Martinsburg Gazette And Public Advertiser

From the Georgetown Columbian Gazette.

The Richmond Enquirer is evidently in a trepidation for fear of the consequences which may result to "the Republican party" from any expression of a difference of opinion or views between some of its loving members, as to the candidate of "the party" or the next Presidency. The Enquirer ventures some sage advice to its co-adjutors to reserve their ire and their ammunition for their opponents, who will, according to its apprehensions, give them an abundant field to test their skill. Mr. Clay is the great bug bear of the Combination, and whenever there is the least symptom of oppugnation among the improved presses, he is held up to them, as nurses do to children some fancied hideous object, to frighten them into quietness and obedience. There is no question that Mr. Clay will unite all their shafts of envy, hatred and uncharitableness upon his devoted head, but he defies the shock and will withstand them all.

The Enquirer steps forth as a veteran Counsellor—

"An older, if not a better soldier."

and cautions the Editors of the Telegraph and New York Courier, in an article of a column and a third, to cease their strife; it is headed "The Next Presidency." and commences with—"We have taken some interest in several articles in the public prints, upon this subject." Who doubts it? the subject is of vital interest to "the party." Again—"We may be assured of it, the Opposition Papers will blow the flame as much as possible. It is theirs to produce discord—(i. e. the Opposition have produced the discord between the Telegraph and the Courier) It is the duty and the interest of the country, to keep the peace, preserve harmony among the friends of the Administration, (a difficult task) reform the abuses of the Coalition. (by committing much greater abuses) and restore the principles of the Constitution"—(the lost rights of the States, which Mr. Van Buren has been travelling in search of.)

"We feel very little hesitation in believing (wonderful credulity) that the Courier and the Telegraph, are aiming at the same object; that they both see the necessity (mark the word!) of rallying together, against Messrs. Clay, (aye! there's the rub) Webster, Barton, Chilton & Co." This is a new firm, or rather the firm has had an addition to its numbers. "With these impressions, we confess it is with some regret that we see the tone which these papers seem disposed to employ towards each other. We can see no possible good (to the party) to come from it. And we ask them frankly and respectfully, (and imploringly) why should they continue it? (The Enquirer has forgotten the homely old adage—'when rogues fall out, honest men come by their own.' They may depend upon it, that their mutual enemies will soon give them employment enough.)" We have heretofore taken occasion to deprecate the practice of styling men, citizens of the same country and living under the same government, enemies for a mere difference of opinion; but according to the Jackson school of ethics and proscription, a mere difference of opinion is amply sufficient to constitute ground of enmity. "Since they will have it so, let them enjoy the fruits of their own labors; in our estimation, those are enemies who injure the interests of our country, whether they be citizens or foreigners, but men are not enemies, nor should they be called so, because they cannot agree upon points of national policy. To proceed with our quotations:—"Will they (the Courier and Telegraph) excuse us for saying, that the only effect of such disputes can be, to give new hopes to the Opposition. We feel not the slightest disposition to criticise these articles;" (for fear of increasing the flame.)—"It is too early to talk of a successor to Andrew Jackson." Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.' " (We think the evil of the present day has already been sufficient, without a further trial of three, much less seven, years. "The friends of Mr. Clay are very anxious to consider him as hors de combat; (excuse us, we have no such intention) but the decision is not with them, but the great mass of the People." (True, and to them we are willing to submit it.)

Throughout the whole article in the Enquirer there is an apprehension, which cannot be concealed, of a division in the ranks of the exclusive Republicans,—an earnest supplication to all the friends of the present Administration to hush their feuds and unite all their energies in support of the candidate of "the party," whoever he may be,—and an unwilling yet unavoidable conviction, that neither Mr. Van Buren or Mr. Calhoun has the remotest chance of success in opposition to Mr. Clay. For ourselves, we firmly believe that the friends of neither Mr. C. or Mr. V. will agree to postpone the claims of their candidate until after a second term of Gen. Jackson: the chances are too remote and problematical; the contingencies too uncertain. We are for an open, undisguised, manly and honorable contest, and as far as the candidates have yet been named, we will say

HENRY CLAY against the field.