Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1824-04-22

But the exclusively military character, 10 not
that which should be preferred IN their rulers,
by people whose essential interest consist in
cultivsting the arts of peace. And while we
do not hesitate to prefer Mr.. Adams as possess
ing more fitting qualifications for the Office OF
President, yet Gen. Jackson's acknowledged
talents, his high minded integrity and stern re.
publicanism, entitle him to our confidence, and
his distinguished military services command
our gratitude We would not that our beloved
country should, by overlooking the merits and
services OF Gen. Jackson, perpetuate in his
person the reproach, which history has cast on
republics, ofingratitude to these who risk in
their "life, fortune and sacred honour" Gen.
j. is fast descending in the vale Mt years:-Yet
a little while and the ability further to serve
his country, and the capacity OF enjoying her
honours, will alike have gone from him. while
therefore, we cannot support him Tor the high
est Office in the Government, to the exclusion
Of man better qualified 10 fill it, and by lon
ger service better entitled to receive IT, we will
cheerfully support him for that which IS only
second in dignity.
Thus, fellov-citizens, we have endeavoured
to set before you as plainly and succinctiy as
possible, our reasons for being opposed to the
Caucus system generally. and tor coming before
the public in support OF our fsyorite Candi-
dates in open opposition to. the late Caucus.,n
limitations. Whether in doing 50 we shall stand
justified before you, it Is tor you to Judge. We
are sctusted by no sinister design. Our object
IN the measures We have taken, is to enable
ourselves and those of our fellow citizens who
think with US on this important subject, as
Virginians, asi citizens ofthe United States
as freemen, to enjoy the exercise of valued
franchise, guaranteed to us by the constitution
and laws OF our country, but Of which We feel
ourselves virtually deprived by the per-
Sading and paralyzing influence Of politi-
cal monster, unknown to, and at enmity with,
the free principles of the constitution. We
we're aware that we should labour under great
neutrality-suspicious. We should encounter
all the embarrassments and distractions natur-
ally growing out of the caucus system; and that
we should have TO contend with all the oppos
ton from the friends Of the other candidates,
which their zeal or ingenuity could suggest But
we tell lupelled to proceed by the dictates. of
duty, and did not hesitate to take the part herein
exhibited to you, reckless Of what might be
telt, surmised or said by others. We came be-
tore you IN the simple pnimposing character OF
PLAIN Citizens, unacca&omed to act in great
political moments, but free from party preludi.
ces, anc uncontaminated by party intrigues. -
We bring, to the aidof our cause no name Of
political notoriety. We possess not the pen
OF ready writer to inhame your feelings and
str you up to an assertion of your rights; We
speak merely "the words OF truth aud sober
ness, relying upon the goodness Of the cause,
and the good Cause of our fellow citizens, for
It's tlnal success