Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 182?-183?, 1832-01-06


IN the most fourishing condition. Ag-
riculture was rapidly extending itself in
all directions, and particularly through
the wide and fertile regions ofthe West
manufactures were advancing with I'M
precedented apidity-commerce inter-
nal and foreign, was animated with a
corresponding vigor-our relations with
foreign powers were of the most AMIGA
bic character-at home, tranquility and
general contentment pervaded everv cor
ner OF the Union--the parties that form
erly divided the citizens and distracted
the country, had, in a great measure,
become extinct under the operation of
time-the growing prosperity of the ma
uon, and the judicious and liberal con-
duct OF the Government. In the pride
and pleasure which we all felt in claim
ing the character of citizens of the Unit
ed States, we were ready to forget that
our fathers had been classed as Republi-
cans and Federalists. The name of A
MEXICAN had, by sort of common con-
sent taken the place of other political
distinctions. AMERICAN PRINCIPLES had
become the common creed of the high
minded 81 honorable patriotic adherents
OF all the former parties. In word, the
best friends of the country had little
more to wish, or hope, in regard to our
political situation, than that we might
proceed in the course which we were
then pursuing, and remain, in every
thing belonging to character and princi.
pies OF Government, substantially as we
were.
This state ofthings afforded, Of course,
the best evidence that could ossibly be
had in favor of the administration under
which itha& grown up. Much of it could
be traced directly to the character and
opinions of the leading members of that
administration. 1t was, however. under
these circumstances, that vigorous, and,
as has been shown by the issue, success
tul effort was made to effect change,
and to place in the Chair of the Chief
Magistracy the present incumbent. OF
the comparative qualifications of the
President and his predecessor, for the
high station which they have successive
ly filled, we will not here speak. We
cheerfully resign task SO ungrateful in
one OF its divisions, to the impartial and
unshrinking hand of History. Nor will
we here enlarge on the means by which
the change in question was accomplished
the reckless and persevering calumny,
which was constantly poured forth
from hundreds of presses, on the best
and purest men in the nation. The false
Pretentions to exclusive republicanism--
the factious Glamour which was kent up
IN Congress--the artful combination of
conflicting personal and party interests
for common object, and the various o.
Their unworthy arts, that were brought
into action on this occasion. Suffice il
to remark, that the change was effected
IN form, at least,-in legal and consti-
tutlonal way; and, however, Justly of
ienslve the circumstances that brought
1t about might and must have been to
the friends of the last administration,
however deficient the present incum.
bent might have been supposed to be in
the qualities most requisite for the station
to which he had been raised, it is be-
lieved that when he entered on his Of
flee, there was no disposition in any por-
ton OF the people to commence a pre-
mature or factious opposition to his mea-
sures. 1t was alarming enough to pru-
dent and well meaning men that the
Government of the country had fallen
into such hands, & far from attempting to
perplex or embarrass the administration.
they would have rather lent all the aid
IN their power to carry the country safe
ly through so dangerous crisis. On the
other hand, the military success of the
President had gained him an extensive
personal popularity, which would have
enabled him, had he known how to turn
1t to that account to carry on the govern
ment with extraordinary facility. Un-
der this combination OF circumstances.
1t is belived, that had the public affairs
been managed with tolerable prudence
and discretion General jackson might
have gone through his term of official
life without show of opposition, and
have been reelected, had he been so in
consistent as to desire it, by a very u.
unanimous vote.
Nor were the country without strong
hopes that such result would follow
Deficient as the President was known
to be in the qualities and accomplish
ments most essential to a civil magistrate,
it was anticipated that he might be
found to possess the courtesy, the gener-
Gus feelings, the high sense Of decorum
and propriety, which form the appro-
PIRATE ornaments of the military charac-