Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-07-04

Ndency. In relation to the republican party, this
gentleman was also in situation far from being
free from difficulty and embarrassment. Ii is true
he had received Offices from that party, and parti-
cularly, he had been appointed by MIR. Monroe TO
the first situation under him. But he was regard
cd with cold eye by large portion oil The party.
The circumstances Of his political conversion were
suspicious He was known TO have boon original
ly very heightened in his politics, and Tears were
entertained that he had never really changed ms
opinions. To the Western people, who had been
ever ardent in republican feelings, lie was particu-
larly obnoxious, not only account OF these doubts
about his sentiments, but FROM the part which he
took in the negotiations at Client and his course as
10 Louisiana, which impressed on their minds, that
he was particularly hostile to the Western inte-
rests. 1t became necessary for Mr.. Adams TO re-
concile these jarring interests. How he did IT IN
regard to the West, has been often and so fully
developed, that il is unnecessary now TO comment
on il. The evidence is fully before the people, and
they will decide upon the conclusions witch it esta-
blishes.
The object of this Address is TO enquire as to the
means which MIR. Adams resorted to, 10 concii3te
the federal party, and TO satisfy MIR. Webster, who
may be considered as one OF the most influential OF
its leaders. IL has been publicly and repeatedly
stated in the papers, that Mr. Webster would not
give MIR. Adams his support until he had possession
OF letter revised, corrected, modified by him in
lshand- writing, in which he promised in OF his
election, TO give certain weight i'll his admins
traton TO the federal party. 1t has been further
alIedged, that Mr.. Webster made use oil this letter
10 secure the influence OF various members OF that
party, who would otherwise have been hostile TO
MIR. Adams's pretensions, and that he offered to
shew it to one distinguished Member of Congress
on the federal side, who rejected the offer with
disdain. 1t has been alledged that amongst the
gentlemen 10 whom this letter was shewn, or oter-
ed to be shewn, its contents stated, was the late
Mr. Stockton, and this gentleman communicated
the fact to many persons in New.Jersey and else
where These charges against Mr.. Adams are OF
the most grave and serious import Every man Of
correct sentiment must admit, that il is highly inn
proper in any man who is candidate, for the high
and important station of President, to enter into
any bargain give any pledges, or in any way to
commit himself as to the course he shall pursue IL
elected If the people do not discountenance every
thing Of this kind, instead OF the election OF Pres
dent resulting from the free choice of the commu-
nifty, it will become object OF bargain and in.
trigue and management The candidates, instead
OF depending on the public voice freely expressed,
will enter into bargains with active and leading
politicians i'm different parts of the United States,
and obtain their support, by promising 10 CRAFTY
them and their friends, by the OF the patronage
of the government. This will inevitably tend TO
corrupt and undermine our institutions.
The conduct of Gen. jackson who, during the
contest for the Presidency, would permit neither
friend nor enemy to approach him with overtures,
and who determined TO go into the Office untram-
melted or not at all, exhibits model worthy of all
imitation.
III tnlS charge IS very serious one, on prllCl-
pies applicable to all candidates acquires great adj
ditional importance at it regards Mr.. Adams, who
labours under the imputation OF management, in
obtaining his high Office, in other respects. 1t has
important bearing as matter OF evidence as go
ing to make other charges more probable. But it
is very important as regards Mr. Adams's standing
before the nation, in regard TO the sincerity OF the
declaration which he made, after his election, that
il the forms of the Constitution would permit, so
unwilling was he TO serve under an appointment
,tarc f'nxn he,
nit the election to the people. When this charge
about the letter to Mr.. Webster was first exhibit
ed, Mr.. Adams was in New York. Mr.. King, the
Editor of the "Amcrican,' who was in habits of
communication with the President, came out with
declaration that the charge was entirely unbound
cd. Some of the Boston papers, about this time,
were disposed to take different ground and with
out denying the fact, attempted to justify it, or to
justify any engagement which Mr.. Adams might
have made, to give due proportion oil offices to the
federal party. Several ofthe persons referred to,
as having received communications from MI. w eb-
ster, have remained silent. Mr.. Walsh, who was
one of them, has given an exposition, OH the sub
Ject, which goes very far TO prove the existence OF
the letter He denies that the statements made in
the Enquirer and other prints relative to its exist
ence and characters are true, to a greater extent
than that several members OF the fedora! party,
may have been informed, under the sanction Of the
President, that he intended to give to the federal
sts their due weightin Offices conferred under hi.
administration. This shews the existence of the
letter, or OF some bargain or understanding,
mitmcnt of Mr.. Adams. Nor does il at all relieve
him from the charge made against him.
The tampering, or bargaining, negotiating, a
b0utthe Presidency, is what is liable TO objection
and cenSure; not the degree OF that conduct, nor
the terms stipulated The precedent is what is
dangerous and disreputablc, and against which the
people should set their faces, because it s sacri-
tee of their right to have free and unmanaged
election. II tends directly TO produce corruption
IN pOIitlcal Every HIGH Dinnat fpdp-
raiist, like the gentleman WHO Indignantly refused
10 see Mr.. Adams'5 letter, must view il in this
hghf, and as plain and direct attempt upon the
freedom and independence choice. Mr. Walsh
has by no means bettered Mr.. Adsmss situation in
relation 10 this charge; but has afforded re- ucant
evidence of its truth. Meanwhile Mr. Adams and
MIR. Webster remain silent But this course will
not satisfy the nation. The people have right to
be informed on this subject; particularly as Mr..
Adams is again candidate, and is again supported
by Mr.. Webster.
These gentlemen, in our tree and republican 90
vernment, cannot hug themselves in silence and
mystery. The transaction ought to be explained
in the face Of day.
This letter ought to he produced. Patriotic men,
who are in possession of the facts connected with
TINS subject, ought 10 speak out. they owe il to
theinselves-they owe il TO their country. If the
principals i'll this affair do not peak outfit they 30
not disclose this eter-if they do not enable the
people to judge Of is contents--if they continue
10 shroud themselves in mystery and darkness,
ihere will be but one inference in the public mind,
anu that Is, that his transaction will not bear the
light. ONE OF THE PEOPLE.
NOTE BY THE EDITORS.
4 nc facts, as stated by our respectable Cores
pendent, are undeniaby true. And we hand in
'ne following list OF gentlemen who can give evil
dence OF this Pledge to the federal party.--mr
Webster, Mr.. Southland, Messrs. Hopkinson and
walsh Of Philadelphia, Mr.. M'Lane of d., Capt
Stockton Of the Navy, Mr. Thompso the sun-in-