Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-09-05
FOR THE ENQUIRER.
. RETROSPECT,

| Independence To draw this parallel, it will be
necessary to advert but briefly to past history.
rior 70 the Revolution, we lived under mo-
narchy; and there existed various grades, orders,
anu fsftes in society. In the commencement of the
struggle, many Of the dignifaries fed 10 the mo
uaer country, or took part with her against the
people. Others, perhaps, dissatisfied with the
srudsng manner ia which the British King disiri-
I buted honors among them; and partakinc of the
PoPuiar enthusiasm, united with fathers in the
good cause But, when our independence had
been achieved, they were dissatisfied with the
| iorins OF government that were adopted. They
could not be made TO believe that the yeomanry or
PieDeians, had any right to exercise controlling
voice over the affairs of Government. Such doc
trine deprived them, ia too great q degree, of the
PrePonaerance which they and their fathers bad SO
ohg enjoyed. They could not, 80 soon, yield the
distinction of noble blood and Of family Importance,
anu consent to mingie in state affairs upon a foot
ing oil perfect equality with 90 sinking mechan.
iSs' ctod-hoPpers and tape sellers. And, If Gen.
| ashington had been one OF the Grandees, and
had entertained their contempt for the common peo.
pie, the brightest chapter in the history of man
KIND would have lost the Godlike traits which a.
dorm It, In vain would have been endured the
| hardships OF the Revolution. The patriotism and
scil-devotion of our fathers would have been esi.
mated, In alter ages, as but the infurate frenzy Of
an excited Peasantry in favor of one, and in oppo-
si'on 10 another set Of But eternal thanks
70 the great and good Washington One brilliant
chapter Is left 10 illurnine the dark history of
/
Phaticaiiy called " the Father of his Country
would not yield to the selfish views of aristocras
ana monarchists. Coming himself, from the mass
OF the people, with feelings and interests identified
WIN 'ners' he clung to the great principles Of Ii
oerty and equality, which the pen of the immortal
| 1eHerson had SO clearly explained. That great
! MILITARY Chieffar" and patriot at the head Of
| distressed and dissatisfied army; enjoying their
uhoouhded confidence as we'll that of the whole
American people, had it much in his power to dis
the daSfiniaa of Mo ntru ha
| disquiet oil the army and the exhausted condition
OF the people seemed to favor the wishes of the
honarchists But they could not win over the
uhamDiuous " ashington; and without him they
couiu 10 nothing. but the movements of that par
" up TO late period will be given, it is hoped in
aue season, that the American people may see
| now the giories of our Revolution were estimated
| ny preJudiced and ambitious men.
Before the formation of the present constitution
.ne inonarchstS had become restless, and il is be-
lie'eo' even thought OF openly declaring for a
S"onS ana 6Tifttanf government; one more con-
genial with their antent habits and mode of think
, ing. Inc British constitution was their fayorite
model. And the writings of the elder Adams and
oil his son Jno O., and the frank declarations of
Hamilton, and others, show what such men as they
were Qrusted and coniided in too, by the people,
'hought on this subject. But the public enthus-
ASH? IN favor oil popular rights. and the prejudice
against every thing English, restrained every at
tempt at a counter Revolution by open and direct
means. The scheme for convention to frame our
present constitution was soon agitated in conse-
quence oil the nefiicency of the old articles of con-
federation La that body as many of the party
obtained seats could; and they used every effort
10 give to the constitution the spirit if not the
Jorn1 they desired. Many of the friends of defn
cd and limited powers, seem-. not distinctly to un.
ment, II we may judge from the propositions adyo
cateo oy them at that time, compared with their
subsequent productions. Every feature that
.quinled at arbitrary power, seemed to abriige
e independence OF the states, to curtail their
powers over local and municipal subjects was re-
Jected by the friends of restriction And thew
Vaihiy imagined that they had succeeded in defin-
ing all the great substantive powers to be exer-
cised by the federal government-that the rights
OF states and of the people were amply guarded
But great difficulty was enncountered in ceiling
this constitution ratified by nine states The Con-
Vention In Virginia to whom il was submitted was
composed OF many Of her most ilI,,slious citizens
Every clause IN the instrument was most ably dis
cussed. Indeed, ii the debates of that enlightened
assembly were read by more of our youne noJ;,i
'tans' they would not display so much Ignorance
OF the true theory Of the constitution nor BIZ so
APT TO advocate the gIittering baubles of empyricks
a"ey would see That the exercise of all the gigan
TIC powers lately usurped by the federal govern
ment was .oretold, and deprecated as the entering
wedSe TO consolidation and despotic rule The lea
lousy OF the states, however, suggested amend.
nents which were adopted, under the deIusiye
hope OF limiting the doubtful phrases and making
the grants of power more clea. and defin lite.
Mr. Adams, the eider,) had not iong been plac
ed al the helm of Affairs before he isciosedlhs real
principles, and gave to the world practical illus.
tratIon Of what he thought ought to be the
potoers Oh Rulers, and what, the duty of the peo-
pie. am not disposed TO cast an unjust imp,,ta.
ton upon the memory of that Patriot of the Revo-
ution for we owe much to his abilities and his ar
dent enthusiasm Ii, surely, was not criminal in
MIN that he should have belonged to {" powe ,l,,l
ana " eaithy family" Ii not unnatural that
he should have taken sides with his countrvnn,
Educated IN the lap OF luxurious ease; early TAUGHT
TO Took upon Tess fortunate ,ne,, as distinct roce
OF beings, and entitled to less influence in the
"eighty aud complicated concerns of government
1t was rot unnatural that he should place too low
an estimate on their worth and rights We are all.
more OF iess the creatures OF education and habit
nc Arisocrats OF the old world will tell us fine
stories about the nobility Of bIood-that greatness
Is inherent in particular races OF men-and, that.
III Tact, The htsh born alone capable. and of
right, ought to govern. Even in OUR own repubI;
can country, how many are there who plurpe
themselves on mere ancestry; and who, ifdeuiyed
Oh theadventi,ios aids of family and fortune would
be poor, miserable, common sticks,-destitu,e ~
useful sense and qualifications for tho plaincsi bu.
ness We need but look around us every, dav 10
see many OF these would-be Dignitaries &c frettino
out their busy hour the stage" and palming "a
upon the crcdulous vulgar their courtly airs Of i'm
Portance anG dignity That such men sLo,,,,d
among is, profess repubIicsnism, aud practice
aTis'ocracy, Is not surprising. But, when ciothed
win p" little brief authority" few of them have
the art TO conceal their real character and princi
pies 30 II was with MIR. Adams. The preindi
ces OF his early education and his ideas of his own
superiority soon predominated Elevated TO the
chiei executive chair, and sustained by hume
rcus and powerful party, he attempted, with indie.
cent haste, to give 10 the practical operations of
Tue government the character Of his eaIly opnious
me WHt 81 g0ve,Hncnf.as TO the extent aud expo