Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1828-1831, 1829-11-27
From the .Nsw Y,ce american

THiRsr FOR OFFIcE.-The debates IN the VIRGINIA
Convention assembled al this time 10 revise the Con
sttnton OF that State have given rise to the .xhbi-
uon oil much talent The Incidental topics introduced
by many ofthe speakers less than the main prin
clpes involved in their discussions possess
bic interest for tn" general reader The following re-
marks OF Mr. Leigh, must, by their truth and force
strike ever reader. BY the by we should here saw
Watkins Leigh, that he is one of the few eminent
men IN Virginia. who have paltered with their un
derstaudln andthelr conscience, by supporting Gen
eTal Jackson even on grounds Of expcdicncy and as
choice Of evils. The writer of 4Iger4on Siney is
still what he was when, years ago. he gave interest
and Importance by that signature the columns Of the
Richmond Enqulrer-too happy then TO echo lis re-
sounding voice, and to claim To- understand and an
preclate his lofty misunderstanding around him even
in proud and chvalrous Virginia how few how verv
few have held iast their political integrity Mr.. Leigh
said:-
60 fear, sir, we are in the habit of counting too
much upon the purity and virtue Of our society, as
permanent security against all political evils. i
told he committee yesterday, thar intended to open
my whole mind without reserve; tins Is the last
ofmy political life; before came here wecded all
clare my conscientious belief unpopularos the avowoI
oin may DC that from the beginning oftime never o,,
nation made more rapid progress in corruption
tnan nave these u States during the last quarter of
a century. beg leave to mention a few of tho
most obvious OF many symptoms.
Even ~ TINS good Old Dominion, for one pIace
hunter that was 70 be seen when first rev M f.
manhood, there ten now yes. the number 10 To-,
city; they lniest ourpublc places they invade our
privacy, and disturb che quiet of their industrious
neighbours with their solicitations They arc Thorn
selves marketable commodities they nut I'M ,boi,
principles, their opinions, their votes at auction n
the hghesr bidder, setting the highest value rpon
tier services, but wiling 10 take any price thew can
lget. Mon hardly fit for a ceriseship, aspiro To- en
bas-ies and mon, who aspire TO embassies will de-
sccnd to o clctkcship Office Office and cinolunent
high or bow, state or icdera--any sort Of .fice
which will save them the pain ofearnng their livp1
by honest industry We henr a great deal nboui
The corruption OF a.. orders Of men in Great Britain
What Isity--Docs any man SUPPOSE that when
Sir Robert Wapolc said that eUery man has his Dy;ce
IT, was talking Of price TO be old IN ruincas,-
No--.onc arc to b. purchased with honors, some
with the power TO purchase others; some with
cmoume1is Ofplacc. The case j. exactly the same
here. go 10 The ant, thou sluggard. sfuIv hcr
ways and be wise" There is little white ant in
the West Indies, the pest Of the country; Law the
SIMPLEST lump Of sugar mahogany table and
N III cen minutes here viii be hundreds around II.
tread upon lizard "a the evening and The next
morning they will present you the ccanest and u,ost
pcrs'ct Interchangeable. So Sir, the Freely OK
pcctan's for Office continually the look ouf et
e Postmaster Collector be sici and they bcoin 10
collect tFer volume of Recommendations. let him al,
ond before his remains are committed to his mother
earth. 'lc whole swarm Rat Waslrngfon Then,