Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-11-09
From the Missouri Republican.
TORCH LIGHTING. vi.

cei principles, deep rooted III THEFT minus, anu
be uniformly consistent in their practical apPli-
cation. Professions are indeed seldom wanting,
but, unfortunately, they are often unsupported
by corresponding practice. Some, without pos
sessing any principles OF their Own, profess
these which prevail in the state In which they
happen, for the time being, to reside, & change
their creed with every change OF residence, or
accommodate themselves, with wonderful facility,
10 any temporary exigency, and for the occa-
sion repose their faith upon any principle which
may in their opinion, subserye the immediate
interest of their constituents, or promote their
own popularity. Others commence their po-
Iitcal career BY protesting principles in perfect
accordance with those OF their constituents, &
afterwards, by their public acts. practically de-
ny them; *, at the same time, Insult the under
standings Of those whom they misrepresent, by
manevering to keep up the appearance OF con-
sistency, with full consciousness, that their
original professions were either in direct oPpo-
sition to thei: real opinions, that their prin-
ciples Cifthey had any, have been changed, or
prostituied, in consequence of bargains or asso-
Citations, which they dare not avow The for
mer deserve contempt for their instability, or,
perhaps, Gin charity,) pity for their weakness;
while the latter, merit disgrace and punishment
for their treachery On mere questions ofexpe-
diency, involving no constitutional principle,
public servants certainly may, without just
cause OF impuiation, change their opinions, II
1t be done upon honest conviction OF error. IN
deed, it may, and often does, on such questions,
become their duty to vote against their own
judgments,in obedience to the expressed will of
their constituents, but questions involving the
construction of the constitution admit OF no
such indulgence. Every man who aspires to
the honor Of representing the people, ought, &
is presumed te, possess established principles
on this subject, and, as by the theory Of our
government every representative is supposed,
as heis Obliged by duty, 10 reflect The opinions
of his constituents. candidate is bound frank
Iy teavew his political creed. If he is chosen
under such circumstances, his principles are
implicitly sanctioned, and ne stands pledged 10
strict conformity in his public acts; nor will
the obligation be discharged by mer observ-
ance of the latter, and abandonment of the SUBJ
stance--by setting up fanciful distinctions
where there is no difference; neither is he al
liberty 10 forsake, or compromise, his approx.
ed tenets, in any change OF circumstances, OF OF
rulers, much less can he surrender them 10 tue
dictatiOn of others, without iorfelnng every
claim TO consistency, or even pohticai hohesV'
and subecting himself to the Just reprooa'ionn
of his constituents. "Tried by these axioms
most of the coufederates, Soi-d'sam people S
men," and especially the gentleman whose err
ratio political course more lmmedlateiy concerns
the people Of this state. Will stand condemned,
as undeserving public confidence or support.
Repeated decisions by overwhelming MAORI
ties. in both houses OF Congress, approved oy
two successive Presidents, and sanctioned by
nine tenths Of the people of the Uaited States,
seemed 10 have settled the question:, IN relation
70 the contested power oil Congress on The sub
lee, Of roads and canals, in favor of constitu-
,ional competency to adopt system OF internal
Improvement, and the expediency of exercising
it. AT least tour of the candidates In the late
presidential election, adams, Clay, Jackson
and Calhoun,) favored the prevailing doctrines.
The election of the first TO the presidency, and
the appointment of the second 10 the office OF
Secretary of State, (although they continue true
to their principles have produced coalition
among the disappointed, which will renew tine
discussion, and perhaps, ultimately endanger
the success OF the system of improvement, ua-
less the people interpose their authority. Jack
son and Calhoun, with their adherents, deter
mined u organize an Opposition to the Adj
ministration, but conscious of their own weak.
uSSS Ill UuiuOcfS dUu III ldiSUt, tuOuShN ~ S~PN
dient to obtain, at any price, the co-operauor
ofmen whose principles were opposed to thei'
own, as we'll as those of the administration. A
coalition was accordingly formed upon terms
dictated by John Randolph, namely: That th'
administration should be opposed by the con
federates in every thing, right or wrong, ane
Gen. Jackson supported for the Presidency, a
the next election-he and Calhoun, with thei
friends, renoancing, or at least abandoning i,
practice, their tenets the subject of the tariff
internal improvements, sc. Mr.. r. soon afte
manifested his fidelity, by announcing publicly
an intention to support Gen Jackson; but
seems, that some OF the contracting parties, il
their anxiety to keep up appearances, and IN
better to delude the people, began to "play las
and loose" with their engagements; which n
aoflhe 6tful head" naturally enough mistoo
for duphcily, and promptly chastised them in
toa lively sense OF the obligation OF their cor
tract, and threatened TO abandon the whole c
them (Gen. Jackson lncludedO If they did nc