Alexandria Daily Advertiser

From the Federal Gazette

PARTY POLITICS

It is the opinion of many judicious men, many enlightened federalists, that the best interests in America can be most surely promoted by permitting for a time the rule of our former calumniators. Federalism, rightly considered, is bad was, true Americanism; a principle congenial and common to the bosoms of our right citizens, before the bickerings of party were known.

This is in opposition to the system and efforts of federalism, when in active operation; not, that wild theorists and imaginary patriots are formidable: it is they have themselves no system; let alone they devour each other, and would ultimately and at no distant day, have opened the eyes of the people, and ensured the safety of the commonwealth. The common sentiment and wish of sober patriotism will advise, to give them the rope!

We beg leave here to introduce Mr. Cheetham, a most valiant Knight, and right worthy leader of the disjointed empire of democracy:

From the American Citizen.

It is intimated in the Evening Post of Saturday, possibly without intending the intimation, that I support governor Clinton because he has been my benefactor. —

This is an error. I never received from governor Clinton, directly or indirectly, either a personal or a political favor. I support him in opposition to Mr. Madison,

Because Mr. Madison is a trimmer.

Because in politics he is more of a quid than any thing else.

Because (and this is matter of the utmost moment with me) he is radically and incurably opposed to commerce.

Because, although an excellent secretary of state, I think him incompetent to a faithful and able discharge of the duties of president.

Because he has and cherishes a highly commendable predilection for a dangerous foreign nation.

Because he is opposed to defence against the inroads of foreign powers.

Because, in one word, he is an advocate for untried theory in opposition to tried practice.

On the other hand, I consider the Clintons absolute criteria of correct sound & wholesome republicanism.

The services which governor Clinton has rendered to his country are, in my opinion, greater than those of any other man living.

His attachment to and defence of republican principles have been long, and without a parallel, uniform.

His ability for the presidency (for to theory he unites practice) is unquestionable.

As the second officer in the general government, we all looked to him as the person designated by public opinion, and pointed out by customary order to fill the seat.

Yet, by a system of downright political swindling; an attempt is now made to disappoint public expectation, and pervert the natural order of things.

In this attempt (the caucus domination) we see nothing but base ingratitude; (that ruin of republics) criminal ambition; grovelling selfishness; and, in one word, most unprincipled intrigue.

For these, and many other reasons, which there is yet time enough to assign,

I am opposed to the election of Mr. Madison, and in favor of the election of governor Clinton.

Yet, if governor Clinton and his friends had showered down bounties upon me,

however favorably I may think of Mr. Madison. I hope that I could not be so ingrate as to oppose them. I might be neutral, but I could not be ungrateful. If in society there be a wretch on whom bounties have been so lavished; if this wretch be ungrateful, and if it be possible for such a miscreant to feel, his own mind must be his greatest calamity.