Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1825-04-08
To the Editor Of the Con,titu,,onal Jyhie.

the able in which nc has indicated his course in
regard to the late Presidential election The first
ing point of view in which behold him. which ex
hbis him in the attitude of representative people,
Lodging the supremacy of their will explaining
the motives of his conduct while acting that cha
although occupying the highest post except one in the
American conlederacy. From this eminsnce we see him
recurring with grateful recollectous many proofs of
confidence received from the people of his little dsctwho
hrSt brought him upon the theatre of Political fame and
still proudly resting himself for the discharge OF
his new duties, the continuance OF their good will and
support. The interesting attitude in which behold
him, is that of successful defender Of his for Mr.
Adams, aud advocate of his against charges of
serious which, if true would prove him unworthy
OF public confidence; but being untrue, leave him the
full enjoyment of his reputation and political hunors. In
this point of view, however, him but his
friends and such of his political will no, believe
him guilty of corruption without peponderance of
aony agains, him. II devoutly be wished that all
could remove from their eyes the film of prejudice
fer their minds yield the full operation OF this law OF
evidence Mr. Clay might then make his appearan be-
lore the great tribunal of public opinion with much
confidence in its favorable judgment he feels in the pu-
ry and recttudc of his conduct Then his simple
unvarnshed tale of the Kremer conspiracy would in the
estimation Of ALL be complete reutation of the charges
batched in it, if indeed any thing wanting
caumny published tn the world without name and the
ostensible author of which, when he dragged
forth and confronted with the object of his caunny shrnk
from his responsibility and refused produce the testimony
which he had gratuitousy volunteered In any ordinary
case of criminal prosecutions the conclusion
OF all, under such circumstances, would he, THAI
ed was Innocent and the object of detesation
But IN the case under consideration. the accused
parsonage of too much consequence be let eff the
pected proof positive having failed presumptivc proof
must be sought for TO make the caseand this done
by assuming fact that the ruling principle Mr. Claws
conduct is, wish to into Office after Mr. Adams
as another fact the existence Of old gruge between
themten connecting these two assumptions with the
constituting the crime, viz. his for Mr. Adams the
alleged guilt OF the accused is Inferred As often this
idea of hostility has been repeated, proof of lis
existence has ever been adduced within my recoecon
than MIR Clay leterto the Editors of the nesencer of
the 10Th November, 1877; and prone the human mind
IN believe that to be true which wishes be So and SO
ingenious in shaping facts circumstances make
them sustain Its preconceved impressions, that this
ter has beeu often referred quietly received
without examination proof positive that Mr. Clay had
denounced Mr. Adams unworthy of public con-
hdence, and threatened day other make pub
lie exposure of him. To those who have troubled
themselves to refer to the letter. the examina ton which Mr.
c. has himself made of it in his address, proves clearly
not only that does not contain any such words, but that
they forced Interpretation of its real language The
only part OF which could he interpreted is that
pressing opinion shat in the of the several pub-
cations of which the controversy between Mcssrs Adams
and Russell has been the occasion, and particularly in the
appendix to pamphlet which had been recently published
by the Hon. John Quincy Adams, there some errors
(no doubt uuintenunaD both matters of fact and
matters opinions regard the transactions Ghent
NC Now an error Of opinion be good why Mr.
Clay ought for Nh Adams, could lie liza We voted
with proprety for any of his competitors? Certainly
not for Mr. Crawford, who differed him Gas Mr. Craw-
Ilcus COnteht) upon subject OF the political
Importance and of the deepest interest Mr. Clay-,he
tariff Aud supposed Of opinion did consti-
ute valid objection To the vote, it certainly did
acceptance of Office under Mr. Adams upon similar oo-
cction there not Perhaps distinguished in the Union
who might not have refused office him-and thus
P"nctiIo might have caused all Offices go a-beggng
and nipeded very much the operations of government
The truth is, nothing would have satisfied class of Mr.
Clays enemies have him utterly prescribed
and driven from the stage of politics. Some Of his friends
among whom rank myself would have been sats-
| mad IN hp flpr
any improperly OF principle his taking it, but because
| they saw no advantage to he gained bv it.
was pleased to find that you, sir, satisfied with the
address, put feared you mistaken in surprising that
the first impression upon mans mind after reading it,
would be conviction These fears have been but too
prophetic You forgot that before could be convi-
ced IN some minds, pride of opinion humbed: the
asperIties occasionedy heated
ed away; and the modification resulting from the failure
ct political schemes pursued long ardenty, and with
siunal hoes of success, to be healed All this could
not ne accomplished by single effort: have done it,
more Than mortal requred and have been the
subject upon which such miracle could be wrought,
presupp"sed more than human ma gnanintv.
is, therefore, all surprising that Mr. Ritchie
although he besows much praise upon address, and
knowledSes that supplies some facts and may
many premdces9 should persuade himself that 'xiu not
give iDerSd satisdctiOn come to this very modest
conclusion-r parts speak with all due de-
ference but do deem his defence to be coeLsJv
and proceeds to state the poinS in which appears noI
detective One would suppose. from these very delicate
touches that the Defence although it will not give
satisfaction, aud entirely cOncvSe is deemed in the
maiI SATISFACTORY and that few ponGs ONLY "stand in
need Of further explanation But the reader finds himself
strangely deceived when he hiiy,four
questions of difficulty and discovers that the defence is not
satisfactory to Mr. Richie in single point To one who
should set about satisfying Mr. Richie, would nv some
consolation to perceive the uqusve turn his mind for
that always Indicates an ardent desire for inormation and
generally leads TO speedy CONVICTION II my.inteu-
ton, however, undertake ihe iak-to perform it would
consume too much of my me and paper (even possess
ed the requisite inoEmation) and would take up more of
your paper than am entitled There is large class of
questions howevei mean those relating Mr.. Claws re-
lection OF Mr. Crawford, which it appears me with all
Difference to Mr. Ritchies difficulties of concience) are
amply answered by the given by NJ Clay himself
viz 1s the very small number of electoral votes by which
Mr. Crawford was brought before Congress- 3D. the
carous state of his health which appeared conclusive
against him. 3D. "Oher considerations of public nature
which would have deserved ton If happily in tina,
respect he had been differently ccunsanced II true
Mr. Clay does not think necessary state what those
"otheT considerations and for that very reason
imagine, Mr. Richie Is more anxious to know them. One OF
his numerous questions, however, upon point very pro-
badly solves the whole difficulty; it the tariff or in
ternal improvement 4th That did not tnk the cleo
ton Of MIR. Crawford practicable or this Mr. CLAW wa,