Delaware journal. [volume] (Wilmington [Del.]) 1827-1832, 1829-03-17


| are both members, Jurors of the vcinage. To
judgement rendered by those who have thus Ion
/, known me, and by others, though not OF the pane
who have possessed equal opportunities OF formln
correct opinions, most cheerfully submit. Ii tn
weight Of human testimony should be estimated b
the intelligence and responsibility OF the witness
and the extent of his knowledge of the matter OF
which he testiies, the highest consideration is du
to that which has been this day spontaneously CIV
en-. shall ever cherish it with the most grateiu
recollection, and look back upon it with proud sat
| isfactOn.
should be glad to feel that could, with proprie
ty, abstain from any alluson, at this time, and h
place, to public affairs. But, considering the oc
casi0n which has brought US together, the eyent
which have produced it, and the influence which
they may exert upon the destines of our Country
my silence might be misinterpreted, and think It
therefore, proper that l should embrace this first
public opportunity which have had OF sayinga lev
words, since the termination OF the late memorable
and embttered contest. 1t is far from my wish tt
continue or revive the agitations with which the
contest was attended. 1t is ended, for good or evil
The Nation wants repose. A majority of the Peo-
pie has decided and from their decision there can
and ought to be no appeal -Bowing, as do, with
profound respect, to them, aud to this exercise OF
their sovereign authority, may, nevertheless, be
allowed to retain and to express my own unchanged
sentiments, even if they should not be in perfect CO.
incidence with theirs. 1t is Of high gratlfi-
cation to to believe that share these sentiments
in common with more than hall a million oil freemen,
possessing degree Of virtue, OF intelligence, OF re-
liglon, and of genuine patriotism, which without dis
paragement to others, is unsurpassed, IN the same
number Of men, in this, or any other country, In
this any other age.
deprecated the election ofthe present President
of the United States, because believed he had
neither the temper the experience, nor the attain
ments requisite to discharge the complicated and
arduous duties of Chief Magistrate. | deprecated
it still more, because his elevation believed, would
be the result exclusively Of admiration and graft
Jude for military service, without regard to ndis-
pensable civil qualifications. can neither retract
nor alter, nor modify, any opinion, which, on
hese subjects, have at any time heretofore ex-
pressed.
thought beheld in his election an awful fore
boding of the fate which at some future | pray to
God, that, if it ever arrive, it may be some far dis
tant day was to befall this infant republic. All
past history had impressed on my mind this solemn
apprehension nor is It eflaced or weakened by con
tcmporaneous events passing upon our own iayoured
continent. II is remarkable, that at this epoch, at
the head of eight Of the nine Independent Govern
ments established 10 both Americas, military Off
GERS have been placed, or have placed themselves.
General Lavae has, by military force, subverted
the Republic of La Plata. General Santa Cruz Is
the Chief Magistrate of Bolivia; Colonel Pinto of
Chill General La Mar of Peru and General Boil
war of Colombia. Central America, rent in pieces
and bleeding at every pore from wounds inflicted by
contending military factions, is under the alternate
sway of their chiefs In the Government Of our
nearest neighbour, an election, conducted according
to all the requirements of their Constitution, had
terminated with majority OF tie states IN favor OF
Pedraza, the civil candidate An nsurrection wa,
raised, in behalf of his military rival, the cry not
exactly of bargain but of corruption, was sound
cd +; the election was annulled and reform et-
teced, by procaimlng General Guerrero, having
only minority of the States, duly elected Presi-
dent. The thunders from the surrounding forts,
and the acclamatlons of the assembled multitude on
the fourth, told what General was at the head
OF our affairs. 1t is true and in this respect are
happier than some Of the American States, that
his election has not been brought about by military
violence. The forms of the Constitution have YET
remained invlolate.
In re-asserting the opinion which hold, nothing
| is further from my purpose than to treat with the
slightest disrespect those of my iellow-cl'lzens here
or elsewhere, who may entertain opposite sen
ments. The fact of claiming aud exercising the
free and independent expression Of the dictates o.
my own deliberate judgement, affords the stronges
guaranty Oh my lull rcCoStioh OF tnclf ColIesPouu
ing privilege.
majority of my fellow-citizens, it would seen
does not perceive the dangers which apprchcnt
from the example. Believing that they are not real
or that we have some security against their effect
which ancient and modern Republics have no
found that ority, in the exercise of their lncon
testbe right of suffrage, have chosen for Chic
Magistrate citizen who brings into that high trus
no qualification other than military trumphs.
!, That citizen has done much injustice-wan
: ton, unprovoked and unatoned injustice. 1t wa
inflicted, as | must ever believe, for the doubl
purpose of gratifying private resentment, and pro
: noting personal ambition.
/. When, during the late canvass, he came forwar
: in the public prints, under his proper name with hi
charge against me, and summoned before the pub
{ lie tribunal his friend and his only witness to es