Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-01-24

49,
gress in the improvements which we are now max
ing. Think of these things and act prudentiy
Much has been said about the conduct of GER
tain Committee-whether they were right or
wrong in what they did, shall not give an OPT
nion-But their &C tons have nothing to do with
the main question now before you. Are you
willing under the present circumstances, 20 re-
cede to Virginia, or are you uotf
Fsilow Citizens:-You arc called upon by the
resolution of the Common Council to express,
this day, your wishes upon the proposition OF re-
trocesson-a proposition to the last degree lnte-
resting and important!
The question, stripped Of all the prejudice and
false coloring in which its advocates have attempt
ed to envelope it, is simply this-Areyou willing
to exchange your present happy situation,in which
you enjoy all the blessings Of good government.or
a few privileges, in themselves. at present, com-
parativeIy empty. and unaccompanied BY one sub
stantial advantage ,-bm which u0iH come attend
ed Nth burihens. additional 6urttens, that will
draw from Us and our children almost the last dol
lar, and render our beloved town as desoate as
Palmyra, Babylon, or Carthage! Reflect! reflect.
REASOS
FslIow-C Citizens THAT are to bel: do not al.
dress you for the purpose Of advocating the re-
PROCESSION of Alexandria to Virginia. That was
so elcquently and energeticaly done by the gen.
tIemen who occupied your attention on Saturday,
as to render any attempt on my part unnecessa-
~: in fact, they depicted in such vivid light the
advantages to be derived from return to our
parent State, their. colors were 80 glowing, aud
laid on with such mastery hand. that should
fee 10th to exhibit to you the rude work of my
poor pencil. simply intrude myself upon your
attention for the purpose of urging upon you to
attend The Polls The object for which you are
to % there, is one high and imposing in its cha
racter. 1t is to engage in NE exercise OF RICH,
measurable to freemen, right the taking away
Of which will be preceded by the lareSe flight
oi Llberty--it is the right OF expression ot OPT
mon. This is privilege which belongs to all
The lord of the palace is not more entitled to its
exercise than the inmate of the hovei. Let not
the sentiment so obnoxious to freedom. that the
possession of houses or lots is requisite to en-
t,te YOU to a voice in the affairs of the town.
find place in your bosom. You are residents
of Alexandria, and are materially interested in
its welfare; upon its prosperity depends the sup
port of yourselves, the happiness OF your chit
dreu. Ii YOU are poor, there LISTS the greater
reason that YOU shou d be free. The luxuries of
wealth may compensate for the absence of iiber-
ty; but for .'bessar" to be slave IS indeed
intolerable Depend Oh it, that poverty and H.
berry are lar from being Inconsistent" purple
and fine linen" may enrobe despot; and the
tattered jacket of covers bosom high beating
with the tnrobs of freedom.
Let not your youth. either, be an obstacle to
your Judging for yourselves upon these subjects.
Credit it not that only white heads are wise ones.
If YOU are just in the spring time of your exist
ence. you have the prospect Of a lon-er life. and
consequently should be more interested than
those who are withered bv the frost Of wintry age.
Do not permit any impeachment to be created by
vuur inability to boast Of an Industrious ancestry.
or 70 trace your descent from those whose great
aod good works are emblaEoned on Hstory's
page Remember that Vespasian was the father
of Nero, Titus Aurelius Of CalIgula. aud Germa.
nicus Of Cummodus. These facts are not INTRO
duced with view to detract ausht from those
who are of the I" breed of noble blord;" but sim.
plv to shew, that, although sire may will his son
Golfers Of gold-although he may devise to him
=. houses innumerable," yet it is no easy matter
to bequeath to him single virtue. | would there
fore say to YOU ALTO young AS well as the old,
to poor as we'll as the rich-tu the Pleban as well
as the Patrician-To the polls! To the polls!
Let US now examine what the question ia which
will there be presented to your consideration. -
1t is not, Will you accede t. one or all Of the
propositions, or will you accede TO none of them?
Will You remai', as You are, or as You "eref-