American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1825-12-20
JAMES MONROE.

"eight OF the characters OF Warrington, Jefe rson,
ana Madison. This was disadvantage which has
not been properly appreciated Among per sons of
mediocrity, it is not difficult for man of ability 10
rise to distinction. An individual Of exalted talents
may be superior to ten thousand citizens of ordinary
intellect because they can, singly or by sggrega-
ton, never reach his mental height. But when we
md ourselves In the sphere oil men Of great capaci-
~, OF men who have somewhat preceded us, and
occupy public attention, filing as it were the whole
circuit OF tame IN state, 1t requires no de-
gree oil talent and perseverance to secure dis
tingulshed reputation, and become avourre with
the people
James Monroe had no family connexions to sup
port him in early life; no paternal inheritance to
give him importance in society He rose gradual
y, by prudence and industry. Ardently devoted TO
his country, he took part in the revolution when a
youth, and was remarkable on more Than occa-
sion for his nndaunted courage. He was among
those who literally shed their blood in The cause Of
independence; and the ste adness OF bis behaviour
IN every instance ensured Tor him the respect and
esteem OF all those with whom he acted. He was
sincerely devoted 10 Washington was the admirer
and imilator OF Jefferson, and the companion aud
friend OF Madison. 1t is no common praise to be
associated with such names; especially when we
frd them sealing their appreciation by subsequently
selecting the individual for high commissions and
appointments, and coniding to him the discussion
and arrangement OF the primary interests OF ;he ma
lion abroad.
Mr.. Monroe was member of The old Congress-
and was instrumental in ef1ecting the formation of
the present Constitution He partook of the fears
OF Patrick Henry, and anxious to guard against
the influence Of what were considered the arisocra-
! tic features of that document. He Iaboured with
others to produce the first ten amendments 10 it, by
which reasonable statesmen thought there would be
sufficient guarantee for the principles of liberty.
Time, indeed has convinced him, as it has conviu
ced many OF HE contemporaries, that their apprehen-
soDs were groundless and shown that if there was
something 10 be dreaded from consolidation and the
excess oil executive authority, there was also some-
thing to be feared from anarchy. After long de-
bates an Infinite deal of animadsersion through the
medium oil the press, and the most vrulent alterca
tons of party. the constitution has found its Just
balance, and good citizens of every description unite
in opinion, that the Presidential power is so check
ed that, whether in the circumstances Of peace or
OF war. it is impossible for the Chief Magistrate to
abuse, to any serious extent, the trus, committed to
his hands.
Having studied law, Mr.. Monroe practised il
with some success But the principal pursuits Of
his life have been political. In the Legislature OF
Virginia, and in the new Congress he uniformly
noted as being intelligent, active, and efficient
member. Chosen by President Washington to re-
present the United States the French Govern.
ment soon after the commencen ent of the Gallo
Revolution, the warmth of his sentiments for the
rights of man and the freedom Of nations, led him
in some measure to depart from the sage and eau
ious policy CT that illustrious patriot, by whom he
was recalled: Yet his vindcation seemed to satisfy
the great body of the people, that if he had erred
II was more from generous feeling for the wrongs
which tyrants inflicted on his fellow creatures than
from an perversity of inclination to deyiate from
his instructions.
France, Spain, and Great Britain, have been the
theatres of Mr.. Monroe's diplomatic career. If the
rejected treaty with the latter was not approved by
Jefferson, it was nevertheless the very best that
could be obtained at the time; and subsequent
events have rendered it doubtful whether it would
not have been better to have accepted it, imPerfec,
as it was. In dscharging the arduous duties of
Secretary of State, Mr.. Monroe's cobstancy and
capacity we're conspicuous. In the Department of
War, at critical moment and in the most trying
time of hostiiities, his vigor was manifest his firm
ness mistaken. At the moment when the Capitol
was taken by the enemy, when our political system
seemed tumbing to pieces, when many began to
despair of the affairs of the Republic, Monroe ex.
hibte6 no sign OF dependency, no sympomof re-
taxation but, rousing his friends by his energy,
and risking his credit for the Treasury Department,
he inspired those about him and the nation at large
wish zeal which rose like devouring flame, to
consume the adversary No one who did not wit
ness the disasters Of that period truly estimate
the value of his services. The blaze Of glory with
which the campaign of 1914 closed, was mainly
owing to the unceasing exertions which he made
to rally the nation to the vndicaton OF its rights
and the defence Of its territory.
Elected to the Presidency. Mr.. Monroe had
difficult part 10 perform. With the termination of
the wars of the French Revolution, party spirit
became defunct. There were numbers, however,
who chung to its image. BY party they had become
and they did not like to witness the
cessation Of the cause of their self.iuPortance.
Mr.. Monroe saw the necessity ofuniting the coun-
Try, Of extinguishng the petty feuds which had di-
sided the most accomplished citizens, and OF CIV