American watchman and Delaware advertiser., 1827-03-13
WnShinmt0n. Mnrch Z


SIGNS OF THE TIMEs-It is known, We believe
to our readers, that have never accorded in the
doctrine. that party spirit, in free Government
IS dangerous to the public interest. 1t has always
been our opinion on the contrary, that the exist.
ence OF party spirit, to certain extent, is greatly
to be preferred to the calm of despotism, whether
that despotism be one of opinion or of physical
strength. An opposition to the measures of Go
yernment, when founded upon principle, is entitled
to respect and consideration, even from the Admin
lstration to Which it is opposed. When founded
upon different principles, or rather upon no prn-
clple at all, but that OF combination to obtain pos
session OF the offices and patronage of Govern
ment, it is still useful; because ii induces caution
and regard for public opinion, the part Of those
who administer the Government, which cannot fail
to serve and protect the public interest. We must
have good reasons, however, before ws engage in
an oppposltion To an existing administration, Of
the nature first above stated, and we never Will,
under any circumstances, engage in one Of the ma
ture last described
With respect to the present Administration Of
the Government. it will be remembered by all who
read this Journal, that, at the time of its induction
to office; on its subsequent organization; and at
later date, we have expressed conviction that
the election Of the President had been honestly
made, and that the President had acted wisely.
and with exclusive regard to the public intel est,
and to the circumstances of his election, in the
appointment Of the Officers who preside over
the different Departments Of the Government, and
represent our country abroad. More recently, we
have had occasion to say, that. Judging the Admin
istration by its measures, we believed, for any
thing that could see, that the election of Prpsi-
dent by the House Of Representatives resulted
beneficlaly to the country. there being more 10
approve than to disapprove in the measures Of this
Government. We have yet seen nothing a. change
this opinion. F." Unwarped by party rage" or even
by personal attachments; wholv unconnectel
With the Executive Administration Of the General
Government free from anv engagement UNDER
standing, or alliance, with any party, or party
men, this IS the unbiased dictate Of our deliberate
Judgment
This sentiment, such as we have heretofore ey.
pressed it, We now repeat, with entire Difference
TO the opinions of others. We have not sought to
seduce others to our opinions still less have we
denounced those who have come to different con-
cusions, or acted upon different principles, from
us.
Recent circumstances, however, have disclosed
the existence OF an organized Opposition to the
present Administration, the object Of which is to
put it down, right or wrong. The first open ap-
Pllcation OF this principle having heea made, con
temporaneousy with its avowal, to us personally,
occasoned us no little surprise. It is with main
indeed, we find ourselves obliged to direct the A.
tenton Of our readers to some features Of the
scheme. By which the Machiayelian principles Of
a yesy few individuals are sought to be made the
ruls of action for great Peope--of the scheme,
in The prosecution of which, public utility, faithful
services, and acknow lodged integrity, are to be
sacrificed to the Moloch Of party of the scheme
by the successful operation of which this Admins
tration is, in the language Of highly respectable
member of the party, to be "put down, though il
be as pure as the Angels which stand at the right
hand of the throne of God ~
We shall endeavor to say nothing personally Of
fensive to any human being in our present expos
ton Of this matter; but we should be treacherou.