The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1828-01-31
Virginia Anti-Jackson COnven-
ton.
EXTRACTS

From the Address adopted by the Anti
Jackson Convention Of Virginia, ,chich
terminated ats session at Richmond on
The l2th instant.
1t is no ordinary ccasion. which, at this
inclement season Of the year, has brought
so many of us from our business and onr
homes. We believed that the dearest in
terests of our country were at stake; that
her character, her peace and happiness,
and even the pernanence Of her free in
sttutions, were in peril. We feared the
most perniclous consequences from the e.
lection Of General Jackson, and we have
como to consult about the means OF avert
ing this calamity from our country. We
believe that the only means of eifecting
this great object is the reelection of the
present Chief Magistrate, and have form
ed an Electoral Ticket for that purpose, 4,
which we earnestly recommend 10 The sup
port Of the People Of Virginia,
We are left to the alternative Of choos-
ing between Jackson and Adams; and
however we may differ in opinion as to
the merits Of the latter, we heartily con
cur in giving INN decided preference
over his competitor. The measures which
some dlsapprUye in the present Admins
tration, none would hope to see amended
under that of General Jackson; the dis
trust in the present Chief Magistrate, en-
tertaned by some, Is lost IN the compari-
son with that which all feel IN his compel.
ltor; and the Constitution, which we
would preserve from the too liberal inter.
pretatlon of Mr.. Adams, we would yet
more zcalously defend against the destroy
ing hand of his rival.
The friends of General Jackson have
confidently held him mp, as the iavorlte oi
| the People. -have insisted that, In the last
election, his plurality of votes proved HIM
to be the choice of the nation-and have
bitterly complained, that that choice was
improperly disappointed by the Represen-
tatlves in Congress.
Never was there more direct appeal tc
those preludlces and passions, which, OF
all occasions, the good should disdain, ant
the wise should repress; never was II com
plant more utterly ungrounded; and nevc
one more characteristic Of that disregard
Tor the Constitution, which has been man
iested on more occasions than one, wheI
its provisions stood III the way OF Genera
Jackson's march.
Whether General Jackson Is the Peo
pies tavorte, is to be tested by the event
not assumed as the basis OF the pending e
lection. That his plurality OF votes proved
HIM to be the choice of the nation at TIT
last election, we confidently deny. 1t may
perhaps, be found, upon examination, that
while General Jackson had a plurality o
electoral votes, Mr.. Adams had pluralit,
of votes at the polls; and we are confident
that if Mr.. Crawford and Mr.. Clay hat
7 been withdrawn from the canvass, and tn,
contest had been single handed betweei
General Jackson and Mr. Adams, the elec
ton would have resulted as it has done, II
the choice Of Mr.. Adams.
; Thus far, we have endeavored to correc
and dlsarm prejudice, that reason might b,
left free To estimate fairly The present Ad
ministration, and its principal measures
We have offered no panegyrc Oh the pres
eut Chief Magisirate;-we cheerfully leave
you to estimate the value Of his long AM
varied public services, his great experience
his talent, his learning, and his private vlr
tues,-and to set off against them, whatev
er your fancy or yourj judgment may find t
blame. in his private or public life Whe
you have done thls--retlect on the charac
, ter of the office you are about to ill--in
qulre what feelings, whattemper, what tai
ent, what requirements, what habits, ar
best suited to the discharge Of its high du
! ties; and then carefully compare John q
, Adams with Andrew Jackson, in reference
t TO the great question. Which of them
, best qualified for the first office in the ma
D tlon--whlch most likely TO preserve to u
the distinguished blessings we enjoy -fror
3 which Is most danger to be apprehende
to our peace and happiness, our lives al
$ Liberties?
ii Is not IN wantonness that we speal
: but, IN the sadness of our hearts, we ar
e compelled 10 declare, that, while we yiel
our confidence TO the present Chief Magis
y trate IN very different degrees, we are U
!. nanimous and Undertaking in the opinio
n that Andrew Jackson is altogether uni
!. for the Presidency, and that his electio
!. would be eminentiy dangerous; that, Will
u we cheerfully accord to him his full shsr
o OF the glory which renders the annivers,
d ry OF the 9th Of January a day of joy an
triumph to our land, WI must, in the mo-
e solemn manner, protest against claim
d civil rule, founded exclusively upon mili,'
d ry renown; and avow that nothing has o,
n Cured IN the history Of our country
ii much calculated to shake our confidence
% the cs pacIty Of the People for self. goyerl
Al ment, % the etfvyts W hlc h have bean mad