Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1836-10-13

The PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION But
a short time viii now elapse, before the
people Of these United States will be cal
led upon in conformity with the all wise
provisions Of that instrument which forms
the basis of their general government, to
perform one Of the most important duties
which, as ireemen, devolye upon them -
that duty, IS the election Of a national
Chief Magistrate. who is to administer the
affairs of their government for a period of
four years. This privilege of the people,
of electing by their own power the high
est officer in the nation, is a feature en-
lirely peculiar TO the American govern
ment, and will if preserved in its purity
guard and protect their liberties from the
attacks of tyranny and despoiism in all
coming time, Hence it is that every re
turn OF the presidential election is looked
upon by the friends of liberty with an
anxiety and solicitude commensurate with
its vast Importance, Ii is, in fact, the on
ly test. by which the maintenance or declen-
sion Of those patriotic feelings which a.
lone can sustain a liberal government, can
be fairly and fully tried. If upon the re
currence Of this event, the people-the
great body of (recmen who are to make
the choice, are found making diligent and
earnest inquiry into the character, qualili,
cations, and principles of those who stand
before them as candidates for that high
office, and evincing a determination to
support only such as viii administer its
func lions with an eye single to the best
interests of the couDtry-if they are seen
giving countenance to those only, who
viii not, if elected, abuse the power en-
trusted to them TO the injury or detriment
Of those institutions which secure the
freeman in the possession Of those rights
with which the laws have endowed him,
the conclusion, that the republic is safe,
that its equitable laws and liberal govern
ment are free from danger. may safely
and easily be drawa. But if, on the 9th
err hand, the people are found giving their
support to a candidate without examining
his qualifications, merely because be is the
candidate of a party, or recommend.
ed TO their support by those with whom par
ty obligations are superior to the veal Of
country, without ascertaining or being per.
mitted TO ascertain their principles, it may
well be feared tha, the time is near athand
when the friends and advocates Of civi lib
erty will be compelled to witness in des-
pair the demolition of the l~airest fabric
ever raised 10 shelter the human family
from the expressions Of tyranny. Such a
state of public feeling indicates disaffection
and decay in a representative government
as plainly as does the cadaverous visaee
and hectic cough the existence of disease
and the approach of dissolution in the hu-
man frame.
Every presidential election that has oc-
CURED IN thus country since the founda-
ton OF IFS government, has been an impor-
taot epoch in its history, but The approa
ching contest from the principles which il
involves, and the practices which are
sought to be established by the present
dominant party, will rival in importance
any that has preceded it. When The pres
ent chief Magistrate came into power. it
is well known that the greatest aid in Sc
curing his election was the promise made
10y HIM & bis supporters Of reforming abu.