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Letter to Editor
April 2, 1813
The Enquirer
Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia
What is this article about?
A letter writer opposes forming a political society under George Washington's name, citing his strong denunciation of such self-created groups as improper and dangerous. Suggests instead forming state societies of 'Friends of Union and the Constitution' if needed, to avoid promoting excessive party spirit.
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Full Text
COMMUNICATION
It is somewhat singular that a Society should be formed under the auspices of the name of Washington. Nothing is more certain, than that Washington was opposed to all Self-Created Societies, having any connection with the politics of the Country. His disapprobation of them was expressed before the whole nation, in the strongest terms. In fact, he denounced them as improper and dangerous: and there can be no doubt that this denunciation had, as it ought to have had, considerable effect. The democratic associations have long since ceased to exist. Yet we now see men, availing themselves of the name of Washington, to introduce or rather to renew a practice, which he unequivocally condemned.
I am disposed to adhere to the precepts inculcated by this illustrious man: & I should certainly oppose the establishment of any Society, of a political character, unless circumstances of an imperious nature shall require it. At present such a measure is not conceived to be advisable or necessary: but if Societies are to be established in this Country, let us form one in every state composed of "The Friends of Union and the Constitution." What effect this plan may produce, is submitted to the consideration of the members of the association above noticed.
The reason why I am opposed to the creation of any political society, is, that its inevitable tendency is to promote party spirit: a spirit already carried to an excess, not less injurious than disgraceful to this country.
A. B.
It is somewhat singular that a Society should be formed under the auspices of the name of Washington. Nothing is more certain, than that Washington was opposed to all Self-Created Societies, having any connection with the politics of the Country. His disapprobation of them was expressed before the whole nation, in the strongest terms. In fact, he denounced them as improper and dangerous: and there can be no doubt that this denunciation had, as it ought to have had, considerable effect. The democratic associations have long since ceased to exist. Yet we now see men, availing themselves of the name of Washington, to introduce or rather to renew a practice, which he unequivocally condemned.
I am disposed to adhere to the precepts inculcated by this illustrious man: & I should certainly oppose the establishment of any Society, of a political character, unless circumstances of an imperious nature shall require it. At present such a measure is not conceived to be advisable or necessary: but if Societies are to be established in this Country, let us form one in every state composed of "The Friends of Union and the Constitution." What effect this plan may produce, is submitted to the consideration of the members of the association above noticed.
The reason why I am opposed to the creation of any political society, is, that its inevitable tendency is to promote party spirit: a spirit already carried to an excess, not less injurious than disgraceful to this country.
A. B.
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Political
Reflective
What themes does it cover?
Politics
Constitutional Rights
What keywords are associated?
Washington Society
Political Societies
Party Spirit
Union Constitution
Self Created Societies
What entities or persons were involved?
A. B.
Letter to Editor Details
Author
A. B.
Main Argument
opposes forming a political society under washington's name due to his denunciation of self-created political groups; suggests state-based 'friends of union and the constitution' societies if necessary, to avoid exacerbating party spirit.
Notable Details
Washington's Denunciation Of Self Created Societies
Democratic Associations Ceased To Exist
Promotes Party Spirit As Injurious