Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-11-17
EVsetssesday Eres,ssss, Woe. IG
IAN OLD MANI

We have been induced to republish the last let
ter of ''An Old Man." to the Editors of the Bal
timore Chronicle, writer SO dextrous in Mr.
Walsh's estimation, that he efforts admiration so
earnest and jealous, that some have illiberally
charged Mr. Writ himself with the authorship, an
indelicacy of which all who know him, will ac-
quit him.
Able as this writer is, all his force rests upon n
Petito principi He sets out with the assump.
ton, that the Anti Masons will not under anu cir
cumstances, unite upon Mr.. Clay; although they
national republicans and concur in viewing the
ascendency of Jacksonism as 4 curse, heavy and
hateful; although they entertain the same general
views of public affairs. have the same purposes,
apart from masonry and are opposed by the same
common enemy; although it shall be presented to
them und eniably, that is inevitable by the
union, and defeat indubitable without it; that to
unite upon Mr.. Clay will secure powerful assist
ance in the West, while to unite upon Mr.. Writ
guarantees every Western vote jackson; still an
"Old Man." assumes<as indisputable that the
Anti-Masons uiH not, that it is not possible for
them to unite upon Mr.. Clay! Now, does he rem
der the Anti-Masons justice, by this conclusion7
Does he render Justice either to their understand
ings, their principles, their patriotism2 What
IS his warrant for the assumption? That some of
the zeaots of their party have made such decla-
ration, know; but this no more authorizes the
conclusion that the party itself have embraced such
final and unalterable resolution, than for Mr..
Thomas Richie to say will have none but Van
Buren, to succeed Jackson, would either bind his
party, necessarily speak its sentiments. The
ambitious, and tho place hunter in the Anti Mason
ic ranks, for obvious $, insist, and will
IN ST Anti
elected as such: They, in the event of success,
would secure those advantages, the hope of which,
may have had no small influence in their CONVEX
sion to Anti Masonry. But their motives will not
sway the great mass of Anti-Masonry. Except
the declarations of few of the Anti Masonic lead
ers and editors, influenced probably by personal
views, we are appraised of no evidence which
the assertion that the Anti-Masons will not,
under any circumstances, unite upon Mr. Clay
We appraised of no incompatibility in their
principles and his, to prevent it; for it is singular
enough that can Old Man." comedies, that in his
letter of acceptance, Mr.. Writ advances no prInc-
pie, ''to which we are not all ready, both Masons
and Anti Masons, to subscribe" Mr.. Clay there
fore, is equally an Anti-Mason with Mr.. Writ, nor
can it be more i'm possible for the Anti Masons to
vote for tho former than the latter on principle
Mr.. Clay, "and whatever pain Tho effort may cost
US, we for one, 1--WE say like him) ready to
relinquish him, whenever we see clearly, that the
good of the country calls for the sacrifice" But,
do not, like him, sec, think We seo that such
a crisis has arrived. In the election of Henry
Clay, triumph would be achieved, not less dear
to good feeling than the expulsion of Jackson is
esteemed valuable TO the honor and prosperity OF
the country, by those who oppose him. Besides
that Mr.. Clay is at least equal to Mr.. Writ, in Ia
Tents and experience, his superior in vigor and dcc
sion of character, and as his friends believe, far
stronger in tho affections Of the people, their feel
| ings attached TO him from the sudcrngs and
persecution he has undergone in their For
seven years he has sustained the unrclentng, the
unceasing insults and abuse Of 200 presses pension
cd by his personal enemies to dofame his character
and annihilate reputation acquired by tho mos
brilliant and valuable services. Malignity, in
| gratitude and envy have grown tired of por-
scouting inferior victims, but in his case, time
l has distracted portion Of their venom. The
galantTy with which he has met his enc