Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-11-23

altar the constitution as proposed, il will be ne
cessary 10 show, first, that MIR. Adams could
Econtrolthem as he pleased, Ca demonstration
not very hattering TO the high character OF IN
dependent Representatives, and, secondly, that
Mr.. Adams thought it consistent with his duty
and his station TO have done so-o.herwise those
votes must be answered for by the gentlemen
who gave them. But few are so stupid as not
TO know, that whilst a great many agree in the
abstract proposition, viz that il is right to have
an uniform mode in all the states of electing
the President, yet there are others who do not
concur with it at all Many, again, who, de-
sirous Of selecting the plan that will give the
best possible chance for All election BY the peo-
pie in the first instance, are by no means dispos-
ed TO surrender the last appeal 10 the federative
principle; and thus it is difficult to find any con-
siderable number Of persons who agree in the
detail Of plan to effect their object. This
disagreement in the detail has and will CONT
nue. to overthrow the object. More persons
went against this proposition for want of agree
ment in the detail than from any other cause.
1t is not TO beexpected, that judicious men Will
be anxious 10 spend their time in advocating a
mere abstract proposition, when they are con-
scious, from all they see and all they learn, that
no SALUTE airy result is to flow from it. This dill
fculty OF Adjustment therefore, this variety Of
opinion as TO mode. the endless contrariety OF
though, and design in this whole affair, which
produce the most discordant views, which have
long existed, and arc the real cause of the fai-
lure Of the proposition, instead of being honest
ly and frankly set down as such, are all huddled
up together to form ground of accusation and
complaint against the Administrator, and are
to be made to subservc the purpose Of paving
the way for Gen. Jackson to supplant Mr..
Adams in he Presidential chair
1t is impossible that such man as MIR. Cal
houn can ever suggest such topics TO be handled
by opposition against the Administration.
He must be man Of too much sense, OF too
much integrity, Of too much regard Tor his own
fame, TO descend 10 miserable expedients like
these, that are equally false and futile. Yet we
see some Of Mr.. Calhoun's echoes, some OF his
devotees, using such stratagems with their own
names attached TO the pieces. Does not The
Vice Presiden, blush for these his friends, who
thus expose themse to ridicule? II would
be generous in him TO save them from derision
and contemporary, more, he would save HIM
self from reproachful suspicion, Tor many per-
sons will believe that these subalterns are act
ing urder his guidance in the performance OF
his work. a MARYLAND FARMER.
From the Providence american and Gazette.
i
to the fact, that the Secretary of State has, for
the last twenty. four years invariably succeeded
to the Presidency, an enormous violation OF
the principles Of freedom; forgetful, that, in
doing so, themselves are attacking and endea-
vorng to overthrow, the principal safeguard OF
our liber.y--the freedom of suFrage-the right
of selecting the most worthy, wherever he may
be found
If those who thus find fault with the selec-
tons, made by the people, in the mode prescrl-
bed by the Constitution, would look into the
real causes Of this preference, they would dis
cover good and sufficient reasons for it, in the
nature of our political institution, and in the
duties to be performed by the Secretary OF
State.
If experience in state affairs be necessary to
the composition Of good statesman, IN other
governments, it is. in ours, indispensable to the
daily motion Of the machine, that those who
are TO direct and regulate that motion should
De men Of long and tried experience. And the
utmost degree of perfection Of which our instl-
tutions are capable will have been attained,
whenever the succession, through our different
grades of magistraoy, shall have become entire
" official.
Ii will, we think, be conceded to us, that
man who is unfit for the Department of State
cannot be fit for the Presidency. That Depart
ment is in fact probationary one Requiring
for its daily and ordinary administration con-
slant and unremitted application of intellectual
power, of the highest order; it deveopes, un-
erringly, the mental power OF the incumbent,
and his fitness for higher station. No man OF
merely ordinary talent could pass this ordeal
with credit Ofthr truth of this assertion we
have evidence in the case of Robert Smith,
tranterred from the Navy to the State Depart
ment, on the accession Of Mr.. Madison 10 the
Presidency. Mr.. Smith was educated law
yer; and had prac,ised with great eclat, because
he was fluent and eloquent. He was popular,
because his talents were Of the most snowy KIND.
He rendered very considerable services to MIR.
Jefferson. in the canvass Of lsoo-lsol; and as
reward for these, was foisted into the Navy
Department, the principal duties OF which,
then, consisted in dsmantiing and selling the
ships, and receiving the resignation OF officers:
duties which were pretty thoroughly perform
ed. MIR. Madison made him Secretary OF o'ale,
at time when the diplomatic concerns OF the
nation required man Of great ability ne
British government sent over their most able
negociators. Mr.. Smith was found wholly IN
compe,en, to the duties Of his place, and com
PEELED to resign it. Had he been man OF flrs
hoe chosen