Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1841-03-11


OF Its operations, as the results that are produ-
ced. The true spirit Of liberty, although de-
voted, presevering, bold and Incorporating
IN principle, that secured, is mild and tolerant
and scrupulous as to the means it employs;
whilst the spirit of party, assuming to be that
ofIiberty, is harsh, vindictive, and intoerant,
and totally reckless as to the character of the
allies which it brings to the aid of its cause.
When the genuine spirit Of liberty animatcs
the body of people to a thorough examina-
tion Of their affairs, it leads to the excision Of
every excrescence which may have fastened
itself upon any Of the Departments of the
Government, and restores the system to its
pristine health and beauty. But the reign of
an intolerant spirit Of party amongst a free
people, seldom tails 10 result in a dangerous
accession to the Executive power introduced
and established amidst unusual professions Of
devotion to democracy.
The foregoing remarks relate almost cxclu-
sivcty to matters connected with our domestic
concerns. 1t may be proper, however, that
should give some indications to my fellow-citi-
gems ofmy proposed course Of conduct in the
management of our foreign relations. as
sure them, therefore. that tits my intention to
use every means in my power to preserve the
friendly intercourse which now so happily
subsists with every foreign nation; and that,
although, of course, not well informed as TO
the state ofany pending negotiations with any
OF Them, see In the personal characters Of the
Sovereigns, as well as in the mutual interest
OF our own and of the Governments with
which our relations are most intimate, plea
sing guaranty that the harmony so important
TO tho interests of their subjects, as we'll as
our citizens, will not be interrupted by the adj
fancement OF any claim, or pretension upon
their part, to which our honor would not per
NIT us to yield. Long the defender of my
counuy's rights in the field, trust that my
,tsiiow-citazens will not see in my earnest de-
sire to preserve peace with foreign Powers a.
ny Indication that their rights will ever be
saerihced' or the honor of the nation tarnish-
90, by any admission on the part Of the Chief
Magistrate, unworthy of their former glory.
In our intercourse with our Aboriginal
nsighbors, tho same liberality and justice,
which marked the course prescribed to me by
two ofmy illustrious predecessors, when ac-
tlAg under their direction in the discharge of
the duties Of Superintendent and Commits
sisner, shall be strictly observed. can con-
eeive Of no more sublime spcctacle-none
more likely to propitiate an impartial and
common Creator, than rigid adherence to
the principles of justice on the part of pow
erful nation in its transactions with weaker
and uncivilized people, whom circumstances
have placed at its disposal.
Before concluding, felow-citizens, I must
cay something to you on the subjec, Of the
parties at this time existing in our country
10 me 1t appears perfectly clear, that the in
tarest OF that country requires that the vo-
ience Of the spirit by which those parties are
at this time governed, must be greatly miti-
gated. II not entirely extingushed, or conse-
quences will ensne which are appalling to be
thought of. If parties in a Republic are ne
cessary to secure degree of vigilance suffi-
cient 10 keep the public functionaries within
the bounds of law and duty, at that point
their usefulness ends. beyond that, they
become destructive Of public virtue, the pa
rents Of a spirit antagonist TO that Of liberty,
and, eventually, its inevitable conqueror.-
We have examples of Republics, where the
love Of country and Of liberty, at one time,
were the dominant passions of the whole
mass OF citizens. And yet, with the contin-
nance Of the name and forms Of free Govern
nent, not a vestige Of these qualities remain
ing In the bosom of any one of its citizens.
II was the beautiful remark OF distinguish
Cd English writer that sin the Roman Sem
a'e' octavius had party, and Anthony
party, but the Commonwealth had none."-
xet the Senate ontinued to meet in the Tenn
Pic OF Liberty, to talk Of the sacredness and
beauty of the Commonwealth, and gaze at
the statues Of the elder Brutus and of the
Curtii and Decii. And the people assembled
In the forum, not us in the days of Camillus
and the SciPios, to cast their free votes for an
nuai Magistrates or pass upon the acts of the
Senate, but to receive from the hands of the
leaders OF the respective parties their share of
the spoils, and 10 shout for one, or the other,
as those collected in Gaul, or Egypt, and the
Lesser Asia, would furnish the larger divi-
dend. The spirit of liberty had fed, and, a.
voiding the abodcs of civilized man, had
sought protection in the wids of Scythia or
Scandinavia and SO, under the operation of
the same causes and influences, it will hv
from our Capitol and our forums. A calami-
fyso awful, not only to our country but to the
world, must be deprecated by every patriot
and every tendency to state Of things likely
TO produce it Immediately checked. Such a
tendency has existed--does exist. ALWAYS
inc friend ofmy countrymen, never their fiat
tersr, 1t becomes my duty to say to them from
this high place to which their partiality has
exalted ME, that there exists in the land
spirit hostile to their best Understandable
to liberty itself. 1t is spirit contracted in
its views, selfish in its object 1t looks to
the ACKNOWLEDGMENT Of few, even to the de-
struction of the interest Of tho whole. The
entire remedy is with the People. Some
thing, however, may be effected by the means
winch they have placed in my hands. 1t is
union that we want, nc. of party for the sake
OF that party, but union of the whole coun-
Try for the sake Of the whole country-for the
defence of its interests and its honor against
foreign aggression, for the defence of those
principles for which our ancestors so rlori-
ousIy contended. As far as 1t depends upon
me, il shall DO accomplished. All the influ-
eHce that possess, shall be exerted to pre-
vent the formation at least Of an Executive
party tn The halls Of the Legislative body.