Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-09-06
THE NEXT PRESIDENT.

We have freely submitted our own opinion,
that it was too early to stir the question: OF me
succession. We have not made up and put forth
any such idea, Tor immediate effect; because,
more than three years since, we declared IN tins
paper, that we should ~ hear OF no successor 10
Gen. Jackson) until his eight yeats have expired
and that it would be time enough, about the year
1885, to a.itate the question" OF his successor.
We shall probably be compelled, by the force OF
Giro umstances. to cut of twelve months from
the specified period; but we cannot consent 10
rush at once upon the field Of discussion. We
dislike this ..e,ernal rocking of the battle.
ments." The people cannot relish u, like the
unhappy Zangd, because they have none OF his
| =. gloomy purposes" to "suit." fhpy see no
necessity for this eternal ferment of the passions
this unceasing source OF contention aGi jaf
ring in our country. Is not the iney'aJe e.
feet of this eternal agitation about one absrr5ng
subject. to call of the attention which i. h"e 10
other great public OBJECTS. T." the ameorat'oo
of our public institutions, and the competent
management of our foreign relations! Thu,
consequence affects both the People and their
Representatives. Congress are not permitted
peacrably and sedately to devote themselves
to the promotion Of the public prosperity -
Instead of attending to the great and multIfa.
rious concerns of the U. States. they are diverted
not only from their proper ends. but from their
proper means, bv the neverending, absorbing
question of the Presidential Election. The Of
| fee of Chief Magistrate becomes the overw helm
ing interest, the irresistible centre at attraction,
in The movements of Congress. Factions are
formed-measures are continually adopted or re
iected, not SO much because they are calculated
to promote or TO injure the public interests. as to
promote or defeat the views of the ambitious as
pirsnts. The public councils are rent into the
parties of Cesar and of Pompey; and the wei
fare Of Rome is sacrificed in the struggle. Nor
does il stop here. These unfortunate divisions
penetrate BY degrees the great body of the peo.
pie. They soon begin to be impressed with the
idea. that the succession is almost the only sub.
ject which is worthy OF their attention. And
what is The effectl Is not spectacle of this de.
scrlption calculated gradually to undermine our
free institutions. and to assimilate them too
ly to those Of Europe-where nations SEEN much
more interested in deciding who shall fill the
throne, than in pursuing those measures which
shall most successfully promote the public inte-
rests. But other considerations present them.
selves to the notice of an enlightened people -
They ought to select the man who is most "ho.
nest. capable and faithful to the Constitution.
And can they obtain the most worthy BY q
premature VI ItcIiUSs n SlH.
gle session OF Congress.a single measure, is some
times sufficient to test the virtues and the quail
Gcations of candidate to recommend him
to our support or discard him from our conf
dence If this be true at any time, it 10 particu.
larry true Of the approaching session Of Congress.
Never has there been a meeting which was more
strongly calculated to embrace all the elementary
principles Of the Constitution. 1t is the first
session Of new Congress. II is the Congress
Of new Census We shall hear much said. -
We shall see much done. thousand opportu-
mites will be given for calling forth the opinions
and the powers of the members. Is the Tariffto
be reduceds The Bank TO be rechartered? Are
Internal improvements to be supported out Of
the federal treasury? What disposition is
to be made of the Force Bill? What with the
Public Lands? These and hundred other
questions may call forth the members Of Congress
who aspire to the honors of the PrssIdency-and
they will equally call forth the opnun, of every
private citizen, who may be nominated to the
Office? Let US beware then of all precipitation,
and Of all premature committas.-Rich Eng.
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