Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-11-24

der Otnef NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS., they nave d. icoSt 90
scented to, if not strongly advocated How ca,
ger soeyer they might be to arraign the acts and
condemn the policy ofthe present chief nagis-
traie, it was thought that their pride OF consls-
tency would have secured him from assault
while pursuing the high road laid out and open
ed by his predecessors. But unfortunately for
Mr. Adams he was not born and educated IN
Virginia, and, therefore, from the crown OF his
head 10 the sole of his foot there is no soundness
in him. 1t is impossible for Yankee Presi-
si1ent to understand the Constitution. a man
ought to be taught from his youth how to con-
troll and manage Slaves, or he can know nothing
abou, the true theory of government. These
considerations, together with others equally as
good, appear to have moved the Richmond En-
quirer 10 throw itself across the path OF Mr.
Adams with reckless inlrepidity, and stoutly
combat his doctrines on the subject OF internal
Improvements. The National Intelligencer,
however, forgetting that indiscriminate oppo-
stion was a virtue, and with more unsea-
sonable tenaciousness Of principle, has pre-
sumed 10 annoy its operations and disturb Its
self complacency while in the very act OF Hour
ishing the Constitution and courageously as
sailing the eight houses Of the skies" &C.; and
promulgated the fact, that Mr.. Jefferson, Mr..
Madison and MIR. Monroe thought like Mr. A.
dams about internal Improvements, and that
other gentlemen Of the same school Of politics
advocated similar opinion. AS far back as
the administration Of Mr. Jefferson tsUo nation
al observatories were contemplated, and since
then the subject has again been adverted to-,
but seldom or never been reprobated, while the
line Of succession continued in the house OF
Richmond. In his last message to Congress Mr..
Jefferson recommends the appropriation OF the
anticipated surplus revenue ofthe U States to the
Improvement of roads, canals, rivers, education
and other great foundations Of prosperity and
union, under the po,Oers that Congress may al
ready possess, or such amendment Of the Con-
stitution as may be approved by the States
In the year 1896, Mr. Madison offered resolu-
ton in the House Of Representatives for estab-
fishing national road from Georgia to Maine.
Upon the support Of this resolution, the Intel
ligencer says, that "Mr. Baldwin "a veteran re-
publican Of the old stamp said "it was proper
ly the business Of the General Government to
undertake the improvement Of roads-for the diff
ferent staies are incompetent TO do the business,
their different designs clashing with each other.
1t is enough tor them 10 make good roads 10
the seaports. The cross roads should be lel
for the Government Of the whole
These are some Of, the instances, in which
former administrations and other men have
committed themselves upon the subject with
out mourning the displeasure Of the Richmond
Enquirer. Surely the opposition must calcu-
late greatly upon the fckleless and instability
of the American people, to imagine that they
can pull down an administration proceeding
upon policy which has been sanctioned by
public opinions; and for acts which have here
tofore been deemed not merely innocent but
praisewor,hy. When we see men suddenly
wheeling about and condemning in one man
the measures they have approved in others, it
is very obvious, that they are more attached TO
men than TO principles. But the intelligent
yeomanry OF our country are no, TO be deceiv-
ed in this way, nor to be made the football OF
political aspirants. They we'll understand what
is the "great object Of the institution of civil
government" and SO long as they prosper
Gus and happy under wise and faithful admin
istration of their affairs, they will be slow 10
enter into the uncertain region of experiment.