Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1825-12-08

republican party with view OF involving II in sorn.
inconsistency by calling for general and unquali-
ned appreciation OF the measures of the admins
i ua'ion, some OF the most prominent of which, had
oeen opposed by the republicans generally, and by
myself amongst Others, and this inconsistency was
To be enforcedby the dominant, influence of the Pre-
sidents popularity, s. the general sensbili,ies excl
ted by his retiring from public life. did not feel
disposed 10 yield 10 this influence, and therefore
opposed it; but the opposition was suppor,e
ny the most decorous and respectful lang,Iaye to-
WARDS me PRESIDENT then at my command Il also
se'h 'nat dd not concur IN the general sentiments
Vi regrets and even alarms expressed upon the re-
tiremeot of the President These sentiments in the
course oi debate, were limited only by the want of
mental efforts TO go further in pressions of a,ua
on, oil alarms, 4 OF regrets. So much So that they
appeared 10 me to be poured forth at the exnepse
DOH o! the people, and the government of the IT.
o anu particularly oil the republican party Not
Keeling these emotions myself, endeavored TO state
more calmly, but not less respectfully my impress
sions on the occasion. They were in substance ~
ioliow That the Presiden, has devoted the great
est portion Oh ms lie 10 the public service and had
already rendered services inesnabe Thai he had
already filled up the iull measure Of services that
the public could reasonably require of him. Thar
| ne had HequehiIy expressed the most ardent
wishes to be relieved from public services and to
be INDUCED with a beloved retirement. That the
snceriIyof these wishes eoIld not be doubted that
Thought them highly honorable 10 him and concur
ell WAN INN IN the opinion, that he ought to be IN
ouiSed In them. That had no doubt but that he
WAS consulting as well his own happiness, as his
own glory IN the determination he had made and
mat sincerely wished hiri all the enioymenis and
happiness he had anticipated in the retired and phi-
iosophicsi retreat OF Mount Vernon | expressly
! and pointedly stated that | was willing 10 pour
forth "nbounded plaudits upon General Washing
| Ton ior his own virtues, his own wisdom mis- own
patriotism ana the most heartfelt gratitude Tor his
'hes'ni"oie services but thought deserv ed edo
gum, because fusome aduation when bes ov ed
upon nun al the expense OF the government and
people OF the u. s. In the ex,ravayant warmth of
deoaie, produced by the occasion, il having been
frequently said, amongst other most sublimaiet con-
eept!ons, that upoi the retirement OF the President
theIe wouidbe political chaos if not a natural one
believe both, replied in substance tba, did nat
afprehend either; but these horrible authorizations
were well founded, the scooter they were made
Nnown the better ; because the government cf th.
v, D was founded upon the principlc that man
was competent to his own government and that il
lid not depend apon the services OF any individ,
al, however meritorious and eXale:, and Thar IL
lie people had IN 'ac been mistaken in tine sre.,
prihcipie upon which they had founded tb,jr 40
vernment, they ought 10 be otfere! an oppor-
tunity upon discovering the fatal error. TO fix
upon some other bctlef principle for their Gnurs
rights, liberties, aud happiness But had M an
prehensions that so fatal misfortune had beaIien
ine people oil the u. s., and In illustration oLserv-
ed, that had no doubt if the President and every
ohcer OF the government, were to retire 10 nrivate
u.e, 'housaHu olhei persons might be found in the
=. D. 10 MI their places with equal advantage to
Inc public am perfectly satisfied that the Presi-
deat was mol singled the only officer IN which
tie observation was applicable would no, a, This
time pledge my sell 10 any particular foro, n
preston used upon the occasion, although the s,h
1ec' mas at all times been familiar 10 nv mind hui
VII positively pledge myself ior the correctness of
the principles here stated, and that ey were lrge
with The most perfect respect and decorum OF Ian
Suase towa'ds The President, aterspersed with the
sentimental appausts which appeared to Inc 10 he.
called Tor by tie occasion: proof positive Ino,
TINS essential point, III appear from the leb,, in
reply, stated in g the Lie OF Washogioo That
not ihe slightest char.e OF idecorous or d!sresnect
!ui iinsaase was lmpaied 10 ny i single tebater
| although the peculiar Character OF the debate and
me bis"ly EXCEED einotlons produced by il, ~ Guild
necessarily have called forth the mos, pointed re
examinations, II they could have been justified bv
The course OF observations made by M, self Xyb;I
therefore, discaim all rude expressions imputed
TO me oy noe-akers, and OF course all responsible
~ Tor them, acknowledge myself fully responsible
Tor me principles urged that debate; and - biI.t
nave never preiunptuously up any pretensons
whatever 10 iniallbillty, and know have commit
led many errors, and have at all times been per-
/ iecIiy disposed 10 ackno ledge thein when dis
covered, YET alter nearly nine aid twenty wears of
reconsideration, my conscience stands perfectly
JusIiled in iAe course OF cooduct | pursued upon
the memorable occasion stated In the Life OF
| Washington"
lie pleased, sir, TO accept assurances of my most
respectful and friendly considerations, sc.
WM. B. GILES