Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1827-12-12
cite constitutional egsbt9.
ANTE-JAczksoM MEETINGS.
FOOD COUNTY.

OF w God county, convened at the courthouse in Par
kersburg, on Monday, the OH day of Nov 1897 IN
express their dsapprobatom the election of
Andrew Jackson 10 the Presidency of the u States
and to prevent such an event: Peter Anderson was
called TO the chair, and Alexander Henderson ap-
pointed secretary The object Of the meefip- ho,nr
explained in able and eloquent speech from, Jotn
y jackson, esq., on motion committee Of seven per
sons was appointed by the chair to prepare aud re-
port preamble and resolutions consisting OF the fol!
lowing genileReu viz Benjamin Willard; James ri
Neal. David Is. Spencer, Isaac Norris John J. Jack
son, James NJ. Stephenson and VIM. TeiTt, who, hay
ing retired for short time, returned and reported the
following: ~ -
The citizens of Wood county convened for tho nur
pose OF expressing their disapprobaion of the election
oil Gen. Andrew jackson the next Chief Maris
trate of our Npublic, and devise the means best
calculated 10 prevent the evils to result from such
calanitous event. knowing 10 be their right believe
u duty which they owe 10 themselves and their
country, 10 cooperate with their fellow citizens in
the adoption Of such measures viii produce concert
oil action and insure distinct and efficient expression
OF thcrVote at the approaching pres;d i'll election
In looking forward TO a decision of tue rnomenous
question which unfortunately agi;ates and distracls
THIS vast republic, their solcitude awakened by
reve,ng TO tue hurnilatng fact, that heretofore the
people of Virginia have been virtually deprived OF Il G
OF their right of suffrage III the 20 una, ion IF
electoral ticket ty their legislative serranfs who
thereby Assuming the exercise OF functions incomT an
Die with their character and duties as legislators, have
violated the rights guaranteed TO the people by the
constitution They have just grounds TO believe that
hereafter as III times past attempt will be made
under the political engineering of Legisat We csucue
10 stite public sentiment and 10 give the vote of Wiz
giDia in opposition to the will OF the people, and in
defiance OF those principles which republicans VIC
hold sacred
crisis has now arrived new and interesting to our
country and vitally affecting the halIowed cause of
liberty herself In deciding upon the all important
question: who si.ali be the chief magisr of our
beloved county, they conceive il necessary To
te simple elements OF all constitutional power and
rt,at,
diciation of the few should take their own hands
its final de cson. adVertng to the proud and i,npas-
ing attitude winch our ancient comtnonw ealth has
heretofore maintained among tie confederaed states OF
the union, confding in the enlightened patriotism OF
her citizens and her uniform devotion 10 The stability
OF our free institutions UNIV Hing believe
that, in the ultimate determination her vote before
the great tribunal of the people, she be found so
Ear fallen from her 'hgh esate,n prefer General
jackson TO the Chief Magistracy of the Union. With
referepce TO the possibility of an event much TO be
deprecated, citizens OF free country whose d. IL
houghI liberties we would transmit uninpaised to pos
terity il becomes frankly and farlessly 10 give an
honest exposition OF orr views upon this important,
subject, and to proclaim 10 fellow citizens aud 10
the world some OF the reasons which their disap-
probation to the election of Genera Jockson found
cd. Since the first organization of the General
Government up TO the period OF the last presidential
election the people of the niled States noti;hstand
ing the strife and bitterness of political parties,
wasting the merits Of the different competitors for the
Office of chief magistrate, have required unduoable
evidence of private integrity and public worth; of The
possession of talents OF he highest order and the acqu
sition OF everypecies Of knowledge essential the
character of tie statesman and civilian. The poll
teal decisions of the Zines, ibera prejuces local
antjpahies and the aGvcat:tious circumstances of mil
tary renown, coming in aid Of the unripg efforts of
relentless opposition, combining an .lo~loGs
nation oil Giscordant elements, heretofore unknown
the annals Of republic, have so Gar acquired az
ascendancy portion Of country, TO present
the great aud important question now ProPouHded TO
the judgment OF the American people, under and
interesting aspects, and TO require recurrence 10 tire
fundamental principles which civil institutions
based to guide in lis final decision. Adopting these
principles The rule OF their conduct Iie citizens of
Wood county, While they c!eerinlly accord 10 Gen.
Jackson the tribute Of q natiUns gratitude for dstin
Gushed military services rendered, they soenny DENY
that this claim warmly Urged by his partzans
and openly sanctioned by himself, can alone entIte
him TO The FIST Office ~ tie gift of tie people
They have regarded Fundamental principle
constituting the very of republican instit%
ton that 1.-THE performance OF duty country can
furnish legitimate ground OF claim TO ciicc, IA
'tber than II has developed the capacity of The agent
for The discharge ii lis appropriate functions" In
cor3aDce with this principle necnlry appcab bic lr
the pretensicns OF General Jackson, they heartily res
pond 10 the continents OF Of the disug uisied
patriots, orators al statesmen of country. Sc that
lat this early period of the republic keeping s.esd;-
ely in view dangers which had overturned every
'other free state they believe TO be essential tc
'the lasting preservation Of our liberties, that man
"IneDdaion but founded military service
''shoud not be soecied to administer The govern
''incDt. They have ever believed and do still be
s'eYe, that now, when institutions are in com.
operative infancy, The time 20 etablisIttbe great prin
"cipe, that military qualification alone rs no, suni-
s'cient title 10 the Presidency" Notwithstanding a
strict adherence 70 these principles giic regard
sacred requires toTeect Gen. Jaciso1's claims 10
be highest Office III orr eovcrpInent, continue &c
feel eGUa ly With our opponents undimuisbed graft
ude for lis brilliant military services and 10 re-
pose undirnins!cd confidence in bis love Of country
With these concessions freely accorded and obicc-
tous stated, would enquire in tie emphatic
language of our fellow citizens at Richmond re
Gently proclaimed TO the world " what bcucft you
cXpect TO derve-what triumph OF principle You ez-
pect to achieve ny the election Of Gen. jackson;
W hat sympathy exists between and him those
great constitutional questions, for which the people oil
Virginia have so long and Dobly couieuded? II they
arc opposed TO enlarged CONSTRUCTIONS Of the federal
compaCt-Gen. Jackson has supported such construc-
tionsby hrs votesp the Senate of the y. States Are
you infnical 20 protecting tariff? lie having
toned that Of 1884, sh1ouJs hi5 opinions in i'm
pensrable mystery. DO you esteem the Constitution
h,I. IL