Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1839-10-28
TO TIE PEOPLE OF VIRGINIA.

TO TIE PEOPLE OF VIRGINIA.
The period is rapidly approaching when YOU will
be called upon again exercise oi the highest
atirbutea of fee and sovereign people The cleo
ton ola Chief Magistrate preside ion the term OF
four years over the extensive aud diversified inter
OF this great ConGedefacs, is event that ought
ut all times 10 excite deep interest. among pco-
pie properly approaching their nee institutions, and
determined To maintain them IN Their putty. But
in the pre,cul condition OF our county, aud of pub
lie affairs, II is calculated 10 inspire IN the breast oil
every rejecting patriot more than ordinary solici-
ude. Our Republic is M longer IN lis infancy
The rapid increase Of Formulation and wealth over
boundless. diversified aud iclile tefrlory-the
augmentation OF the power aud patronage OF the
General GoverumcnI.-tlc melancholy ruth which
history teaches and ouro"n experience vetlfies that
nations grow corruption as they increase IN wealth
aud pouer--a admouIslI MS, that If We would avoid
The fate OF Turner republics and transmit nee in
situations, pure aud interrupted, 10 our poscfy,
must quad them with slecpless vigilance. The
calm aud diSpassionate exercise of the nestimabe
right OF suffrage, by virluous and intelligent peo
pie. Is the best, indeed the only cficciual safeguard
of republican institutions. No republic has eve,
fallen by violence, until lis foundations have been
sapped by corruption. Deeply impressed wth these
truths aud with the importance OF the crisis we beg
leave respectable but earnestly, to invite your
tention TO OF the numerous considerations that
should influence your votes at the approaching pie-
sldentai election.
IN executing Tue duty assigned us, We snail en-
deayouf to be governed by spni OF can1ou, and
moderation. We ne conscious of no motive but
an ardent desire 10 promote the public good. We
shall addIe ss YOU body of enlI ghteued iteemcn,
capable Of understanding your eresis, and Of
maintaining your sacred and nalienabe rights We
shall appeal 10 your reason scorDIng address to
your pfeJudces as equally nnbecomug in US, aud
insulting to you. Animated by such motives, and
governed by snch principles, we think We have a
right TO CLAIM FOR the deeply interesting views that
we design 10 present, the candid aud dispassionate
attention ofthe IMPARTIAL cousdefate and patriotic
Of all parties.
The rejoicing mind. in surveying the rise pro-
gress, aud present state of the Federal Government,
at arrested by the iapid aud
OF executive power and patronage. SO remarkable
has been TIN, change, that the Government seems
! 10 have undergone revolution, whilst the written
| constitution has remained unaefed. According TO
! The theory ofthe Federal Constitution, as eXponnd-
! ed by ITS original advocates, it supposed that
the President would be a republican chef mag is
trate, with little power than the Governor
Of State. How entirely has this theory been fall
sned by experience The President, following the
example Of the British Crown, 'has found the
means of substituting influence for authority, or the
art oil gaming majority III one the other OF the
two houses" for constitutional power and has thus
become III fact the source aud centre of all power.
legisl alive well as executive, aud wants only he
name al King. 10 constitute hin an elective monarch.
The truth OF these declarations that be qucs-
TONED by any candid and attentive observer OF the
course Of the present executive, might be fully
illustrated and enforced by recurring to the hlsro-
y Of the various usurpations oftl,e late admiustia-
lion.
Whatever may be the cause Of this remarkable
revolution in our Governments The fact cannot be
denied, that the power Of the executive ''as
sed, is increasing and every patriot will admit,
ough TO he diminished"
/ Among the objections so powerfully urged by the
iIIus'rQus Henry, against the adoption ofthe Fede-
raj Constitution, lis tendency monarchy seems TO
have been most seriously entertained and pressed
with The greatest afdour lt has an awful sqnint-
rng (said hc,) il sqaiotS towards Monarchy. Iou,
President may easily become King. Your strong