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Editorial
November 8, 1822
The Alexandria Herald
Alexandria, Virginia
What is this article about?
Reprint of a letter from Thomas Jefferson to Samuel M. McKay, dated September 5, 1822, expressing his views on political parties as generally salutary checks on each other but dangerous when they foster personal antipathies over national interest. Originally from the Pittsfield (Mass.) Sun.
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OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
From the Pittsfield (Mass.) Sun.
Mr. Jefferson's opinion of Parties.
A gentleman of this town forwarded to Mr. Jefferson, a short time since, from the high respect which he entertained for his character and eminent public services, one of Maj. McKay's orations, delivered in this place on the 4th of July last, without expecting any notice of its reception by him. Contrary to his expectation, however he received, a few days since, the following complimentary letter thereon, a copy of which we have obtained for publication :—
Monticello Sept. 5, 1822.
I thank you, sir, for the copy of your oration of the 4th of July, which you have been so kind as to send me, and I have noticed with satisfaction the observations on political parties. That such do exist in every country, and that in every free country, they will make themselves heard is a truth of all times. I believe their existence to be salutary, inasmuch as they act as censors on each other, and keep the principles and practice of each constantly at the bar of public opinion. It is only when they give to party principles a predominance over the love of country, when they degenerate into personal antipathies, and effect the intercourse of society and friendship, or the justice due to honest opinion, that they become vicious and baneful to the general happiness and good. We have seen such days. May we hope never to see such again! Accept the assurance of my respect.
THOMAS JEFFERSON.
Mr. Samuel M. McKay.
Mr. Jefferson's opinion of Parties.
A gentleman of this town forwarded to Mr. Jefferson, a short time since, from the high respect which he entertained for his character and eminent public services, one of Maj. McKay's orations, delivered in this place on the 4th of July last, without expecting any notice of its reception by him. Contrary to his expectation, however he received, a few days since, the following complimentary letter thereon, a copy of which we have obtained for publication :—
Monticello Sept. 5, 1822.
I thank you, sir, for the copy of your oration of the 4th of July, which you have been so kind as to send me, and I have noticed with satisfaction the observations on political parties. That such do exist in every country, and that in every free country, they will make themselves heard is a truth of all times. I believe their existence to be salutary, inasmuch as they act as censors on each other, and keep the principles and practice of each constantly at the bar of public opinion. It is only when they give to party principles a predominance over the love of country, when they degenerate into personal antipathies, and effect the intercourse of society and friendship, or the justice due to honest opinion, that they become vicious and baneful to the general happiness and good. We have seen such days. May we hope never to see such again! Accept the assurance of my respect.
THOMAS JEFFERSON.
Mr. Samuel M. McKay.
What sub-type of article is it?
Partisan Politics
What keywords are associated?
Political Parties
Thomas Jefferson
Party Principles
Public Opinion
Personal Antipathies
What entities or persons were involved?
Thomas Jefferson
Samuel M. Mckay
Pittsfield Sun
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Thomas Jefferson's Opinion On Political Parties
Stance / Tone
Balanced View: Parties Are Salutary But Can Become Vicious
Key Figures
Thomas Jefferson
Samuel M. Mckay
Pittsfield Sun
Key Arguments
Political Parties Exist In Every Country And Are Heard In Free Nations.
Parties Act As Censors On Each Other, Keeping Principles At Public Opinion's Bar.
Parties Become Vicious When Prioritizing Party Over Country, Fostering Personal Antipathies.
They Harm Society, Friendship, And Justice To Honest Opinion.
We Have Seen Such Bad Days; May We Not See Them Again.