Alexandria Gazette, Commercial And Political

ALEXANDRIA.
FRIDAY, MARCH 7.
VIRGINIA ELECTIONS.

Since the nomination of the two candidates for Congress in the neighbouring district, we have purposely abstained from all comments on the subject of the election, under an impression that discussions relating to an event so remote, would excite but little interest, and of course, could be productive of but little good. The near approach, however, of that period, when the individual and political merits of the opposing candidates are to be laid before the people, requires an abandonment of the silence we have hitherto steadfastly maintained. And we accordingly announce our intention of occasionally devoting a portion of our paper to such discussions, as will, we hope, without producing an undue excitement, enable the people to decide, on correct principles, the important question to be submitted to them in the month of April.

We cannot but lament the necessity of engaging, at this time, in such a contest. The rage of party has long since subsided. Its spirit still slumbers, and we are unwilling to disturb its repose. We had fondly anticipated the arrival of that day; nay, had almost thought it already arrived, when the question in relation to candidates for office, would be--not, is he a federalist? is he a democrat? but, (in the language of Mr. Jefferson) is he capable? is he honest?

Such a condition of things would insure both to our state and national legislatures, a very different representation from what we have long been accustomed to. The best men, and not the most violent partisans would then be selected. And really we know no reason why this should not be the case at present. Demagogues may object to it, because it is to their interest that the country should be kept in a state of unnatural fermentation. But we ask any honest man to point to one single principle, on which the parties are fairly at issue, at the present day. The funding system, the bank, the navy, internal taxes, standing armies in time of peace, and a liberal construction of the constitution in relation to the powers of the general government, formerly subjects of division, and themes of violent and indiscriminate abuse, are favorite doctrines of the present day. The subject of impressment too, has been viewed nearly in the same light by every administration; and although brought in collaterally as a cause of the late war, the state in which it is now left, satisfies us, that there is, in relation to it, no irreconcilable difference of opinion between the two parties.

As to the weapons with which they have fought, and the manner in which they have been used, we see but little cause of congratulation to either party. The proceedings of both have been occasionally characterised by violence: and we know of no better mode, by which they can avoid their own degradation, & the debasement of their country, than to bury the subject in eternal oblivion.

For ourselves, we feel no hesitation in expressing the opinion, that if Mr. Monroe perseveres in maintaining those principles, on which the more liberal and high-minded of his party have acted for the last twelve or eighteen months, he must look for opposition to his administration, to some other source, than the Federal party. We have no idea of opposing for the sake of opposition, and still less for the sake of names.

We have said thus much, to satisfy our readers of every description, that unless driven from our ground, we are not disposed to consider the approaching contest in Virginia as, at all,
question of party. On the contrary, we are prepared to advocate the election, both to the State and National Legislatures, of those men, no matter whether federalists or democrats, whom we consider best calculated to promote the interests of our country. And if met with the same spirit here and elsewhere, we anticipate the happiest results, in relation both to its character and its permanent prosperity.