Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1828-04-24

"nen we consider that this open
Dfeseh OF the laws took place within the
view, and almost 10 the presescs of the
assembled legislators of the land; Will.
Doth houses were 10 session; ia the
Caphoi OF the Union, where malignant
passions should be restrained, if not by
reason, at least by respect for the con.
s.ituted authorities of the country: That
Inc asssilant was greatly the superior 10
the person asssiled in size and personal
v'gor: That no notice was given of this
premeditated attack; and that Mr.. A..
wnen thus unexpectedly assaulted. was
apparently intent only on the execution
OF hls duty as the bearer of Official com
r1uaieations from the Ererutre of m,
Onion TO both branches of tie National
Legislature; IT pressats,in our iud gment,
case OF unequalled turpitude, coward
ice and brutality, demanding the une-
quivocal reprobation of every virtuOus
mind,
Sensibly as we feel this invasion of
the right OF personal security, to which
every citizen is entitled; and strongly
as we reprobate this marked conte mot
Tor the laws, for the sanctuary of leisla.
ton, and the privileges OF both branch.
es of the National Legislature. we con
fe<sthat an act thus enormous proce edipg
from one of the organs of the jackson
party, has created no surprize. We
are prepared for more than this. Ii is
the principle with which General Jack
son has been animated He has de
libsrately declared, in letter to pub
lie functionary, that il was for him 10
decide when the authority Of Law shall
be thrown aside, when the forms of ia.
dIciaI procedure may be dispensed with,
when the right o nature occurs" and
when an officer of the Government.
conscientlousiy pursuing his Official duty,
| may be condemned untried, and enyei-
oped by a private individual, assuming
both the law and the punishment in his
hands, 10 the flames of his own agency
house.
J After the incubation of principles
like these, bearing upon their front an
entire disregard for all the restraints of
civilized society, emanating too from
one who is extoied as the model oe the
rising generation, hailed as the savior of
the country. and pressed upon the peo-
pie as the fit ruler of their destinies.
| what wonders 1t that an universal relax
alton OF manners should arise; that citi-
zen should be armed against citizen
that the ordinary tribunals Of the coun.
try, established for the administration OF
Justice, should be deserted: that ia
mults, disorders, violence and assassi.
nations shall prevail; and that every
man shall have to depend upon the v;cor
OF his own arm for safety or redress.
Ii is melancholy truth. that since
Gen. jackson has been supported for
the Presidency, and the peculiarities OF
his character have been developed there
has appeared sensible change in the
tone of society, and in the character of
our country. Formerly, the Authority
OF law was supported by public opinion
now, laws are disregarded by the bloods
OF the land, who in their stead, assume.
like General jackson, the right of sub
shutting their Interpretation of the ''faps
Of Mature" Formerly gentlemanly de
corum marked the language and deport.
ment OF those who had any pretention TO
refined society. Now, unjust crimina
ton of motive, swaggering outrage. and
profanity, are too frequently exhibited
by those, to whom many will look up a
models Of imitation.
So true is it that "the examine Of
"those in elevated rank, afford. both
authority and encouragement for vice
The same success which elevates them
"as spectacle for the public gaze, pre-
SCENTS them as models which all will i'm.
"itate. Their manners form the man.
"ners of the public; for all are ready TO
suppose fhafthoss who merit our praises,
"ars not unworthy Of our imitation, :
While, however, the supporters and
followers OF Gen jackson, are thus We
ry naturally regardless of decency and
law; we still hope the sdherents of Mr..
Adams, initiating his example, will fol-
low the maxims of peace, moderation
and justice.
Since the above article was set up.
we ha 7e read the Presidents commun;.
cation to both houses, on the subject of
this outrage, which we insert below.
The CONCLUDING sanf;car@; ,L. e