Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-07-23
TcoMMuSIcATEp.

- In looking at the present aspect OF affairs, the
attention is nvoluntarily turned to the individu-
alat the head of the Government. HIS election
TO the first and most honored Office in the gift OF
the people, will ever be matter Of surprise to
those, who, knowing the varied and eminent
qualifications which should mark the character of
the Chief Magistrate Of a great and powerful Re-
public, overlook the immediate causes Of his ele-
walton TO power, causes which are to be found
in the maleyolent spirit hostility which displayed
itself in the combined movements Of faction,
composed Of men Of every different political
creed, and their unhallowed attempts to inlame
the public mind by base charges, unsupported
by shadow Of proof-by dark inslnuations and
underlined rumors, which, assuming no substan-
s,antive shape, could not become the object OF
attack, and therefore produced their full effect.
It is needless aud would be painful task to
particularize. The American people should not
forget the lesson, which such facts, joined with
the sad experience Of late years, have taught.
Il warns them to avoid the credulity which re-
ceves the voice of faction as the oracle of truth,
and to look steadily at the history of the times,
with minds untanted BY prejudice and uncloud-
ed by passion.
twas truly unfortunate for the fame of our
present Chief Magistrate, still more unfortu-
nate for the country, that he was called from his
retirement to an office, full of responsibility, and
for which he was totally disqualified by his form
er habits--his want of talents and of requisite
uo,itica information. 1t may truly be said, that
with him the post of honor was the private sta
ton As the plain Tennessee farmer, he would
have commanded the respect and gratitude OF
his fellow citizens. His errors great as they
were, would have been lost in the view OF his
services, or would have been ascribed, not to a
deliberate intention to do mischief, but, to the
influence Of an ardent mind, too easily hurried
into excuses, which his judgment in ealmer mo-
meots would lead him to condemn. But who
ever mas looked candidly at the course OF his all
ministration-its reckless disregard OF the COM
mon principles Of honesty, and the common rules
of dscorum, and the shamelessness and corrup-
zion which daily developments are exposing to
The gaze of the American people, cannot doubt,
but the former reputation Of Andrew Jackson,
has become merged in the disgraces of his Poitl-
cal character. History will speak OF him, not
as the successful General, stunning the applause
of his countrymen in the retirement OF private
life, but as the head Of faction which worked
upon the passions and prejudces of the people,
20 drive ,irtuous and patriotic men from Office,
then as the Chief Magistrate of Republic whose
Il he'd nv n a s.
graceful acts receiving the sanction OF his name
and authority The warmest friend OF man,
who has proved himself so unworthy the conf
dence Of enlightened freemen, must secretly
blush with shame, if indeed, all feelings of shame
are not lost in Indignation.
1t must be confessed, that IN the universal
scramble for office which ensued upon the cleo
ton of Gen. Jackson to the Presidency, his situ
alton was trying and awkward IN the extreme.
II was situation, however. in which no honest
man. who has been elevated to Office BY honest
and honorable means, would ever be placed. -
The followers of the Hero, who had made the air
ring with their paudits and acclamations, crowd.
ed around, clamorous for the crumbs of power.
Each man loudly proclaimed his own merits and
stood anxiously waiting for his share of the spoil.
f,ut even then, had his official conduct been go
verued BY the promptings OF the independent
spirit which the majority of the people had been
taught to believe was the predominant trait oil bis
character, he would have sienced the din which
his own friends raised about his ears, and would
have secured some portion Of respect from his
enemies. But he permitted himself to be direct
ed by sSack- stairs influence and clandestine
government and we now behold. in all their
dire extent, the mischlefs which intriguing sell
fshness and weak councils have brought on the
country. The schemes which were adopted to
h.rmsnise the discordant materials of which his
party vas composed, have utterly failed of sue
cess. The elements would not combine or MIN
s.e together. Secret jealOusies, open differences
and malign influences, Of every description,
-, ,-..Lak tbe;r natural effect The system