Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1827-08-18
loR THE CoNsTrrV ilo.sAI. WING.
TO THE PEOPLE OF VIRGINIA.

IL.
l.: nv first number eudeayorcd TO trace The presen
dstu bed state of society to the eturt place Gen
Jackson in the Presidential chairo point tie IN
uence OF that uiimy OF cur natusc which leads Us
10 pay blind devotion 10 military rcnown--to show
from history the fatal effects of such devotion all the
ancient rernb!ics-and to remind you of the last
Tenn warning of Jefferson elected from him by the
IN a,uation of his countrymen in relation this mill
tnry chiefan. l shall now proceed 20 present other
views on this interesting subject.
The question furcib!y suggests itself, what
pOnding benefit, for al the mischief produced by the
attempt eject Jackson for should the attempt
succeed-for il no benefit is expected, there be u
greater folly TO say the least than 10 disturb the quiet
oi twelve millions OF people for the degrading purpose
OF paying homage 10 successful soldier? The
maine o tue inan who shall be President is insight
iIcant object The importance of the question, who
shall III The Office, consists in the name, but in the
qualifications OF the man, moral and inicllectua-In
Inc pledges already given by the indv dual that he
VIII faithfully and wisely administer high functions
And what IN general view will be the effect of the
election OF this or that individual the interests of
the Republic. These the considerations which
every unprc udlced mind should examine bclure de-
Cision is made.
What benefit then, to tbe Republic is expected 70
result from tue election Of Jackson' Even some OF
his active partisaus admit, that cr surport him not
from principle, but from hostility adams. Can there
be doubt that a majority of the american people
always nave been, aud nov arc opposed his election
AUD t.at II lie succeed in this second attempt it
will not be because he il deemed wor,,y OF The apno,u
tnei'', but because Adams thought unworthy?-
why IL mat so large portion OF the people who &C.
Know ledge the uniitness and Incompetence of jackson
san unite IN supporting hn9 Are we indeed so lesii-
lutte oi citMcns capable of filing the office tia, we
must submit to The degrading alternative of clect;n
generally admitted 10 he unqualified? Is there
not Independence enough among US TO free ourselves
from the dilemma, must tamely submit TO the
cianoious dIctation of few individuals " no arronan
Pr0cia'n that jackson must be tie only competitor TO
the present incumbent and who dcnou nee as a traitor
or inriSner every citizen who Is independent cnonph
20 inquire whether really reduced so low as 10
/ be confined TO the choice of two individuals? What
ever may hcS the reason, 10 be i,reyoc bly
liked that the contest is to be between Adam. and
Jackson.
! II becomes ten tie solemn duty of every freeman
10 campafe, or to speak more correctly, contrast
ineir respective teiensions 10 support. 1t may De
worth while 10 fix in the beginning of this enquiry
what The proper qualification for this irsi office in
tie gift of man. " hen these shall be established il
WAL he an easy matter to measure the respective merits
OF the candidates. Bat five first select tbe man and
then erect standard OF merit IL will be fashioned from
what he Is, and not from what he should be-
He who aspircs to the Presidency should possess =
character fer integrity above susf iciou. To mind
well endowed by nature, should be added cultivation
Ito cultivation. experience in political afyairs which
can only he attained by long service in situations avo
rabe 10 IFS requirement. In private and in public life
he should have given proofs OF his respect for the laws
ana constitution c. his country-hc should have Shown
himself under various circumstances master of hms
capable OF suhdulng his passions wholesome restrain;
lest IN some ungoyernahe paTOXysn, he commit In;
peace OF the nation, offer violence to the copsti,,I
ton In fine, it should be well ascertaned at he a,
learned how 10 govern hilsc, before he is entrusted
with the government OF oihcry.
Is there rejecting in the community who will de
ny that these are Indispensable qualifications in candi.
dale for the Presidency? BefuIe " hurry away TO 2
decision then let us inquire which of the indy dua!s
70 whom our choice is confined approaches nearest tc
Tins standard. In private life, prudent man would
not need advice to inquire into the qua cations of one
whom he was about to employ in tie management oil
hrs affairs. lie would lock for agent among those
whose experience and capacity suited to the du-
ics TO be performed He would take care to select the
best lie could obtain Is il not species of treason a.
gains liberty itself, TO be less soIisous about tie sg
lection OF properly qualified citizen 10 ill tue Prcsr-
dency where his fitness essentially depcn the hes,
interests OF this great rcPnbiic Let tcn Try ;hc
two caudidates by The standard agreed upon.
10 begin with Mr.. hdams:-iiis character FOR int.
gri'y, and all The nura! qualities has been ar
r'gned even by the bitterness of party His worst en-
eiTies have not denied TO him intellect of the bio
es! order, with m experience, the result gilmore than
Thirty wears employment III the public service in su
atoms the most favorable FOR acQliiinor IL to which H.
was honorablY called by Washington, anil every sue
ceedinS Presden-Cool and deliberate no insiauc,
has occurred either his pI yale or public life Of IN
committing an iniracon OF the law be has been guilt,
oi 80 nsoicnt defiance OF the instructions of bis speri
ors Having learned 10 govern himself be may o
" entrusted with the government OF Others
How will Gen jackson abide a conDarison with IN
character wish 10 speak of him not only without NAL
ice but with all due respect Were il not for his prc,cn
SONS TO an Office for which neither nature nor educa
lion designed him. and his election To wlcl-bUweye
some others may have changed their opinions in tha
regard-l still think would be curse TO his countrv
would gladly assist in holding tie veil over his de
iects But having undertaken 10 prescn, correc
view TO my fellow citizens cf the cxs,in state nr r
fairs must perform tie task, however PAINFUL I,
doing So however, shall not go one step beyond h
necessity Of the occasion to seek out The foiblcs and nf
fences OF Cen Jackson. shall fo hear to peep inf,
the discussion Of topics which belong her 10 mora
''an 10 political tribunal, being unwilling 10 nGict
pain by unpleasant references unless they are imper
onsly demanded by considerations of public interest
Here, then, is the portrait Of Gen Jackson With.
ou education, iihout experience in political affairs Ut
teriy ignorant Of our international concerns f!e rnor
iation Of which is the prominent iDtr % the Pre-
sidcn' destitute of knowledge IN the rights Of rndyru
ais or OF the states guaranteed 10y tie Constitution
and continually liable 10 the influence of tie most tnr
buicnt passions, which when reused, and tfcy are
~ reused, beay him into the most unwarrana bic ex
Cesses Is ihs picture TOO higlN ennnrcd. Int ~.