Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1828-02-16

the same objection. We do not yindicate
} these opinions or discuss them; because they
tall within the intcrdict we have imposed on
ourselves; we differ In opinion concerning
them. But we will remind you, that these
opinions, whatever may be their merit, have
produced but few and unimportant acts,
during the present adminstratiou-and we
will avail ourselves of the occasion, to appeal
to the good sense and good feeling of Virgil
ma, and invoke It's influence, in tcmpering
lthc asperIty OF party politics, and in securing
TO every subject of national interest, q dc's,
berate and candid consideration. We ben
leave also to remind you, that the question
OF constitutional law and State policy con-
nected with this subject, are important, deli
cate, and OF acknowledged difficulty; that
there arc arrayed on either side Of them,
statesmen OF approved patriotism and talent,
whose opinions should be examined with
great consideration, and whose measures if
deemed wrong, after being Judged with can
dor, should be opposed with reason, not with
passions; with frmness, not with violence;
that, those among us who deny the constitu-
tlonal power, and condemn the policy, should
entltle our doctrines to>respcct, by the fair
ness of views, and the force of our REASONING.
and give weight to our opposition, by its tenn
per, and its dignity; while those who affirm
the power, and approve the policy, should
observe the most respectful Difference for the
opinions of the many and the wise, who differ
from them, should consult the public interest
and tranquility, by combining their measures
to objects of acknowledged and general in
tercst, 10y iniiISng into them Il spirit of the
most exact justice, and by observing, in all
things scrupulous care III the exercise of Il
; power, so delicate and so much controverted
Thus tar, VIC have endeavored TO correct
error and disarm prejudice, that reason might
be lett free, to estimate fairly, the present
Administration and its principal measures.
We have offered no panegyric on the present
Chief Magistrate; we cheerflly leave YOU to
estimate the value of his long and varied
public services, his great experience, his ia
lent, his learning, and his private virtues,-
and to set oil against them whatever yo,lI
;, fancy or YOUR Judgment may find to blame, in
his private or public life. When you have
done this,-rcfect on the character Of the
office you are about to 1ili,-inquire what
; feeling, what temper, what talent what ac-
= qulrements, what habits, are best suited to
the discharge of its high duties;-and then
carefully compare John Quincy Adams with
Andrew Jackson, III reference to the rrreat
MISREPRESENTATION of them is best qualified
for the first office in the nation,-vhich most
likely to preserve to us, the distinguished
blessings we enjoy,-from which is most dan
ger to be apprehcnded, TO our peace and hap
plness, our lives and liberties?
Ii IS not In wantonneSs, that we spcat.-
but in the sadness of our hearts, we are com
PEELED to declarc,-that while we Weld our
confidence to the present Chief Magistrate
IN very different degrees, we are unanimous.
and unhcsltatng in the opinion, that Andrew
jackson Is altogether unfit for the Presidency
and that his election would be cJuincntiy
dangerous,-that while we chccrfully accord
. to him his full share of the glory, which ron
derS the anniversary of the 9Th Of January n
cay ofjoy and triumph to our land, we must.
IN the most solemn manner, protest against a
: claim to civil rule, founded exclusively upon
military renown,-and avow, that nothing
has occurred IN the history of our country, so
much calculated to shake our confidence in
the capacity of the people for self-govern-
ment, as the efforts which have been made
: and are yet making, to elevate to the first
office in the nation, the man, who, dsobeyino
Q the orders of his superiors, trampling on the
L laws and constitution ofhis country, sacrifc-
: ing the liberties and lives of men, has made
/ his own arbitrary will, the rule of his conduct.
/ In stating an opinion so unfayorahle to a
/ distinguished man, who has rendered yaIua-
/ ble services to his country, proper respect
II Tor ourselves and for you requires, that VIC
!, should declare the reasons which compcl us
g to withhold our confidence from him.
{! Capacity Tor civil affairs, in IL country like
j ours, where the road to prelcrment is open to
t merit, in every class Of society, is never long
r concealed, and seldom left in retirement
Gen. Jackson has lived beyond the age Of 60
years, and was bred to the profession best cal
culatcd to improve and display the faculties,
3, which civil employment rcquirus;-yct the
c history of his public life, in these employ
o ments, is told in few brief lines, on single
e page oF his biography. He filed successive
G ly, for very short periods office of mem
: Der of the Tennessee Convention, which
5 formed their State consttution,-reprcseta
/ tive, and senator in Congress,-judge Of the
t supreme court of Tcnncssec,Eand aeain
t senator, in the Congress of the United States.