Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1826-08-22
rcn THE CoNsrrrrr,oxAL wn7e


T.>GHE L~lHS-.U4SS.4CIILlS
And shall! we own such judgment? No-as soum,
So roses iii Dccrmhcr-rc in June;
liupc consiancy ~ wind in chat,
Believe woman II cpitaph,
Or any other thing, that false, before
on trust IN critics who themselves S1re.'- y rO,
.HeSsrs Editors: l had 40 anticipation, whilst was
composing my 'iasty" and rs then conceived them
very innocent remarks, upon the Usury Laws tIa they
would have reused the temper and called iOrt! The vim
dcative yrulencc of your correspondent from Aassa
chuseits. The opinions of public men, when promu
gated 10 the world, become public property. And IL
IS The right and the duty OF every person. in this en-
lighteDcd age and country, TO avail himself of the H.
bcry of the press, and by the freedom OF his comments
10 give 10 the advocates of truth applause, aud To put
the stamp OF Reproduction upon hcr enemies IT is
expected IN the performance of duty of this nature,
that all the CouresCs of social intercourse are 10 he OBJ
served On such occasions, tic etiquette OF the draw
ing room, which sometimes requires Disguise our
real sentiments, and 10 give seeming appropriations TO
what we really disapprOve, must give place 10 the
voice OF sincerity, and TO tie language Of truth. II
under such Impressions these THAT my comments
on the speech of NV. Dunlap which have elected tie
angry reply of the orator himself Of some niiscrcet
friend" because, Mr. Dunlap is in that sitnaiion IN
which, silence is wisdom. lie has been successful in
the management of subject, which TO of liberal
and extended views, possesses already, an n0thsUe
ofor and which is likely TO be rendered less DGcr
sve by farther agitation. lie is indeed, engaged in
cause most ingorioUs IN lis natuie,a cause resting
solely Tor support on prcj1Ce Jnd ignorance, and
which no fancy enlivCn-nO ragnaiion adOrri-no
argument sustain. Under such circumstance sound
policy would have dictated slcncc,-iuudeuce would
have taught him to shUu ,irtoyy. Disgrace and to
seek dcfe7t n glorious triumph. If this course had
been pursued his speech might have passed, without
farther interruptions down the stream Uf oblivion. j.
AT least. would not have arrested IFS destined course
but no alternative is left me; must, in defending nay
SELF appear again before the public the advocate of
truth; and the speech, and its champion, must abide The
consequences.
1t is unnecessary, and would be unbcconing in me-
70 rctort the affected severity e your correspondent
to reply to those remark, which derive their CHIEF
rit, from their CosrseDess, and their chief puugcDcy,
from their personality. My mofrcs have nothing 10 do,
With the correctness Of my opinions. And whether
be hypocrjte or Shylook, cannot Influence tie OPT
mons Of the public TIC merits OF essay, an
abstract question of political science
This friend &C Nr. Dunlap. who can be other than
the orator himself for their feelings and opinions and
even language, tho same, 10 invoke the sym
patty Of the public for himself and NE upon
the severity Of my criticisms lie has mistaken the ar
dour OF zeal for the of personal hostility, and
has appealed for sympathy, Were am sure he will not