Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-10-17
FOR THE ENQUIRER.
TO THE PEOPLE OF VIRGINIA

TO THE PEOPLE OF VIRGINIA.
"Veum farcite dsnta AdaAi, ip.e unqram "a spge
"ignoei,e Jacssonis raeobs r.ipu:'ic- lsu,a. nj.
yOs Parvi prnUrLaiis.
ST Meherce peecao locus eset f.ce paterer vn. inc, 20
corriSi Sed non undqUe circumyen Res au.in
IN net cayere ah Ills nas, lad ia Os ,a,ulnus con
suisrt.n
Such would be the language of nv virtuou.
and patriotic, but uncompromisng, nominal ances.
tor, were he now alive, and citizen OF Virginia
!! the objections OF Cicero 10 the Stole doctrines
be considered universally, or even generally
true, in their application to human conduct the
certainly lead TO dangerous Consequences in one
important concern .-politic+ He objected to.
and even ridiculed, the stern morality and unbend
ing spirit of reciitude which characterized the Ro-
man Stole. g We must be governed by crc,tn-
stances and shape our course according to them. -
suited the tmid character of this Roman Orator
as well as the timeserving policy of mankind
Men never needed, and never WILL advice n
swerve from rectitude TO pursue expedients, and
TO relax in their moral or political virtue They
are too prone to IT. The danger lies on the othe,
side They make circumstances, call them inevi-
table, and then IN their folly yield TO them. Blu,
there are conditions and circumstances, 10 which
nen must and ought to yield, because they are the
results OF a Will and power, superior 10 the will
sad power OF men. Humble and patient submits
sion to these, is the highest wisdom. Had Cicero's
observations been confined TO ihese, they would
have been philosophic.
Are political conditions and circumstances OF
uIs KIND! we do not admit them TO be iuIe
dvino in their origin, or in the obligation imposed
y them. They are the work of men, and can
lot, from their nature, impose any other obligation
man that which man imposes on himself, or per
nIts other men tn impose. In yielding obedience
10 them, there can be no expediency or advantage
distinct from wisdom, morality and sound policy
II they are not wise, moral and polite il is most
expedent, nay, 1t is our highest duty and neres,
TO undo them, to govern them, instead of riyettina
them upon us, and submitting to them as inevita-
Die laws OF a superior power. 1t has ever been.
and still is, the false philosophy of coufoundne
things distinct In their nature, which has led and
s'Ai leads US astray from truth, from our deares,
interests and safest course OF action. The presen,
political situation Of the people of the United
States, in regard to the election of their next CHIEF
Magistrate, presents striking illustration of these
remarks.
The will Of God has not made Mr. Adams the
President OF these United States. The will OF
God has not brought forward General Andrew
Jackson as candidate for the next Presidency
The will OF men has done both. And il cannot be
proVed-it Is not susceptible of proof that in Ell
that case God has had any thing to do in the mat
ter. Were it proved to be so, submission would
be wisdom. Yet we told that there is no
way OF getting Mr.. Adams out but of putting
ueheral jackson In-that Ue must have one or
'he other for the next President. Whence arise.
his necessity! 1t II exists the people themseve e.
nave produced It, 1t is not natural necessity
and to be submitted TO such Those who made
it, ought to have the power to unmske it, Are yyt
obliged 10 re-elect Mr.. Adams? No Are we
obliged to eject Gen. Jackson? No God has not b,
an immutable law made either of these an inevitable
event, nor do see why we should. Vox popul
ought to be in conformity to vox dei and as Their,
IS no audible or cognlzable vox del in regard to 90
ysrnments, except in relation to the tpir la which
hey should be administered, the vox populi be.
comes the vox del of government. Men create
. 1t, and men can control it if they will To say
that voluntss populi is vountas del is an impiou
and horrible fal-ehood. Yet God sometimes grant,
the foolish wishes Of men, at the same tim,
warning them of the consequences of their folly
SO did he, when Israel asked of Samuel King
And the Lord said unto Samuel. hearken unit,
the voice OF the people, yet protest solemny INT,
them, and show them the manner of the King tina
shall reign over them. He will take your sons AM
appoint them for himself he toW dppoiu
captains OrcT thousands and over ffies, and vii
sci them TO ear his ground and TO reap his harves
and TO make has instruments Of tcar He vii
take your daughters to be confectionaries an,
10 be cooks, and to be bakers. And he will TAX
your fields, and your vineyards, and your div
yards, even the best of them, and give them 10 hi
servants. AND ne VIII take the tenth OF your see,
and Of your vineyards, and give them to his off
GERS, and TO bis servants. And ye shall cry out Of
that day because Of your King, which ne shall
have chosen you, and the Lord will! not hear yo
IN that day Nevertheless The people refused {,
obey the voice OF Samuel, and they said, Ndy
but we will have King over us, that ne also ma
be ike the nations, and that our King mai
Judge as, and go out before US and fight on
battles"
Such is the language Of the present day, a. east
\ SLY read in its meaning and issue, by the eye
n isason, as that Of the Israeliies of old NC mus
haze one or the other OF these men to reign owe
Is, TO appoint our sons and daughters for him
self, and 20 Judge us and for US, or 10 appoir
captains oUer Thousands, and to go out befor
rs, yes; and before we want to 20 out to fgi
battles. Is there necessity 10 do either Of these
e it consistent with the political principle
or for the benefit Of Virginia. to further q
accomplishment Of either Of these desgns'-