The Rhode Island Republican

From the Norfolk (Va.) Herald:

We should be glad to see the presidential contest conducted with more regard to common honesty and the rules of decency; but it appears that these considerations are mere stumbling blocks, and he who can overleap them the most adroitly thinks himself the cleverest fellow. This remark is more particularly applicable to a worthy citizen of Tennessee, who occupies upwards of three columns of the Richmond Enquirer to exhibit Mr. Adams as a traitor to his country--Devil--a vile miscreant whom every honest republican ought to trample and spit upon! Yet the same Mr. A. thus shamefully vilified and outraged by his worthy citizen of Tennessee, has been for sixteen years the confidential friend of those pure enlightened patriots, Madison and Monroe, and has been upwards of 50 years an able and trusty servant of the Republic. Comment would be superfluous.

Nothing has so much contributed to Mr. Adams' popularity with honorable men, as his careful and studied avoidance of all participation in the Presidential management which has distinguished some of the other candidates--Mr. Adams seems anxious to leave the people to a free, unbiassed choice. His conduct is in strict accordance with the republican principles which he professes. Pursuing as he does, "the even tenor of his way" disdaining to manage or intrigue for an office which is neither to be "sought for, or refused," it is natural that he should unite in his support, all the patriots and independent men of the nation. In vain we but admire the man, who, amid all the intrigues and corruptions of a great presidential contest, holds himself entirely aloof from its pollutions? Mr. Adams, to obtain the first office in the union, will neither compromise his principles as a citizen, nor his independence as a statesman. His strength is in the people. with whom worth & ability will pass in their intrinsic value. The freemen of these states are deeply penetrated with a sense of John Quincy Adams' virtues and talents ; and in committing to him the executive protections of their liberties, his whole life is a pledge that they will be regarded as sacredly as the immutable principles of truth and justice.

Rochester (N.Y.) Telegraph.