The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1827-10-22
DOVE ESTTC.
FROM TIT CONSTITUTIONAL WHO.
TO HE PEOPIl OF VIRGINIA.

No. V.
The question has been often asked us--aud
really have never seen il fairly answered
why we seek to eject Mr. Adams from office at
the end OF one ,erm, contrary to the usage cs-
tabshed by Washington, Jefferson, Madison /
Monroe, each of whom was elected for Two
terms. The inference too plainly to be drawn
from our violent opposition 10 Adams since
his administration has been conducted Ia the
irue spirit of his predecessors, is that he is net
one of us-not a VIRGINIAy but a YANKEE! Ii
this be really the only ground of our opposition
it is far more dshonorable to US than to him.
There Is no part Of the Constitution perhaps
which more fully vindicates the wisdom its ar
thors. than the arrangement of this delicate AID
difficult subject. II was found by those sagcs.
that The election Of the President who by his
power of appointment was 10 be the dispenser
of honors and emolnments, would be productive
OF consequences dangerous to our peace and e
ven to the duration of our tree institutions
The term was therefore properly limited TO four
years Usage came in aid of the constitutional
provision to re-elect for a second term Wide
the violence oil contending parties was diminish
ed by the shortneSs of the term prescribed by the
constitution, and wholesome check reserved 10
the people against mlsrule on the one hand, on
the otheT the usage established by such high au-
thority offered every lnducemeut 10 the indiyid-
ual who held that eminent station to discharge
his duties with fidelity, SO as 10 merit re-elec.
ton: and ereelection in such case seemed 10
follow rs n thing of course. The advantage of
this is, that instead OF one continued conflict be-
tween rival candidates lor the Office, the pubic
mind is permitted TO settle down in compostne
for eight years, aud for that period to devote IL
self to the furtherance Of the business and the III
tercsts of the nation.
What has bppn the nraCtical result IF his ~
sage Let every mans recollection, and uu,
history answer On the contrary what hag a..
ready occurred from the eiiost sow making to
depart from this sdge The answer 10 this
W Ill be found in fhe sad condition of society as |
cndcavoied family to depict it IN my ntloduc-
toty nunbeT. Violent excitement being nrceS.
sars 10 change the settled usages OF q country
usageS which have been founded IN the best feel.
mgs -four nature--t e IN Il s Of 20 Irsp VIII ch
rcsolted to for that end are ~ the most M
proper aud indefensible character and the peo-
pie become SO accustomed TO see the plainest
prccepts of morality distorted aud perverted
that they can atiast hcal without indignation the
avowal OF the sentiment that als tar ia poll
tics for this has been avowed by some of the
opposition. Nor are we Jeff to the charitable
conjecture that this is mere vapourng Not
many weeks have elapsed since FOREIGNER.
cherished and hunouied 10y his adopted country.
dared before an assembly OF the pnop.e in the
presence of The constituted authorities of one of
the States oithis Republic and wITHouTREpukE.
10 declare that the time had arrived when the
Sou must decide wJetier to submit TO oppres-
zion or to a SEPARATION! In tins audacitv. we
see the sage couuselS ofthe Father of his Country
set at naught. lie warned us against the coming
OF SucH demagogues. VIII. would seek the ac-
complShmrnt of their own schemes by attempt
inn Al, .Ite,, 81,
to the advice of Washington, or will you follow
this dIsor AIMING demagogue, this foreign excl.
ter ofsectional prejudices
But TO return to our old and faithful servant.
Mr.. Adams. What has be done amiss, that we
should seek TO degrade him and promote another?
Or Republican friends of the Easr rebuke us.
and with reason, for our sELrIsHsEsS and lSGRA
ri1uDE. They tell US, that when Jefferson aud
Madison were bcsct by a combination like that
which now exists, TO ObStruct the salutary meas.
ures OF their administrations, when some OF the
more desDerate malecontents then, as now.
threatened disunion rather than submit to their
governments, THEY cordially supported our Vir-
gnia PresIdents-they sustained them with f.
deity and zeal and we passed the perilous cri.
sis in safety. They say 10 us. and they saw tru-
ly -" We, after INDUCING you for thirty-two
years out of the thlrty-siX since the adoption of
the constitution, have placed one of our own cit
lzens in the post of honor, and how have YOU
treated him. What return have you made 10
us for our cordial support Of the citizens of
your choice. We speak not ofthose reckless di.-.
organizers who foretel disnnion and rejoice at
its approach, publicly declaring that they prefer
George ~. to YANKEE President nor of
t o,e who proclaim thai they viii not pay trib.
as. it is a matter OF indifference to them wheth.