Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-11-09
ALEXANDRIA. DC.
WEDNESDAY MORNING., EorEusERe. IS i.


The present aspect of political affairs is some
what singular as exhibiting the real standing
and strength of the dominant party and Its can
didate-and as showing the means by which 'hat
marty and that candidate hold on to power, anu
strive ia continue in Office. With US, there Is no
question. but that a large majority OF the people
of this country, are now completely satisfied that
the President isinc apable of executing m a pro-
n.r manner, the duties Of his Office. And yet,
from the pride Of opinion-the fear OF being con-
sidered changelings-the political views OF 'ther
candidates, and other considerations the party
though distracted with dissentions' still c'oss
together, with a p~ertinacy worthy OF a nob'er OBJ
iect and a better cause. IL the elements OF OPP
position could combine, with the same readiness
that the discordant materials of JacksonIsm unite,
the minority of the ruling party would indeed be
most 9. lame and impotent." Suppose Tor a
moment, that the respective friends of MIR. Clay
Mr.. CALHOUN, MIR. MCLEAN and Mr. WRIT
should respectively and unanimously agree to
lay aside prejudices and predictions, aud JON
in the support Of an opposition candidate who
can doubt what would be the result OF The
union? Why, the party that now gives avs al
most to the country-whose "huge COLOSSUS
stride" has astonished the people over whom 1t
has walked-wou!d hardly raise is diminished
head; or if, making a virtue of necessity, 1t took
the field and determined to contest the victory.
il would be scattered to the four winds OF heaven
before the might and power OF public opinion
And this view of the case is not taken without an
examination Of the whole ground. Indeed, from
| acknowledged facts, what sensibIe man eau doubt
as to there being already an Anti-Jackson MAORI
Yves, and a strong majority.
These considerations are urged. not in a spirit
of Wanting, because, if this opposition cannot be
brought to act with effect, for all the good the
country receives. il might as well not exist. 1t
the separate and independent parties choose To
make no concessions for the public veal, but to
hold on to every thing for the sake Of personal
feeling and party pride, they neither benefit
themselves, nor advance one step in the good
cause of Kidding the nation of its present dynas-
" VI TuieTS. Duls.ltotN HibSo ~ "''
Gus consideration. because they prove much that
should be spoken trumpet tongued to the people.
Where now IS the blind idolatry. which has here
tofore been the Distinguishing mark OF 9 the par
tyr" Men have learned of late some truths,
which forbid them worshipping at the shrine OF
power, or Offering incense at the %tootstool OF an
idol Of their own creation.
The crowds that once went up 10 the temple,
now turn away before they enter its doors, orper-
haps before they even approach Its portals The
sycophant and toadseater. the pimp and the para
site-the palace slave, ard the court menlaI-
the fawning expectant-and the pensIoned favor
ite now alone fill ITS courts and ''crook the plant
hinges Of the knee"-while honest men stand
afar of, wondering that they ever could have been
engaged in the same disgusting service. There is
no longer ssmagic in name" 1t is not suffi-
cient now to say that Jackson fought at New Or
leans; because the same tongue that tells OF his
fame on the field of battle must tell too, that the
~laureIs there gained have all been wlthercd i'll the
cabinet-and that his good fortune in war, has
been succeeded by a most ''maIign influence" in
peace. Such is always the fate Of men OF facti'
tious importance, of mushroom statesmen-of po-
pular favorites, without the requisite qualities to
sustain their own dignity. We often see these
bubbles blown by the breath of excite nent and
Notwithstanding sail gaiIy along for a time-bat
evanescent in their natures, and perishable in their
materials, they soon burst and are forgotten!
1t is then a source of great encouragement that
the public mind is now either prepared or is ra-
pidly preparing, for correct action. on the subject
of the Presidency. AS long as the huzzas OF a
crowd drowned the voice of reason, or silenced
the arguments of wisdom and experience, there
was a gloomy prospect for the "rislt." But
vhen the warning voice Of prudence is heard
above the din of party strife-when there Is a
pause in the combat,-and men rest from the con
test, thinking of the victory they have obtained
its results and consequences-and the battle that
is again TO be fought. there Is hope, and conso'a-
ton in the hope. that all will be yet well, and the