Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1826-07-07


of Europe, had already, for the time be-
ing at least, subdued the spirit OF Ii
berry and liberal principles which had
been struggling Tor life in that hemIs-
phere. a new Political world was just
emerging in the South from the great
deep OF despotism, to the successful evo-
lutions of which, the feelings, no less
than the principles of this ceniederacy
of European despols seemed to be ep-
posed. To watch the movements OF
both these parties, and protect by pro-
, per precautionary measures, the interest
. of this country in every contingency
that might arise, seemed to me to re-
quire in the Executive, all the wisdom
and experience that could be found COM
bined in the same individual. The mo-
raj power Of the nation in such a crisis,
when welded by wisdom and sagaci,y,
believed would be more efficient in
preserving order and harmony, than even
the power of the sword; and he, be-
lieved, capable of thus welding that
power. With reference to our foreign
affairs, generally, considered him as
standing in advance of all his compell-
tors; and, indeed, | considered him the
first man, whose capacities were known
to the nation, then actively engaged on
the public theatre, With the home in
terests Of the country, | knew hat be
could not be otherwise than well &C
quainted. His situation as a distinguish.
ed member OF the Cabinet OF Mr.. Mon
roe for eight years, with his abilities,
was alone sufficient to give him exten.
slve practical, as well as theoretical in
formation. But, as he had also served
as a member FIVE years, in the Senate oil
the United STATES, his opportunities to
inform himself on that branch of our in
terests, had been adequate to his entire
preparation for the station which he now
holds. In the liberality Of his feelings,
with which then thought, and still think
| was well acquainted, believed a safe
guaranty existed against the effect of all
narrow prejudices and sectional feelings
believed he would so faithfully and i'm
partially administer the government, thai
SO lar as his constitutional powers would
enable him to afford it, just protection oil
their rights AMI interests, and that the ho-
nor Of the nation at large would be pro-
perly guarded by him. In his private
character, | believed saw examples OF
morality, industry, and republican sim
pliclty, worthy t. be held up to the ma
ton for imitation. -Circumstances had
also placed me in a situation closely 10
view him, even in foreign land. Do.
ring portion of the year 1917, WREN
was but young, and the citizen OF a fee
bleterrilory. | met him in Eng land, whilst
he was Minister resident there. Whiis
there, as well as during a long voyage
home, | was in situation to see bin III
his domestic walks-ln the~uadsguised
character Of his own nature. In that
character, | saw benevolent heart, ana
capacity to feel himself, and awaken
in others disinterested friendship. In
word, when the people had placed me M
situation that l felt myself compelled
to choose for them, tn ught saw com
bined in him such qualities as TO Justify
me IN preferring him to those who stood
opposed TO him for that station.
In presenting these considerations to
your view, am still free to admit, that
there were other individuals in the ma
ton who had high claims 10 public con-
fidence Tor the same station, and towards
whom | entertained feelings of the high
est respect. The distinguished seryi-
ces of General Jackson had deserved,
placed him on eminen. ground: and i
may be that he would have administered
the government as ably and as satisiaclo
rily as Mr.. Adams. But high as his
claims were TO the gratitude of his coun-
try, and no one certainly feels more of
its obligations than do, still l did not
think his experience 10 political affairs
equal to tina, OF Mr.. Adam, and there
fore not so we'll qualified to administer
the government. Although teit it my
duty to prefer Mr.. Adams to him for the
Presidency, / would be as unwilling as
any man to see his fame unlustly tarnish-
ed, or his feelings wan,only assailed. 1t
is known that have defended him,
both in and out Of Congress, against the
unjustifable attacks of his enemies, SOM
OF whom are now loudest in his support,
and bitterest in their Remuneration of
me, for having voted against him. Vine
Their there be not some little of selfish
ness, as we'll as deep-rooted dislike OF me,
at the bottom of such course, is for you
to Judge.
But suppose the claims OF Mr.. Adams