Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1826-08-08


possessed OF great address, and dsdainins TO carry any
tavore measure, but by open manly assault on me
strong hold OF the understanding In all his conduct
he never inquired will this be popular with is
that party or in this or that section of the country
but docs the general welfare require IT. Let no"
facts show whether this character of Mr. CLAY is cor
reutv drawn. He espoused the Southern opinions IN
the Missouri question: though he knew he differed from
a strong minority in tie Middle and Northern section
advocated the Tariff, though he knew the Southern
section decidedly opposed to ii; he advocated con
sructio1 of the Constitution known TO be stury OPP
posed by Virginia, aud perhaps BY New York; he advo
Gated our insisting on the Rio Bravo as boundary,
though lac knew this 10 he contrary TO the decision of
the President and probably ohis c1bine lie advocated
sayOrite measure of Mr. WEBSTER, and when il
animated to him that he was supporting feeraImes
sure, he replied in substance, it that federalism,
lac would consent 10 be called federast. Previous
to the Presidential election, the character of Mr. CLAY
iudisputably high and 1t is equally indispuable
that he gained II by mean compliances, not 10y any
intriguing manuuVres.
In the ordinary transactions Of life Of mix
ed characters, pause before committing action =:
extensive and de1noraziug consequences; and rcn the
CompunctiOns OF conscience refrain fun II. The
smallest rejection will convince any that fla
Of morality is natural and common in the ordinary
transactions of life, ii is much necessary and ma
uai, wien man is called upon 10 act for whole
ton and perhaps for postery. If then the character
OF hir ~ has been mixed one, still II would have
been natural If lac bad not been hurried away by pas
sion and even then it night Lave occurred, that he
Should pause and inquire what principles ought 10 80
FeIn nus cCluuCt nut from tie character winch lie
had sustained this was TO be expected ofcoursc. Would
1t not occur IN the first stage OF inquiries, that his at
teniion ought TO be drawn to those whose qualifications
render them it, and out of these, to for the most
ncritorlous. Why: Not because the salvation, or
even welfare of the country depends on such man
but because object ofour government 10 call me
mt into action, which but partially effected in Ges
potC and hereditary governments: because the duties Of
the station w be likely 10 be better discharged: be-
il holds out an induccment to viruous cEulatiUn
because beiorelt al sectional differences vanish: be
cause IT tends TO cement the union: and because If
acted upon, the tendency Is to give encouragement
intriguing men; who much more ready To seek
Offices than 10 qualify themselves properly 10 ill them
In pursuing ms Inquiries he had settled his pn-
cples this subject before not have occurred
10 him at neither private Friendship private enm-
IS ought to have any place; WHY Because his DUTY
to act for his country; aud 70 DO nothing that shall i'm
PAIR or tend to impair The integrity Of its Institutions
with these principles land Mr. CLAT has most clearly
shown that he understood tlem) he commences his com
PARSONS OF the qualifications of The different candidates
Md now ask but one favor, if il can he called such
let my statements be compared with facts. There is
one event in the life Of MIR. Adams which think has
been much misunderstood; las on the ernbae 90 law
by tins act, IN the opinion ofsomc, he consummatcd his
deserton OF the federal Pary and since he deserted his
farty, he is unworthy OF confidence This Of little
consequence; but il right that should be fairly un
derstood and fairly represented The character of Mr.
ADAMS, from the time of his commencement in life to
the time he was chosen Senator in Congress was man
y independence; spirit which, willie It treated all
with respect would not submit FOLLOW any man or any
party implicitly. 1t this doubted LEI lis WRITINGS and
public acts nj that time be examined.
AT that time. there sctae men Who appeared TO
think, that hdlscIimlnafe support of Mr.. JErFEKsoNs
administration was tie test OF rcpuhcansin: and in
DISCRIMINATE opposition that Of federalism. These men
ana others might have supposed, that his father bad
lest his election, ms would enter into all lie views
of the disappointed party There good reason To he
lieve that he did not thuk tc neglect of the national
delenCCs the most Judicicus policy. These circuIn
stances and others, probably nGGclI many 10 rank him
with the edear party Bat MIR. An ANls III! not uedpc
himself to any Indscrinate opposition Ills friend,
aud his enemies IL! knew that tie would s,;vo mn Mode.
whatever, but his conduct, ap the oati required bv The
constitution. Soon alter he the Senate he yo
TED IN favour OF the Louisiana purchase, ayouric
measure OF the Administration: lac voted against some
oil us subordinate provisions, because lac thought il I'M
constitutional And now let US come to the en1iaroo
The country was not in situation the time TO rpo
! lie monstrous aggression which threatened. What
then would be the conduct of any patriotic mani
Cleat y, not to inquire how into suc, situa-
ton, but how shall get on Tie Judgment of Mr.
ADAMS and that OF large majority OF both Houses OF
Congress, pointed out The embargo as tie only recd,
suitable to The occasion. Viewed in tie llrht lis con
duct Of Mr.. ADAMS appears in unison x M, hi, 20 hole
previous life. BY letter which he wrote subsequent
~, 1t appears that Inc Gid think it q measure ybch
ought TO be long continued; evidently Indicating that nm
ken Here he differed from the Administration: but
still was perfectly cons isent with himself
And now LET uS examine Tie qualifications of Mr.
ADAMS, as they are known TO the public by undisputed
facts
AT the age OF p, he appointed by Iv4erfvz rox.
foreign minister. lie discharged this appointment 50
much To the satisfaction of WAsuGNGro< that he dc
clared h. received more information from Mr. An,vs
than from all others and retiring from Office he
warmly requested Mr. ADAMS not TO withhold fncrteI
promotion from JONI QUINCY Adams, bccaus he was
bis son. He gave it as his decided opinion, that he
would become the first dporrist IN the country " ASH
iNGToN was Prc-emiuent Judge OF merit; and as such
h's opinion entitled 70 respect. Mr.. ADAMS has had
the confidence OF ali The Presidents succassye. and
the nation has ratified the decision Of our Chief iIagis
trates' The men who are accusing him remember
that IN the progress and at tic conclusion of The CIc
negotiation, they joined in the general cxul,afi,, #
the address, wisdom dignity and fJnne.s of onr com,
inIssioners They know that by common consent =.
distinguished, # not principal part IN t,ai ncoo,ia
ton, has been attributed to him. And what * The
character OF such trust It requires men Of the first
talents, men who arc thoroughly acquainted with the
interests ut the country, and the laws Of nations This
trust was confded to FRtNhIIN 10 ne elder Af,.Is
10 JEFFEks"N. WI! any one s7y lbat AlT. Ap,us /
displayed less knowledge Of the interest, ore cDu5fr
ffn n fNf Las nrfr p