Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-08-21
From the Richmond Whig.
TO THE PEOPLE OF VIRGINIA.


In nv first number endeavored 10 trace the
present disturbed state of society to the effort
TO place Gen Jackson in the Presidential chair
10 point out the influence Of that inhrmity Of
our nature which leads US 10 pay blind deyo
ton 10 military renown--to show from history
the fatal effects of such devotion in all the an.
Gent repubhcs-and to remind you of the las,
solemn warning of Jefferson, elected from him
by the infatuaton of his countrymen in relation
to this military chieftain. l shall now proceed
10 present other views on this interesting sub
iect.
The question forcibly suggests itself, what
corresponding benefit, for all the mischief pro-
duced by the atemptt to elect Jackson, is hoped
Tor should the attempt succeeG?-for if no be-
NETT is expected, can there be greater folly, to
m66s5 81 pt t6fR o ht 5GpSss 81
paying homage to successful soldier? The
mere name Of the man who shall be President
is an insignificant object. The importance OF
the question, who shall Ell the Office, consists,
not in the name, but in the qualifications Of the
man, moral and intelectual-in the pledges al.
ready given by the individu al, that he will faith
fully and wisely administer It's high functions
and what in general view will be the effect Of
the election Of this or that individual on the in
terests of the Republic. These are the consi-
derations which every appropriated mind should
examine before decision is made.
What benefit, then, TO the Republic is expect
ed TO result from the election Of Jackson? Even
some of his active partisans admit, that they
support him not from principle, but from hos
tility to Adams. Can there be doubt that a
ma ,rity Of the American people always have
been, and now are, opposed 10 his election?-
aud that If he succeed in this second attempt.
it will not be because he is deemed worthy Of
the appointment, bu; because Adams is thought
unworthy? Why Is il that so large portion
Of the people who acknowledge the un6 mess
and incompetency Of Jackson still unite in sup
porting him? Are we indeed so destitute Of
citizens capable Of filing the office, that we
must submit 10 the degrading alternative Of
electing a man so generally admitted TO be un-
qualified? Is there not independence enough
among US 10 free ourselves from the dilemma,
or must we tamely submi. 20 the clamorouS die
tation OF few individuals who arrogantly pro-
claim that Jackson must be the only COMPETE
tor 10 the present incumbent, and who denounce
as traitor or intriguer every citizen who is in
dependent enough TO inquire whether we are
re ally reduced so low as 10 be confined to the
choice Of two individuals? Whatever may be
the reason, it seems 10 be irrevocably fixed, that
the coatest is to be between Adams aud Jack
son.
alt becomes then the Solemn duty of every
freeman TO compare, or to speak more correct
~, TO contrast, their respective pretensions TO
cur support 1t may be worth while to fix in
the beginning Of this enquiry, what are the
proper qualifications for this first office in the
gift Of man. When these shall be established,
it will be an easy matter TO measure the respec-
tive merits Of The candidates. But if we first
select the man, and then erect standard of
merit, it will be fashioned from what he is, and
not from what he should be.
He who aspires 10 the Presidency, should
possess character for integrity above suspi-
con To mind well endowed by nature,
should be added cultivation 10 cultivation, ex-
perience in political affairs, which can only be
attained by long service IN situations favorable
TO its acquire nsn9 In private and in public
life, he should h3$ given proofs Of his respec,
for the lawsN} bnstituuon Of his country
he should h5<ea4hnwn himself under various
circumsl ance6 flasier of himself, capable of
subduing has <Sions to wholesome restraint,
lest in so;ns ave rnable paroxysm, be COM
nit the ped 1he nation, or offer violence to
the const In fine, il should be well as
certained had learned how to govern