Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Mass.) 1828-1830, 1829-09-29


A gentleman of the adjoining county, in
looking over the papers of his father, met
with the following letter from General
WASHINGTON, which he has politely hand
ed to us for publication. The subject dis
cussed is Of great interest, and the rea-
sonlng advanced may be used with equal
truth at the present day. The words of
the FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY should sink
deep into the hearts of our people:
Alexandria Gaz.
NEw-YoRK, MARCH %, 1890.
DEAR SIR: / am sorry such iealousies
as you relate should be gaining ground,
aud poisoning the minds Of the Southern
people. But, admit the fact which is al.
legged as the cause Of them, and give it
iull scope, does it amount to more than
what was known to every man Of informa-
ton before, at, and since the adoption of
the Constitution 2 Was il not always be-
iIeved that there are some points which
peculiarly interest the Eastern States 7
And did any one who reads human nature,
and more especially the character Of the
Eastern people, conceive that they would
not pursue them steadily. by combina-
ton Of their force! Are there not other
points which equally concern the South
ern States /! If these States are less tena-
clous of their interest, or if whilst the
Eastern move in solid Phalanx to effect
their purposes the Southern are always
divided, WHICH of the two is most to be
blamed : That there are diversity of in
terests in the Union no one has denied
that this is the case also in every State is
equally certain, and that it extends even to
counties can be as readily proved. In
stance the Southern and Northern parts
OF Virginia, the upper and lower parts of
South Carolina, &c. Have not the inter-
ests of these always been at variance p
Witness the county of Fairfax. Has not
the Interests of the people thereof varied,
or the inhabitants been taught to believe
so! These are well known truths; and
yet it did not follow that usurpation was
to result from the disagreement. To con-
stitute dispute there must be two par
ties. To understand it we'll both the
parties and all the circumstances must be
fully understood and to accommodate diff
ferences temper and mutua! forbearance
are requisite. Common danger brought
the States into conGederacy and on their
union our safety and importance depend.
A spirit of accommodation was the basis of
the present Constitution. Can it be ex-
pected, then, that the Southern or the
Eastern part of the empire will succeed in
all their measures Certainly not. But
| will readily grant that more points will
be carried by the latter than the former,
and for the reason which has been mention
ed-nameIy, that in all great national
questions they move in unison, whilst the
others are divided. But, | ask again,
which is most blameworthy, those who
see and will steadily pursue their interests,
or those who cannot see, or seeing, will
not act wisely? And | will ask an other
question, (of the highest magnitude, i'll
my mlnd) and that is, the Eastern and
Northern States are dangerous in union
will they be less so in separation ? Itself
interest is their governing principle, will
it forsake them to be less restrained by
such an event ! hardly thinS it would.
Then, independent of other considerations,
what would Virginia land such other
States as might be inclined TO Join her)
gain by a separation a? Would they not,
most unquestionably, bethe weaker party :
Men who go from hence without feeling
themselves of so much consequence as
they wished TO be onsidered-dlsappoin
ed expectants-and malignant designing
characters, that miss no OPPORTUNITY to
aim a blow at the Constitution, paint
highly on one side, without bringing into
view the arguments which are offered on
the other. 1t is to be lamented that the
editors ofthe several gazettes ofthe Union
do not more generally and more connect
eddy publish the debates in Congress on
all great national questions, that affect diff
ferent interests, instead of stufhng their
papers with scuHility and malignant dec
lamation, which few would read if they
were apprised of the contents. That they
might do this with very little trouble is
certain. The principles upon which the
difference in opinion arose as well as The
decision, would, in that case, come fully
before the publick, and afford the best da-
ia for its judgement.
With much truth, am your affection
ate and obedient servant.
G. WASHINGTON.
DAVID stuart. ESQ.
Fairfar County, Va.