Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1827-03-16
s5aig ceIlauen.,s Ljepartrne]if.
TO The Editors efthe Constitutional Jgdig.
SANDER, tia, worst of poisons, ever inas

An easy to iguoblc .ni..rs.-IIaRyEy.
Having been for length of time dilicent read
of your paper, am induced to fake the liberty ne
noticing peculiarly attending it, for which have in
vain examined other papers find; indeed, shouI
expect 10 discover it in yours, time when the po,i
teal elements are at war, and when scord and party
spirit are raging ln every direction. I gude To tie
frequent Insertions which 10 he with in your
1ner of interesting and edifying moral essays which
"hiie they instruct and Improve al the same tine have
tendency 10 operate 40 powerful alienation of excl
ted and dscoIdant passions which the Gna,;cisn, in tho
politics of the day bring into conflict. and. indeed
81 is not to surprising, that the ENQUIRER shnIj
have almost entirely neglected such subjects when tic
known authority and extensive circulation could ena
BILE It to exert By such means great moral influence
on The community: but whether that paper considers
such publications of no consequence that can more
benefcially be employed in the political warfare of e
day, IL not my purpose TO inquire. One thnr f. how
ever certain, that in all Governments orqsnized ike
ours, free press certainly operates the most pow
crfu engine that possibly be made TO act unon ITO
minds OF the people fndec. il may not n1propery
be said, that nhuencal Editors, in this country in
great measure, propel and direct the wheels of Gnv
ernnGnt, IN az much they in possession of the
only organ which communicates directly with the Deo-
pie, and from which they derive their princinles anJ
receive the impulse OF action and which consequent
~ exerted IN the same proportion in the Almns,ra-
lion OF the Government.
Under such circumstances, then how mnor,,rt :. :,
that the utmost caution should be used TO inculca,e
correct moral eelng among the people at large, par
ticulariy when virtue aud good usls considered
the main principle upon which Republics depend for
their existence When therefore, the press calls into
action the feelings of the people by representations
calculated 10 excite the moAt violent pass lynut
us:ng at the time, the necessary means for reg
Iating and directing them in their proper channel aon
sequences of the most serious character must be fine
inevitable result Novg, these means, ] should con-
ceiye, ought 10 consist in the publication such moral
essays OF elegant extracts from The most apnrovod
authors. we'll calculated to exert moralisnr
influence The great body of the people and which
would IN many Instances, lead to the reading of such
autbors which they would otherwise have ne mecta3..
ana finally, be the means of acquiring information in
dependent OF that confined 10 newspapors Nof Tia,
my presumption leads dictate 10 yonr experiepced
fraternity but merely to remind them OF duiv tn
themselves and their country, which thew anDear IN
have neglected in the Jealous pursuit of political
controversy Bit is too much be feared that
Editors themselves lose sight Of those principles which
should govern theTn and surrender themselves nm on
trey to suPersttious bgoty for their ayourifes and
iaiaticai Remuneration OF their enemies and NOT onI
sGter their caiumniang passions TO rankle in their
own hosos, but convey them through the channel of
their papers into the bosoms of others who catch Co
2vaiiug contagoU, and burn under their tofmenfipo
and imaginary persecution, without the reason oT
Judgment to sec its delusiou. Hence we sl,oud NOT
wonder at beboldiug race Of detnarorues
~ pohtfcs, VITO read the papers find fault and cay
ny pulling Dc 'fe reputation Of others I'm raise r
selves into nc ice At any little post Office rrccerv mr.
oer place oi pubi1o resort, 10 be met with those
political champions, With their riating squires who
much ofiener decide their by an apoea o
single combat and lsiy cuffs, an sound ARGUMENT. and
IL really seems as il the chgalry Of ancient times was
TcapPearing, and political knight crranfrY with IL
Tueui countenance, becoming fashionable
Row cauOot believe, that some Of your fratorniir
are aPprised of the consequences which result from an
excessive indulgence ~ their misguided denuncaiions
against men and measures, calculated 10 ,nsjead o.
who are inclIDcd TO pursue right course. The preot
moral responsibility viii !lcy undcr should ,na
THINKS, induce them 10 pursue very different
ahh instead OF ScinC passions, the Orcrunner of crrnr
aud ignorance. that cl should use the means m ,,e
power to copcil'ate them IS then only reason has
her sway, andjudgmeut Der Independence.
CORNELIUS