Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-04-20

Itions to tho Contrary, made by those opposed to
caucus the Illusion prevailed very great extent,
mat majority Of the members were in favor of H.
New the appreciation of tho members, who by ma
ny were believed to be the best judges of its proprie-
~, was the very pivot which their own appro-
oahon turned. In order therefore, that our names
shouid not he used to defeat own wishes and ac
conpiish an object OF which order
10 do justice to ourselves and our constituents and
prevent those who might have confidence in our o.
pinions from being deceived TO our real views and
Intentions we thought proper come out witt, fair
and authentic statement Of the fact, that majority
OF us were opposed TO In taking this STEP
we were influenced by desire TO give correct infr-
nation TO the pesple, and permit the truth "a have
IT'S due weigh-Not TO direct control public ct,i-
mon, but to distribute it, and let i: act for isef
The charge then, OF our having caucusscd against a
caue;s, it 1t meant any thing, is ridiculous AMI
absurd as it untrue. Equally preposterous II
the calumnous inslnuation that orr object was to
influence our colieagues-a charge as injurious to
them as to US. The part took in this business was
not sought by mel was the person chosen from
the Virginia delegation, to ascertain tine sentiments
oil my colleagues. signed my name to the state
ment that one hundred and eighty-oire mambers
deemed 1t inexpe'lisnt to attend caucus aud the
event has spoken for lis accuracy and truth. The
same system of deception is still attempted To be
kept up by the most false and absurd STATEMENTS of
the relative numbers OF republicans and fede, alis,s
in Congress, and the apportionment of them amon.
the several candidates. In the two Houses of Com
sress there are among the whole number of nem-
bers, 1.-TWO hundred and thrteen) thirty federal
lists; nor do believe that any one candidate l,a
more than seventy members, federal and republican,
In his favour,
Ii there had been no other objection to a caucus.
the circumstances attending its origin and progress
and the character OF Of its principal support
ers, with cautious and rejecting men, should have
brought its merits into suspicion. II was in New
York that it had its orgin-Its chief advocates ana
promoters arc party in NewYork, which is at this
moment, IN defiance of the posi solemn pledges,
making the most desperate effort 10 sti1e the popu-
lar voire and resist the rights of the people, in the
election Of President, Of which the history of fac
lions furnishes any example. 1t was the New
York fcrm'tiarg that ncspicatca its introduction to
tile people CT Virginia and it is New-York am,i-
ton that has directed the deceptive means that
have been employed to promote it. The only adj
vantage which can be deived from the union of
Virginia with New York, under the circumstances
proposed, will be to increase and confirm the infu-
ence Of few individuals in each state, who ha @
been induced to cooperate III the same object for
their private benefit.
It's far from my Intention to include in one genc-
raj dcnunciaton, all those who have supported the
caucus; but the most absurd creeds aud tho most
| erroneous systems have obtained disnterested sup
porters who are not under the influence Of the eau
| cuses which gave them birth; and know thar some
of the friends of the caucus are men of honor. in
tcgrty and talents. But whilst do Justice 10 the
motives of others, must claim the same Justice for
ourselves who are of an opposite way of thinking.
My motives have little doubt, will be Justly appre-
ciated by my constituents; and trust that NAV
say without vanity, that my opinions will not be
| treated by them with disrespect 1 have some ex-
perience in public liie--There are very few mem
beIs in the House of Representatives, who have
been longer in public service than myself am
personally acquainted with the candidates for the
Presidency, an for several years, have had an op.
portunity of viewing them nearly and impartiallv;
My opinion of them therefore is entitled to at least
as much weight, AMI hope, rather more, than some
of those oracles which sometimes resor,ed to fo
information. But OIL this ill other subjects
wish TO act fairly and faithfully with my const
tuents. In my official capacity will always act i,
obedience to their wishes, when they are expressed
or if restrained by conscience, will resign my seat
But whilst hold myself bound to act for nv con
sttuents, as long as remain their representative,
must always think for myse, and ma he up nv ow,
opinions according to the best lights of my under
standing.
Il Accept, gentlemen the assurances of considera
ton and respect with which / remain
/ Your faithful servant
| ROBERT S. GARNErr.