Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-09-03

In the grandeur OF us very SltnplCl-
~. how the infant republic OF North
America mocks the gorgeous pomp
and ~pageantry Of the bloated monarchs
of Europe! Created by the public will,
and existing for the public good, how
it casts into utter contempt, and expos
es to the opprobrium of mankind, those
Infamous despotisms which have been
erected on the ruins of the peace and
happiness, and which tend but to per-
petuate the wretchedness, Of an unfor-
tunate portion of the human race =
Sickened with the affecting picture
which almost every country in Europe,
exhibits, we turn with grateful feelings
to the contemplation Of the young and
Hourishing Republic Of the United
States. Cheered and invigorated, we
follow the rapid progress Of its great
ness and prosperity. But yesterday,
as it were, the whole Continent OF
North America Colony Of England,
obedient to her nod, and bowling at her
footstool--to-dav a powerful aud indie
pendent State-sprung, as il by magic,
into liberty and life. We behold cities
where but a few years ago stood the
Backwoodsman's lonely habitation-
on her lakes and rivers the evidence OF
her activity and enterprize-while her
incidentally increasing population is
c~ongrega,ed from sail friends OF the
earth 20 On her institutions-on her
laws and records, we trace the health
ful and hallowing impress Of her guar
dian genius. We look around on her
vast and almost %boundless territory in
wonderment and admiration, and catch
a portion Of that kindling spirit that
gave to her, freedom and a name.
When we reflect upon the worlds
history, and uponlhe scenes of destruc-
ton, of slaughter and Of blood, which
changes of dynasties have SO often alas!
produced, with what feelings must we
peruse the record of he Inauguration
OF a President of America? Without
riot, without tumull, without any thing
extraordinary 10 denote the change, we
behold one man descending from the
seat OF power, and, as a matter OF
course, and unaccompanied by a muir
mur or a though, but Of placid satisfac-
ton, rsigning the reins Of government
into the hands of his successor. The
calm and dignified ceremony of invest
ing the President in the duties Of his
office, fixes our attention. No tinscl-
no glitter-nolhing to strike the mob
with wonder, o. dazzle with its pomp,
but plain and unaffected, such as is
worthy the mind ola Legislator at the
head of a powerful Republic. The cleo
ton of Mr. Adams to the Presidency,
now that the hostile feelings Of parties
have become soflened within reasona-
Bile bounds, seems TO give general salts
faction. We know not what may be
his policy, but from his declaration on
taking the oath OF office, it would seem
that he intended to model il after that
Of his predecessor, and if so, the Re
public will have nothing to regret from
his appointment to the Presidential
Chair. We confess we are not sorry
that General Jackson did not succeed
Not but that We highly estimate his la
tents, and consider America deeply in
debted to him indeed; but from princi-
pie we are opposed TO the election of
any military man to an Office Of such
magnitude i'll the State. History, an
cient and modern, furnishes many in
stances Of the danger. In our own
times we have a memorable example
Get but a war, and next insist upon the
necessity Of a Dictator-then study TO
prolong the contest-let the state be
hllediwith needy dependants-tae army
gained by specious promises and APP
pointments-and next, but one step
more, the Republic is a dream-and
the imperial purple fills the ambitious
grasp.
In this our estimate of probable con
sequences, we disclaim, most distinct
ly disclaim, any insinuation as to the
conduct that would influence General
Jackson in the high and dignifed Of
Ace of President. He has been the
firm, The steady, the patriot soldier Of
the Republic. America owes him
much, and we are confident his servi-
ces will long be cherished in her re-
membrance; but we do assert, that the
apprehension which we entertain from
the appointment Of military Presidents
are founded both upon a knowledge of
the human character and experience of
past events; and were We citizens fthe
Union, and had a vote upon such an
occasion, u humble but strenuous
support should be given to the priHci-
pie we have laid down. We therefore
feel satisfaction at the election of Mr..
Adams, and we doubt not his admins
.tration will be such as to Justify the
hopes Of his country.
His inaugural speech is a beautiful
specimen Of composition; chaste and
eloquent, it is an admirable expose of
the rise. progress. and DrOSnectiye