Alexandria Daily Gazette, Commercial & Political

COMMUNICATION

It is laudable for the members of a political party, to keep up that due decorum of principle, which will not be a disgrace to them, although they may be overwhelmed for a season by superior numbers. This, I think would have been the proper line of conduct to have been pursued by the federal editors in relation to the conduct of the Executive, in dismissing Mr. Smith. Certainly, as freemen, they have a right to say what they please on the subject. But at the same time, taking an active part with any democratic faction is derogatory to the character of a lover of his country. It shows a desire to contend about trifles, or the choice of evils, and can be of no real benefit to the cause of federalism and civil liberty. What matters it to us which of the factions are in or out of office, since none of them have any other view than to keep their stations, or, if possible, to rise higher? By letting them run on in their expositions, they will unfold matters that may damn both sides: and convince the people that they have been following a Jack-o-lantern, which has deluded them with the hopes of being safely guided, till finally it left them in the ditch. It is certainly no harm to laugh at the folly of the combatants; but to be seriously concerned for either of their fates, is putting yourself on a level with them, and is imprudent in a man that has either respect for himself or his party.

It had been frequently suggested by intelligent men of the federal party, that should Mr. Madison discard Mr. Smith and appoint Mr. Monroe, it would have the effect of conciliating both parties: but it seems they had not rightly calculated the weight of influence which this molten image possessed on account of his family connections; for he pulled down with him, not only the scum of the democrats, but (I am sorry to say) a number of well meaning federalists, who have felt a sympathetic indignation on perusing his statements, as though the facts they developed were any way surprising in democratic cabinets. There is a time in store when the eyes of the people will be open, and federalism rise triumphant on the ruins of this democratic Babel, which has served as a stumbling block to the credulous: but till this time arrives, let us content ourselves with being mere spectators of the folly of our stupid rulers, without taking an active part in their contentions.

NESTOR.