Delaware patriot & American watchman. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1828-1828, 1828-02-22
Communications.
ron THE DELAWARE PATRIOT.


I Having been 81 graciously received in my frs;
papers am tempted to trespass upon your indnl
gencc at a much earlier period than | had at first
anticipated. In the variety of subjects which
claim the attention Of the public, find none 50
engrossng, none SO frequently discussed, none 50
uniformly acceptable the great question that
divides our country. Though very mach disposed
to pursue the bent Of my own inclinations in all
matters, feel myself bound when catering for the
public, to consult the public taste. This in some
degree becomes necessary in order to insure atten-
tlon TO my communications. Where the public
mind is wholly intent upon one great question Of
national concern, am FULLY sensible OF the dbl
Guilty that would arise in attempting to divert it to
another object, however worthy in itself. there
fore propose 70 give you in this paper, some faint
outline OF the character and qualifications of the
rival candidates Ter the FIRST Office in our govern
ment To arrive q a correct estimate OF the re
atlve melits Of men III any station OF life the first
great step is to disest ourselves Of party feelings
and party prejudces. tn an active and Jealous
parlzan this would require an effort few are a.
We to make, but to closet politicians, such as n.y.
self, whose interests are not at stake and whose
passions are not enlisted, Tie task is comparative
y easy In my choice between jackson and Ad-
AIMS, | shall be determined by their respective
qualifications for the high station to which they
aspire, and the circumstances under which they
are brought before the public. In the present con
test, deem the latter 0i equal, ii not greater i'm
portancc than tile former. The personal qualifi-
cations Of a candidate may he admitted and yet
his peculiar situation be such to render His ee
vation 70 office highly unwise and impotic. The
policy OF his parry may be open to objections, their
measures may prove partial and proscriptive or
their patronage may be so extended as to impair
the strength and sully the purity of our republi-
can nstitf;, MS. The mere fitness of an iniivid-
cal is motor itself therefore sufficient ground upon
which to rest our preference.
John Quincy Adams has been known to the pub
TIC upwards OF thirty years OF family render.
ed ilusrious BY their services and sacrifices in the
cause OF Freedom. he commenced his career under
thc most favourable auspices. Distinguished by
ms talents ard learning he was early called into
the service Of the republic. His worth was prop.
erly appreciated by Washington. He was at that
tne FEDERALIsr, an av0wed and open support
er OF the principles of the existing government and
decidedly attached to the ruling party. lie con-
tlnued to act with that party openly, until some
time alter the second election of Mr.. Jefferson to
the presidency, when in the year 1907, on the
question OF the embargo. he, for the first time
appeared in the ranks of Democracy, and sudden
y became one OF the most jealous and efficient
supporters OF that measure. His memorable speech
on that occasion can never be forgotten. IS lie
would act, because-the E.recntire had rpc0,pmen
ard TIE me"sure apon has high responsibiltyr-
ms act OF Mr.. Adams has been looked upon as a
DARK spot upon his character. His speech ccrtain
~ needs explanation, and some ingenuity would
pc requisite to convince the people of the conclu-
sveness Of his argument The union with ,hp
democratic party at this juncture, NAV have been
honestly intended. Every man who turns TO the
side OF power IS not To he condemned as an ANS
tate, nor is he who favors the weak always to re.
ceivc the plaudts due to disinterested virtue
Either may be actuated by a wish to obtain popu-
larity or either may sacrifice former preudccs for
the good ct his country. When good motives can
be ascribed AN 10th to impute bad ones, and there.
lore the vote OF Mr.. Adams on this occasion has
never III my mind, furnished conclusive evidence
oil has apostacv. Acts Of doubtful nature NAV
be explained by subsequent conduct, and the writ
'nSs OF Mr.. Adams Immediately after this event. 1
ahoro strong ground justify the suspicious of his
enemies. ! 90 not purpose to show how far this
IS the case They may be examined independent.
ly. Not satisfied with the defence Of his avn
conduct, Mr.. Adams assailea the leading federal.