Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-01-12
COMMUNICATED.


minis oil our citizensand their habits of life their
occupations, and their professions call those prn-
cipics into daily and active exercise. No form of
government which would restrict those limits of
civi liberty, prescribed by Constitution and
laws, would ever be tolerated by them; and any
attempt 10 abridge the liberty which they have
achieved by long and bloody reyolutiof-and
which Is cndearcd to them by fifjv wears enjoy.
iieht would be productive of no other consequence
than that OF civil war. The inquiry therefore, of
every man whose bosom is vet alive to the feelings
OF patriotism, would naturally be-how shall we
preserve that form OF government which secures
10 us all the blessings OF rational liberty; or, how
sia'i we avert the dangers which threaten its de-
S'ruc'ion IN despotic, monarchical, and aristo-
craucal governments, the danger of their over
throw mostly proceeds from executive encroach-
nent upon the rights of the subjects or from the
encroachments of the latter upon the preroeatives
OF the former. But when the government is con-
s'ructed in all respects like the American govern
ment the danger of its destruction proceeds, not
so much from the encroachment of the rulers upon
tle rights OF the people, or uice rerSa but from
the loss oil virtue amongst the people. This is the
great ninge OF our government, and its durability
must depend upon the preservation of that princ-
PIE. III the people become vicious, virtue win no
longer constitute the criterion OF fitness for political
preierment; but its retcGrd will be bestowed on
those who are most capable of conceiving and of
executing deeds of the hlackcst enormity. The
SEEDS OF faction are sown in the bosom of every
man, even the most perfect amongst US; and they
IN every instance, upon historical record, have
constituted the great engines by which social or
der and civil government have been destroyed.-
an oVerweenlng desire for political distinction has
been the most fruitful of factious excitement;
and the qualification of that passion has often been
attended with the total temporary sacrifice of
nation s happiness. Seh-aggrandiZ at the
expense OF those institutions by which his life, his
liberty, and his property protected, constitutes
no part OF good mans character; but the preser-
walton OF his country and her laws will be the last
prayer OF the expiring patriot TO his God. In this
Tho II. E
accumulating-and 1 fear at no distant period,
their assistance will be summoned, 20 support the
professions OF some ambitious citizen TO the Chief
haglstracy OF this Union l trust my fears nav
nc unreal; but the excitement which prevails
through this land from that very cause is too we'll
calculated to justify my alarm. The friends of the
two distinguished citizens, who are now contend
ing Tor the Chief Magistracy, have held their
meetings in every section Of Virginia; and al
though both parties have protested peaceably to
assemble, and honorably to advance the great
cause IN which they are engaged; both have par
laily departed from the object of their meeting
ana nave unwisely and intemperately indulged
In all the bitterness of party zeal and political ex-
element 1t would require no prophet to foresce the
alarming consequences TO which this state of things
Will eventually lead. If often and long perseyered
IN, 'ne iacuous elements will be excited, the great
principles OF our government subverted & then we
may bad a long and last farewell to our liberties
One step, however, has been taken 10 arrest The
progress OF this growing evil: Chapman Johnson
Esq OF Virginia, has been spoken of as Vice Pre-
sluent oil the United States; and his election to
that distinguished office, would not only conluce
10 aliay the excitement produced by the zeal of both
parties but rebound to the honor and interest of his
country A eulogy upon Mr.. johnson would be
unnecessary: I Inc purity of his moral character
! and the vigor of his intellect are well known TO
I every citizen of Virginia-Ee has ever been con-
sidered as republican in politics; but his political
opinions were never influenced by party coaside-
Tdtt0ns-iiis support opposition was never given
to any measure, solely because it originated from
particular party, but because it was conducive or
injurious to the interests of his country Such a
man in the Councils of the nation would be an ac-
quisiion, nj this period of excitement not easily
be appreciated-and | trust that he may receive
the support OF both parties So that in the event
of either Mr.. Adams or Gen. Jackson's succeed
ing AT the next election. he may have a voice in
the Councils OF the nation-Let us adopt him, on
the Jackson Ticket, the Vice President with
Gen. Andrew Jacltgon-and let US award to him
the honor which his talents deserve.
~ We publish the above Communication. as
we published the eloquent and admired Address OF
Hamilton on Tuesday last, without comment on
! the propositions they respectively cmbracc-OuI
readers will Judge them for themselves Hamilton
has been charged with disposition to cOYgiier bL
diriSi0n He is incapable of the artifice. He doe:
not probably expect desire any panegyric at our
hands; but justice compels 10 clear him from the
Ilmpuiation. He is a politician of the Federal
School; too ohonest TO Disguise his sentiments and
too honorable TO practice deception. As for his
character it is written in the councils of his conn.
try. As to his talents, the cloquence of Hamilton
speaks with irresistible force to every candid read
er. We must also do him and Agricola the JUS
tice to the public, that they are both living
at d considerable distance from the Captoi-an
that nei her Of them has taken any part in its pre-
sent busy and animated scenes. Indeed il is pos
sble that IL they had witnessed these scenes, thew
would have deprived IT'S of The satisfaction of pc
! rusing these fine illusions, by showing 10 Their
Authors the mpractibility Of their plans. Both o
them are honora5le-bolh talented Inen-boih in
capable of dividing either party for the purpose o.
achieving an inglorous victory.-[ Editors.