more extensive than a single county in many other States, and the
intercourse of the inhabitants of the various parts with each other is
such that no evil can exist in our present mode of elections--But there
are serious and weighty objections against District elections.

1. Such elections open wide the door for intrigue.--As this door,
already too widely extended, the most alarming mischiefs enter--
mischiefs which sap the foundations of an elective government by
corrupting the minds of the freemen and this converting an election
ground into a theatre on which is displayed the most vile and
demoralizing practices. Let the reader satisfy himself as to the truth
of this observation by examining the history of an election in the
Southern States, where this mode alone is adopted. Let him learn that
they candidates for office and his host of dependents and tools, are
employed for weeks before and on the days of election, in the most
infamous intrigues, and that falsehood and bribery are so much in
fashion, and are so universally resorted to, that success invariably
attends the most impudent and the most profligate, while the man of
modesty and virtue, though possessing the fairest claims to promotion,
is abashed, confounded and overwhelmed.

2ndly. The candidate when elected becomes the creature of the district
and not the ruler of a State--He is and must be devoted to the interest
of that portion of the community which has elected him, and their views
and schemes must be patronized though they oppose the welfare of the
whole.

3rdly. Such elections do not secure the best talents. If talents and
worth are of consideration, surely they should be at the command of the
public. It is of no moment where a man dwells, but it is of immense