Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-07-22

each other; and those who were opposed 10 his
election are peaceably acquiescing, as good eli.
tizens ought, to the will Of the maiority-Bu.
this is not the only reason from which we draw
our conclusions. The oppug nation which was
manifested at Washington last winter, toward;
the cabinet, was not so much against their pub.
lie measures, as against the manner in which
they came into office. In Congress, the mos,
inAammatory speeches, on the part Of wha, is
called the Composition" were mainly directed
to this point, and personal abuse Of the Pres-
dent and Secretary of State. MIR. M'Duffe, a
leading member of the opposition, admits that
the forms Of the constitution have been complied
with, and we frankly acknowledge, that we have,
not vet been able 10 perceive in what respect
the spirit Of il has not also been complied with
But we are told that there was bribery and cor
ruplion used in the election in Congress. This
is high charge; and when made against men
who have been, perhaps, thirtyyears in the pub.
lie service, and distinguished for their talents
and integrity, we are reluctant To- believe it; es
pecially when unsupported by any kind Of e,i.
dence. An asseveration on one side, and de-
NAL on the other amounts 10 nothing; and IN.
less the charge is substantlatcd by sometime
more than unwarraned differences, and sophis.
done, we feel fully justified in withholding our
belief We should not believe such charge,
were it made against the men composing tue
opposition and of their integrity we have not a
more exalted opinion, than we have OF the Off
GERS OF the Government.
Viewing the subject iii the foregoing light.
we think the conclusions VIC have drawn, Of the
cause Of the present opposition, to the ADM.
nislratIon, are corrcct-That il has grown OF.
of the personal raucour, excited during the
pendency Of the Presidential election, and an
exasperaled state Of feelings, consequent on de.
feat II this be not the cause, we know not
where to search for lit is certainly not in The
course Of policy pursued by the government,
for this is, as it heretofore has been, and all wa
quiet
If this opposition could be confined to the
few with whom il originated, it wc:ld be
matter c: small concern. But The tocsin is
sounded at Washington-its notes are caught
by distant "kindred spirits" and re-trumpeled
on higher keys, il possible, by The violent anti
administration newspapers The most unwca-
ried pains are taken TO blacken the characters
Of the officers Of government, not by candid
!acts, and sober arguments, but by low obloquy
and personal abuse This, perhaps, in certain
situations, where correct information cannot
he had, may have its desired effect 1t may
ALLEVIATE the people from their officers, and
weaken their confidence in the administration:
consequently ought 10 be counteracted But
in this part OF the country we apprehend no
such consequence; and il is not intention
10 enter into the controversy. Our remarks
are designed for our patrons, who are general
ly plain men, unhackneyed in the schools Of
political Juggling We do not pretend to pos
sess that tended information, depth Of thought
or felicity Of expression, necessary to render
our lucubralions interesting to the very learned
politician. Alive aspire 10, is to tell, Straight
on" what we do hno,0, or what we may think
This we shall do, reckless Of consequences.