Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-04-05

ton Of the selfish principle to the extent iniu-
riously imputed to her.
7. win he recoIlected that in the spring of
1917 when Mr.. Lewis signi6ed his intention 10
Withdraw from Congress, a meeting was held
in Loudoun of several gentlemen supposed to
be anprised of the state OF public sentiment,
and 10 exercise considerable influence over il.
in order to select an individual who might be
accentable TO their party as his successor AT
ter much delberation, and whilst the preten.
sions nc Mr.. Mercer were with ample lights in
yestipa,ed by them, with all the benefit to him
that could arise from the prepossessions per
sonal friendship, the meeting resolved to nomi-
nate citizen Of Fairfax county, and did so, in
very forcible address to the people Of this dis
trict
The gentleman thus nominated, and Mr..
Mercer, were Of the same political party. The
preference, therefore, given TO the former ORR
einated in the persuasion OF his superior fitness
for ,be station to which one or the other was to
be advanced.
II is true Mr. Mercer had been long Dele
gate Of the peoole, s. was more experienced in
matters Of legislation than his competitor who
had ius, entered political life; but this gentle
man was characterised by qualities which
seemed eminenlly to qualify him for the public
service.
I saw nothing of his large interest in the soil,
or in other property which identified his perso-
nal interests with the preservation Of his coun.
trv's institutions. But he had been distinguish.
ed bv great recti,ude Of conduct, and degree
of prudence no, often met with in more mature
life His natural talents were Of the most re-
spectable order, and they had been cultivated
under very suspicious circumstances. His
Judgment was admitted TO be unusually sound,
to have ripened early, and to have been greatly
strengthened by habits Of business and reflcc-
ton. IF it be admitted that he was rather ve-
hement as party man, this fault finds much
to extenuate it in the excitement OF the times,
and, his frankness, sincerity and decision of
character, always evincive Of real merit, placed
him in the view of all parties, in favorable con-
trast with the supple department and the indie
terminate, oscillating, time-serving principles
of Mr.. Mercer. But, with these advantages,
WHY then say you did not the nomination of
1917 prevail? Because the gentleman nomi-
mated was understood to have made generous
sacrifice of his claims and inclinations to Mr..
MERGERS; foregoing the favorable opportunity
so legitimately offered for his own advance
ment, and transferring his personal and politi-
cal friend, the power which his own superior
merit had acquired for himself. He postponed
his own pretensons to those OF MIR. M.---de-
clined the hattering nomination just made in
his favor, and maintained the cause he espoused
with zeal and fearlessness worthy OF
better object and better end. But it is not my
intention now to pursue this subject.
have fallen upon it without deslgn-these re-
collections having ben awakened by the evil
dent necessity which the result of the Prince
William poll OH Monday last shews to have ex'
listed for previous selection OF a popular can
didate. The people are voting for want OF a
preconcerted plan OF operation Tor men whose
opinions are at varience with their own.
MIR. Thompson has bu. l,,le claim upon the
| Congressional Dalrict. Mr.. Mercer has been
TEN years in Congress. Who does not recol-
lect the ex,ravagant ascriptinn to him OF pre-
eminent talents, and the assurances that were
given of their benehc ial application. Askthen,
what has he done?-and echo replies-'What
has ne done?'-whcn this die, upon the ear, all
| is said. Ifit I've averred that his labors have
been at least harmless, there will be many found
not to concede TO him even this negative merit;
| but, admit it-have we any security that they
will continue TO be so His intimate friend, in
panegyrical essay, during the controversy IN
| s23. admonished us Of the "awful cloud that
was seen gathering in the political horizon
and told US Mr. Mercer "anxously desired" TO
have his hand on the helm of state in the mo
ment of difficulty. This was the last Presiden-
tial elections; bat the cloud was happily dispell.
ed. and Mr.. MERGERS services could have been
Safely dispensed with Who does not now see
the Whiie squah and the ,0atsr-sp0m approaching.
Mr.. Mercer is skilfu In lacking, bu, we should
be glad 10 see him Swear ship" in time to Sc
cure her safety. Contrary to his usual habi.
tudes, we learn that he is to ride in the whirl-
wind and contribute 10 direct the storm. If so,
will the people Of Loudoun-the lovers of peace
and the people of steady habits-ride with him;
or will they, now whilst they have the power,
apply it in salutary way, and give us repre-
sentative Of cool and practical mind, and of o,
ninions eoinciding with their own; thus fur
nishing second example of the people seeking
a candidate ofworth, instead of the candidate
seeking the people
| A CONSTITUENT.
Fartar County aprilt