constitution which would prove
fatal 10 all our hopes. We find no one whose
sentiments are so well known, so frequently and
openly expressed, or who is SO deeply pledged
to the support of their interests. as HENRY