Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-08-25

the consideration OF the House of Representatives,,
/ was strongly impressed with belief that MIR.
Adams would be induced, from regard to his own
consistency, if from no higher motive, to throw
the weight OF his influence in favor OF the amend
mendment. Viewing that as a matter of infinitely
more importance than The destiny OF the present adj
ministration, far from designing to make the
discussion OF that measure operate against their
standing, determined TO make every possible
sacrifice TO secure the passage OF the resolutions
With this view, in my opening speech, l studious-
ly confined myself TO a course OF general reason
ing, and cautiously abs;ained from any invidious
illusions to the recent election, though it was
most pregnant source of illustration, and was
urally involved in the discussion, thus conserving
even 10 weaken the argument, in order. if possible,
to conciliatc the OF the administration
and its friends.
And what was the treatment received from the
friends of the administration in fot this con-
ciliaory mode of discussing the subject: 1t was,
to say the least of it, unfair, ungrnerous and
just. Though had made no charge of corrup-
ton against any member of the administration, yet
some of their oficious advocates in answering my
opening remarks, took the liberty of assuming that
had INDUCED in cod-b ,ooded denunciation; and
the entire course of the argument on the part of
the opponents to the amendment, went upon the
ground, that the administration had been assailed
and large portion OF it devoted 10 their vim
dicaion against the supp sed charge OF corruption.
Bat this was not ALL Some OF the Opponents 10
the amendment, 10 prove that there was danger
to be apprehended from the election By the Pres-
dent, by the House of Representatives trium-
phantiy appealed to the recent electon--thus dis
tnctly challenging me TO the issue, leaving no
other alternatives but either to abandon the rong
hold OF my igument TO my opponents, or boldly
to lay open and expose the Vaccinations by which
the will OF the people had been defeated and Their
most sacred rights rampled in the dust. II i'm
possible that should hesitate in deciding which Of
those alternatives should adopt. Believing as did
that the deliberate will of the nation, unequiv ocsl
ly expressed, had been deliberately contemne ed &
defeated bJ daring and shameless coalition; seeing
all my former predictions realized by what has pas
sed before my own eyes, and having thus prac,i-
cal proof of the necessity OF the change was at
tempting to effect, If had tamely permitted my
opponents to turn that proof against me, s shrunk
from the frank and free investigation Of the true
character and circumstances OF the late election,
when /; was not only fairly involved in tie issue,
but actually forced upon me, should have been
unworthy OF the sacred trust you had reposed in
mel should have been faithless sentinel,
should have been recreant from my duty, and
traitor to my trust. With what se;nblance TO truth
and propriey, then i, be said, it has been i'm
pudently said by that whole tribe Of mercena.y and
pehsoned editors, who are ever ready 10 raise the
hue and cry against any man whom ii may serve
Oh the administrator 10 PROSTATE anu
destroy, that have been governed by factious
spirit OF opposition to this administrator OPP
posed TO the administration? The administration
are, in fact, opposed 10 That is the state
OF the question. Let US examine il li,ile. Long
before this administration came into exstence--be-
fore ever those political combinations were formed
by which it was engenderei, had brought before
the national Legislature proposition for a iunda-
mental reform ofthe constitution. reform essen
tlal The . nj orr onIt the Iura
ton OF our liberties y reform, which il shall be
so fortunate as to be humble instrument in eli
iecting, shall have rendered important SER
vice TO my country than the presen, administration
would render, even if (Which God iorbid) they
should continue in power for half century y
reform, even in the opinion of Mr. Adams before
his election, ' the failure OF which would be the
ruin of this nation, and finally of the cause of re
government throughout the world" Il reform,
in short, which was equally demanded by the voice
and interest of TIE people
And what was the coniuc, OF Mr.. Adams
/ Though he had solenn!y pledged himself that he
would, il the event OF his election, use every eff
fort to effect this very amendment, the whole row
er OF his administration with all the concert and
system which characterize the operations Of poll
ticai party, were directed against it.
! The administration then, violating their p!ghied
faith, were ihe first 10 convert the proposed amend
menl into party question. The administration
having obtained the executive power against the
will OF the nation, attempted in like opposition TO
/ the popular will, 60 defeat amendment to the
constitution which would obvia;e the recurrence oI
the same evil in future. Where then i. the fac
tious opposition Most clearly tie adminislra-
ton arc in the opposition in opposition 10 the
people and it is equally clear, tina, this great
question, their opposition is facious and unprin-
cped opposition They have not only ascended
20 power by coalition which cannot be iusiiiied
by any sound political principles, but they are en-
deavoring 10 pei petuate the ascendancy Of such
coalitions, by retaining in the House of Represen-
/, ta,ves power which must inevitably corrupt the
whole government, and ultimately undermine ouI
! liberties We may retain the form of a Republic
but the substance will be gone. Il is a vain delu.
sion to suppose the people are the source of poe-
er that our government Is really republic, II the
chief executive shall be chosen no, by tie people
but by corrupt combinations Of politicians at ih,
seat OF governmeEt, leagued together for the pur-
pose OF dividing out, amongst themselves, the i'm
poriant Offices of the Republic.
! As TO the motives by which nave been govern
ed In the eXeitons have made To amend III,
constitution, leave you 10 form your Judgment
from the whole volume Of my political lie anC
character, which is spread open before you an
aware that even wise and necessary measure
may be supported from factious and selfish motives
The only security then, that deserves to be relic,
upon By the people for the purity Of the motives o
their representatives, is 20 be found in their gene
raj couduct and character. Whether in virtue o.
J vice, men apt 10 be consistent. u there is a
single man in this assembly who has known me, II
a solitary instance TO court the favor OF the peo-
pie by any OF those arts which chgracicrise an am
bilious demagogue II there is one amongst al
those Who know most intimately my p0iiica
course, who can refer 20 single instance il