Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1840-07-02
E PLURIBUS UNUM.
For the Advertiser.

Whatever errors or Inconsistencies Of con-
duct or opinion Mr.. Brooks may commit in his
Intercourse with society, his friends and the pub.
lie may be assured. that he will never operate
like the mole. under cover. or attempt to strike
blow in The dark, for the purpose or accom-
plishing any object either of personal or po'
iitical nature fiat any time he should unwlt'
tingly or inadvertently give offence, or IN thn
slin hiest degree wound the feelings OF ore OF
his neirhbors, it will afford bim pleasure To
have the opportunity given 10 him, OF making
prompt and honorable atonement, 1t IN his
power; and if not, he promises go far to define
his position as to hazard the consequences.
that NAV follow. He is NOT in public life, aud
his opinions in relation to public men and
measure. cannot therefore lie matter OF in.
trresl 10 any one, except tohis personal friends.
f1efe,-FFIti WHOM. ne Has 'Iveu ior ii,e4a"t half
century, he should feel ashamed 10 undertake
any vindica,ion Of himself, against the nde-
cent attacks Of an Anonymous srrihbler, in u
newspaper, who may possibly be n.pennyless
advenlnrer in politics ard like Swiss regi-
mcnt really to fight under any standard that
pays the highest wages. As private citizen,
he claims the com mon right Of forming his own
opinions. and of expressing them upon all suit
abe occss;ons, uut however without bccom.
ing respect and indulgence towards those, who
differ fTcni him. FEDERATION in politics is but
little less virtue than in religion. Bi.oiry
and intolerance form dangerous creed, either
in churcl, or state. Mr.. Brooks has long been
party man, but never partizan. Devotion
to his own principles has never enjolned tho
Popish duty of prescribing those of others
| While he processes great respect for the high
moral and intellectual worth of many OF our
public men, and is prepared at all times to re-
ceive their opinion. with all the difference that
is due TO superior wisdom and experience, yet
he cannot consent to loose his own independ-
ence and individuality Of character by putting
on the collar Of any man or party. In his pre-
sent retired and nnobtrusive station as prl-
vate ci'izeti, he claims the single privilege
of exercising his own rights without cavil or
molestaton, fnrbearine as he desires to DO
| from any interference with those of others He
is not candidate for any of the offices in the
gift of the State; and in truth never expects to
be: being. therefore, in The way of no one, ard
no one in his way he has nothing to hope from
the smiles of one party, OF to fear from the
| frowns Of the other. Upon the great absorbing
subject of the next Presidency, his mind has
been lony definitely made up. He expressed
himself favorably towards the head Of the pre-
sent administration. when it was not very pals
table to the political taste of some Of its present
noisy adherents. He has seen no. reason to
change that opinion. but Abundant reason since
the, extra session of Congress in 1887, 10 con-
firm il. He now prefers MIR. Van Bnren upon
every ground. whether ofprinciple orpolicy.
| which has been brohght into the discussion. In
| regard to The gnbernatorial election for this
State, he has no difficulty in defining his posi-
| ton. When The names Of the several candi-
dates for this office were first announced to The
public; he did express himself most favorably
towards the merits of Judge Eavid Johnson.
He his recently examined the communication,
published in the Advertiser. and he finds no.
thing in that article 10 regret or retract in rela-
ton TO the Judge. He now repeats with
pleasure that he entertains for that gentleman,
the most profound respect and esteem, and if
his political opinions were in harmony with the
State. there is no man in it, whose election to
the Office of Governor would afford him moro
personal qualification The opinion then e1-
pressed of Judge johnson. had reference only
! to his principles and virtues as i worthy citizen.
and to the fidelity of his conduct as one oethe
judicial magistrates of the country.
The opinions of the Judge were not known
upon the great qnestops. which were then. asi-
tatng the country. As one Of the judirial Of
fcers ofthe State, he had forborne to neddle in
politics so far a, least as was known in one part
of tho State. They arr not now known from
any declarations, made by him or in hi name.'
He has however been charged in the Mercury
and the Carolnan. will, entertaining orinrus
aid principle. at variance with the State: with
being opposed both 10 the sub-trensnry and to
The presert administration of the General Gov
eru,nent and in favor of United States hank,
These charges have passed without conlradc.
tion or explanation and am therefore forced
to believe them true. Underthc circumstan.
/ tes cor,l not vote for judge Johnson. The
Governor ola State should fairly represent the
principles and policy of the. State. His elec.
lion is always regarded as an index Of public
opinion, and isthercfore proper.ihat he should
! be the faithful exponent Of the popular will