The Enquirer

Citizen Cheetham seems rapidly improving in the honorable career of defamation and intrigue, which he has lately trod. Mark the low artifice & unblushing effrontery of the following tale! This man has boldly and unblushingly asserted, that "the state of New-York is an eye-sore at the South; that certain men of Virginia tremble for their ascendancy: that already is New-York divided into two states upon paper: that in Mr. Madison's desk it is now divided; and that if the leading men in Virginia can succeed in this pernicious scheme, N. York will be reduced in her consequence, and Virginia dominion be established forever." Has this miserable calumniator forgotten, that it is really the interest of Virginia to prevent, instead of promoting the division of states; because in proportion as you increase the number of states, you decrease the weight of her influence in the Senate of the United States? Does he not perceive, that his miserable tale proves too much; for instead of confining the principle of division to New-York alone; Mr. Madison should on the same principle equally extend his views to the other great states of the Union, particularly to, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania? But where is Cheetham's proof of these other projects? or rather where is his proof of the specific charge, which he has dared to urge? Not one tittle has he produced—It is impossible, that the gallant and venerable Clinton can countenance the tales of such a man!