The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1826-11-06
ron TIE yIRGINIAN--No. |.

shall make no apology for availmg myself at
this time of the tender, literally made, and fire.
auently repeated, that the columns OF the Virgin
ian should at all times be open to the free discus
sion of the claims ofany candidate for the presl-
dental chair As there is obviously great and
growing dissatisfaction among the people with
the present executive dynasty, and an attempt
will certainly be made TO turn them out of Office,
the success OF failure of which is 10 have last
ing pc. haps AN eternal influence on the destlnles
OF this nation, il cannot be deemed impairment
or ill-timcd TO 20 into an investigation OF the most
important question that can be submitted TO the
solemn consideration and decision OF free pco-
pie, the election OF their chief magistrate. Ii is
indeed high time for every man to come out
with his creed and TO designate who is TO be his
leader and representative in the great and event
fil contest that has in fact already commenced,
Hear the opinion OF Rousseau one of the noblest
instructors that ever informed a statesman -
" Whenever il becomes fashionable in a republic
for the citizens in political questions 10 ask what
is this TO me 4 take no interest in public affairs,
il is an infable sign that corruption has begun
TO assail the public morals" Nnd the remark is
founded in the most profound wisdom: for when
ever a peopIe become Indifferent 10 their high
concerns and sacred rights, II is precisely the
same thing as TO surrender up the one and the o.
ther TO the COntrOul oil tlc dSpHdtS no are ever
ready TO assume them. But if, in addition to the
holy nstigatons of patriotism, any circum-
stance were wanting TO rouse the attention of the
people to their high public concerns, We have it
in the conduct of the existing administration, and
is satellites and supporters. Are they not EN-
blowing every stratagem, and resorting to every
arthce, to hull them into peace and security, and
TO draw them off from any enquiry into public at
f,irs1 And if these arts have not been successful
in stopping investigation, is to be attributed TO
the ardent patriotism and lofty independence of
the peoplc of America, which enabled them TO ride
in safety and triumph through the storms of '76
and '99, and which yet remain TO rescue and re-
deem them from impending dangers. If the peo-
ple wish TO preserve the honesty of their rulers
and the purity of their constitution, they must
fix their gaze with n laudabe and steady intensi.
" on both That great crisis has occurred in
the affairs Of this republic must be evident to any
one who will pause and reflect for single mo-
ment We see an administration coming into
power confcssedly against the popular will, art.
fully attempting TO perpetnate their power in o.
pen defiance of that will and the real question
we are called on to consider and determine, is
this whether John Quincy tdams, a president
palmed ON the people without their consent, add
against their consent, or Andrew Jackson, THEN
original choice shall be elected! 1t would b,
like idle and perncious TO talk about any othe
candidate The fact cansot be disguised, thai
no other man possesses IN sufficient d"giee the