Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-08-07

criminate opposition. His friends and his en-
emies well knew that ne would give no pledg
whatever, but his past conduct, and the oatf
required by the constitution. Soon after he
entered the Senate, he voted in favorof the Lou
isiana purchase, a favorite measure of the A6
minis tration; he voted against some OF its sub
ordinate provisions bee ause he thought It I'm
constitutional. And now let us come to TIKI
embargo. The country was not in situation
atthe time to repel the INDUSTRIOUS aggression
which was threatened. What then would be
the conduct of any patriotic man? Clearly, no.
to inquire how we came into such situation
but how we shall get out The judgment Of
Mr.. ADAMS, and that Of large majority Of
both Houses Of Congress, pointed out the en-
barge as the only remedy suitable to the coca
sion. Viewed in this light, the conduct OF Mr.
Adams appears in unison with his whole prevl-
Gus life. BY letter which he wrote subsequent
ly, appears that he did not think it measure
which ought TO be long continued; evidently IN
dicating, that in his Judgment, more energetic
measures ought to be taken. Here he differed
from the Administration; but still was perfectly
consistent with himself
And now let US examine the qualifications OF
Mr.. Adams, as they are known to the public by
undisputed facts.
At the age of 81, he was appointed by Wash
ington, foreign minister He discharged
this appointment so much to the satisfaction OF
Washington, that he declared he received more
information from Mr. Adams, than from all 9th
ers; and on retiring from office, he warmly re-
ques,ed Mr. Adams, not 10 withhold merited
promotion from John Quincy Adams. because
he was his son. He gave it as his decided O.
pinon, that he would become the first dlplo-
matist in the country. Washington was pre-
eminent Judge of merit; and as such, his OPT
Mon is entitled TO respect Mr.. Adams hes had
the confidence Of all thcPresidents successfully;
a!:d the nation has ratified the decisions OF our
Chief Magistrates. The men who are now ac-
cusing him, remember that in the progress and
at the conclusion Of the Client negotiation, they
Joined in the general exultation at the address,
wisdom, dignity and frmness of our commits
soners They know that by common consent,
distinguished, if not principal part in that
negotiation, has been attributed TO him. And
what is the character of such trust? ltlequlres
men Of the first talents, men who are thoroughly
acquainted with the interests ofthc country, &
the laws of nations. This trust was confded
10 Franklin, 10 the elder Adams, to Jefierson.-.
less knowledge Of the interests Of the country,&
of the laws OF nations, less decision in judg-
ment, or less hrmness, than either Of these dis
tinguished men? If so, let the difference be
pointed out And with whom was this negoti-
alton conducted? With nation in intellect,
not in the least inferior to any in the world
There can be no doubt therefore, that, as
statesman, Mr.. Adams is one of the first, and
perhaps the first now in the world. Mr.. Ad
ans is, besides, possessed OF extensive acquire.
ments in literature AID science; circumstance
highly desirable in any chief magistrate. He
has, besides, always evinced profound respect
for the constitution and laws What were,
or what are, the qualifications of General
Jackson?-He is man of great decision and
energy in the field, and of incorruptible integ
rty. Admitted. But no one, in the least &C
quainted with mankind, is ignorant that excel
lcucc of one kind, does not imply excellence Of
another. 1t is indisputably certain, that Gen.
Jackson has neither the literary, scientific nor
political requirements Of Mr.. Adams; and that
he is almost wholly destitute Of his experience.
He is then, to say the least, unknown as safes
man. But, besides this, there are some indica-
tons that he is unsuited to civil life. In the
course of his public career, he has been APP
pointed Judge. He resigned the Office. He
has been chosen Senator in Congress. He
resigned after serving short time. Let us,
in another point of view, compare him with
Washington, whom his friends would persuade
us that he resembles Washington lived in
the infancy Of the country, when the laws were
i'll concocted. Notwithstanding this, he &C
complished His objects, and obeyed the laws
Jackson made his appearance, when the con-
stitution of the country had been settled. He
has found it necessary in several instances, TO
cut the gordian knot, and violate the laws OF
his country. Whether he has done this honest
ly or not, strong objection, from this single
circumstance, ought to arise against him, in
the mind Of every considcrate man. But enough
has been said. 1t is utterly out Of lie question
to compare Gen. Jackson as statesman, to
Mr. Adams. Let US now make a summary
We have seeS, that when a man acts for whole
nation, it is highly necessary that he should be
governed by the greatest rectitude; that man
even Of mixed character, would, if not hurried
away by. passion, be likely to think so; that
from the known character Of Mr.. Clay this was
to be expected Of course; that in selecting
chief magistrate, we ought if possible to choose
the most fit and meritorious; that neither pri-
vate friendship nor private enmity ought 70
have place; that Of the three candidates Mr.
Crawford was disabled by ill health alsl tina,
Mr.. Adams was incomparably more fit for the
station than his competitor. Here then we
have a satisfactory solution Of Mr.. Clay's con-
duct, without any necessity of recurring to corr