Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1830-01-21

50 TO 40. We learn that all the members. OK
ccpt Mr. Doddndge, were present. he having
been for several days confined by a severe
and threatning indisposition. We received a
copy Of the adopted Constitution at too late
! an hour for to appear ia this DAYS paper. In
a short time, we viii lay il before our readers.
| Our worthy fellow townsmas. PHrftP a..
PESDLEToN, Esq arrived at his home last
might've learn that he is in general GOOD
health. The following remarks we copy from
the constitutional Wing of Friday:
| Yesterday the Constitution was adopted
and BY a majority of I5-and what has
long been iorescen, but which is not the less
remsrkabie-by the votes of that part of the
Convention chiefly, representing the portion
oil the people opposed to the call of a Con-
Fentlon and to any change, and in oppssi-
ton to the votes OF those by the instrumental
ny of whose constituents the Convention was
called. Upon this result--the manner in
winch 1t was eflccted-and the history of the
Convention we shall in few DAYS speak our
minds freely. Meantime. we congratulate
.ie people that the mountain SO long in labor.
Is delivered at Iast--aBd we give them this
advice, satisfied from observation of its so md
ness, that III, III the exercise of their sover
elSn discretion, they ever see at to call ano-
thcr Convention, to elect to it fewer LAWYERS.
and more men of everyday sense-for il the
distinction was nQkknown before. the history
Of the last three pths has clearly establish
ed the wide differ ce that exists between la
Tents aud common sense.
As 10 the new SUBSTITUTION, it viii doubtless
DC accepted by tse ptopie--and distasieful as
some OF It's olnls3tG11s,. are to those who stick
TO the good I'D oNsss6 Of equality--the friends
OF reform have reason to rejoice considering
the array of prejutliccswith which they have
had TO contend-the superior parliamentary
acuteness and science enlisted against them
and above all, the prevalence of the new light
doctrines, for the first time breaches in this
Convention, supported by high talent. and
recommended by Interest-we say. consider
ing all these things, the friends of reform
have cause to triumph in our opinion, that
they have gained so much-or rather that
they have not lost all.
We copy the following article from the
Lafayette Free Press, paper printed on the
Wabash, ,eithin fots' miles Of the spot ,ctere
tie battle Of 1Eppecme ,cas fought between
General Harrison and the North Western In
dams.
''The Steam Boat Wasp, in days from
Nashville, arrived at this port on Saturday
morning last. Her cargo consisted principal
" OF Salt, Cotton, and iron. She left here
the same night again for Nashville, having
disposed of her cargo to our Merchants, and
received the RHISo for it. So ee go.n
The mschievous influence that party poll
tics has upon learning and polite literature, is
to he lamenscd by every friend to the happi-
ness and glory oil the country. 1t is only in
calm and sunshine that literature will flour
ish 1t loves not the turmoil of faction, nor
the contention of parties. 1t rather chot ses
to follow the S'iaIr delightful paths Of peace.n
than to treadin the ways of strife and conten-
ton. The tramp Of the mailed warrior is not
more destructive 10 its quiet, than is the bois-
ferrous uproar Of tumultuous citizens.
The acerbity and harshness of tone used
by public prints, are naturally adopted by the
people among whom they circulate. Geser-
ally speaking, it is impossible for the most
liberal and enlightened to ii est themselves
of those principles and preiudices which they
every day find promulgated in the newspapers
1t is on this account that fhe Press is SO olIl-
nipotently powerful-moulding and directing,
as it does, the energies and wills OF millions
When, therefore, a majority of the public
Journals OF country, and especially msjor
ity of those which are most read and widest
circulated, indulge continually in strains of
coarse invective, ofinfammatory defamation,
of personal abuse of lndiscri,nlnate adulation
or opposition, as the case may be, to the ut
ter disregard of the delicacies and prophecies
ofliie, the cause OF religion and humanity, the
extension Of knowledge and science, and the
progress of literature, it is no wonder that
the progress of literature, it is no wonder that
these latter subjects should become things Of
little Importance not priced, because not
held in esteem. The minds Of men are warp
ed; and they learn, insensibly, to despise
what is not constantly talked OF and praised.
A love of literature night easily be incul-
| Gated, and due regard paid, at the same
| time, to political subjects. What we wishis,
| that party should not be ele only thing tho't
of, written of and talked of Neither does it
accord with our views or feelings, that a
milk and water style should DC adopted when
| speaking Of pubic men and measures, or that
We should weigh our sentences or mince our
words when we comment upon the characters
| and conduct of those in or out of power
"FaithfuI and fearless is motto worthy of
| all acceptauon.
The conductors of the public press, in this
country, have important duties devoiyingu
| them which they are bound TO fulfil 1t is for
them TO enlighten the Judgment, as well as to
CRAFTY the pleasure, of their fellow citizens
| Cacof,Sc;otsiy, thousands are following their
opinions, and acting up to their suggestions.
they may pour streams of fructitying know
| leH GRO over the Land or they raav ueluge IL