National Gazette

From the American Daily Advertiser of November 27.

The late discussion of the political principles of the two candidates for the Vice Presidency, has presented a view of the subject extremely interesting to the public. For some time past, great pains have been taken to revive the exploded names of federalist and antifederal, and turn them at the present crisis into signals for electioneering purposes. The artifice has not, in some instances been without success; tho' not in the degree expected. At length it bids fair to recoil on the authors with a force as great as it was unforeseen. I am, Sir, if the term must still be used, a federalist; I wish the constitution to be supported as the palladium of liberty and order, and for that very reason, as well as others, I think, on a full view of the case, Mr. Adams, less fit to receive the suffrage of the people, than Governor Clinton. Although Governor Clinton's theory of national government, may not have squared exactly with the constitution; yet no man of candor can deny that on a fair comparison, it differs much less than the theory of Mr. Adams, which embraces principles alien to the essential principles of the constitution—As a friend to the constitution, as a federalist, therefore, I am compelled to prefer Governor Clinton to Mr. Adams. Governor Clinton is universally held to be a sound and uniform republican. Mr. Adams is a zealous, active, persevering advocate for a limited monarchy. As a republican, therefore, I cannot withhold my preference of Governor Clinton to Mr. Adams. The sentiments of Governor Clinton, in relation to the spirit, in which government ought to be administered, are agreeable to those of the people at large. The complexion of Mr. Adams's politics suits those of a particular class only. As a friend, therefore, to a faithful representation of the public sentiment in every department of the government, my preference must not be given to Mr. Adams, but to Governor Clinton. Whatever diversity of speculation may have been afloat, at the adoption of the constitution, respecting its energy and operation, it is evidenced by trial to contain a principle of self continuation sufficiently vigorous to make its most ardent friends easy on that head. It is a truth held up to the political observer, by universal experience, that the tendency of all efficient governments, is rather towards a growth than a decay of its powers. This important lesson has, as is plain to the candid and well informed, received as much confirmation from the history of our own experience, as the shortness of the time can afford. As an enemy therefore to dangerous innovations of all sorts, I must reject Mr. Adams, whose whole bias is on the side of the most probable danger. Among the possible dangers to be apprehended, may be numbered the dreadful consequence of some sudden violent shock, to the principles and feelings of the great body of the people. I, looking for such a danger it can be discovered no where, but in the enterprising views of those who think mankind cannot govern themselves, and who wish by an artificial process to bring in ultimately, hereditary distinctions and orders. If there be such a party in the United States, as seems generally agreed, the danger to be feared from it, must be increased by the political doctrines of Mr. Adams, and in proportion to the pretended countenance, given thereto by his political elevation. As a friend to the public stability and tranquility, therefore I must adhere to my opinion that Governor Clinton, rather than Mr. Adams ought to be preferred to the Vice Presidency of the United States.

A Republican Federalist?