The Madisonian., 1840-02-18

TO them, is necessarily seeking to destroy their
ablest, firmest, and most determined advocate.
The preicxi by which Mr.. Richie seeks to
shelter himself from that storm OF Indignation
and contempt which an enlightened and homo
rable community would justly pour down
upon him. for his treachcry and attempted de-
siruction Of Mr.. Rives, is too fallacious and
fiimsy 10 deceive any one, and. only proves
ITS want of honesty and sincerity. Mr..
Riichie's just pre,ext was that Mr.. Rives was
opposed TO Mr. Van Buren. Why was he
opposed to Mr.. Van Buren, Because Of his
Incorporating and pernicious prosecution
Of measure in opposition to which Mr..
Richie himself agrees with Mr.. Rives, and
Tor which he ought, in honesty, TO be himself
opposed TO MIR. Van Buren.
What wns the character of that measure as
portrayed by MIR. Ritchie himselfl II in
creased the patronage of the Government,
already loo large for republic. II increased
the powers Of the Executive, combined the
powers of the sword and purse in the same
hand, and was destructive of agriculture and
commerce, those great sources Of national
wealth and intelligence
Mr. Van Buren, avowed his inhcxibility Of
purpose 10 adhere TO this measure until il was
accomplished Mr.. Rives avowed his inflexi-
bic determination to oppose it, and to make
his opposition successful, determined TO OPP
pose Mr.. Van Buren,. Mr. Richie ayowed
his determined purpose also to oppose this
measure, but TO make his opposition eHectual,
he gives in an unqualified adhesion to Mr..
Van Buren, and proclaims war Of exterm-
nation against Mr.. Rives signal proof,
certainly, Of his adherence to "priaciple"
Bah!
But, says Mr.. Richie, this is but single
measure, and being but single measure, and
that involving no constitutional principle, he
cannot think of abandoning this rery republic
can Administration on that account. This
idea off, single measure" is most delusive
and deceptive one, and has done much to de-
ludc and deceive those who have not given to
il deliberate and critical examination 1t is
not the number but the importance and vitality
of the measures that constitute their danger.
One measure may cover more danger than
hundred of a different kind. Suppose il were
proposed so TO amend the constitution as to
create life tenure in the Office Of President
This would be but single measure, yet il
would.in,olve the most dangerous and fatal
consequences TO liberty and free institutions.
So in the case before us, the Sub-trcasury pro-
ject involves the question whether the powers
Of the purse and the sword shall be conlided
to the same hand question of infinite Vi
tality and importance, and which would in
time, if adopted, impart n new and monar-
chical complexion to our institutions.
The fact, that no constitutional principle is
directly involved, does not deiracl a single
iota from the Importance Of the question
because there is more danger to be appre-
hended from the abuses of constitutional
power, than by its open, undisguised and
hagrant violation. Abuses do not so much
arouse the jealousy and watchiulncss of the
people, as hagrant Violations and hence,
from their insidious character, are more like
ly TO be productive Of mischief.
Upon the ground, then that this is but "a
single measure" and involves no conStitu-
tioaal principle,' Mr.. Richie cannot find
even plausible pretcxt to cover his treache-
rous and unprinciped attempts to destroy MIR.
| Rves.
| The domination Of the Enquirer ever pub
lie opinion in Virginia, has been as despotic as
that Of the Au,ocrat Of all the Russas over the
persons Of his serfs, and lis corruping influence
has, TO great extent, poisoned the sources
of public virtue. But we are rejoiced to per-
ccive that the reign Of terror" is drawing TO
close, and ,ha, the deeds of tyranny and
Hood" which have disgraced the reign of the
!" Septembrizems" are about 10 recoi upon
their own heads. The patriotic and enlig ght-
ened sons Of the Old Dominion are about
to break the CALLING yoke of the Junio," as
their fathers did that Of British tyranny, and
reclaim that freedom of opinion, which an
enslaved press has too long shackled The
fountains are rapidly purifying, and will soon
restore the body polite 10 health and sound
| ness.
| II seems that General Crary was not wholly ORR
| ginal either in his plan means Of warfare upon
! General Harrison But his magazine ot ammani-