The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1825-11-03
LYNCHBURG. NOVEMBER 3, 1898.
NEXT PRESIDENT


to which the too ehrly discussion of the
prrtensions of the candidates Tor the Pro-
sidency IN the late election, led, II seems
that we are likely to be- subjected 10 Inc
same evil in the ensuing contest and, If
past experience he ans guide by which Ia
form our opinions, "e may reasonably
presume thai ii viii he perpetuated ad an
fnif,im. The legislature of Tennessee,
with devotion 10 Gen. Jackson, almost
unparalleled in political annals, has an
nounced that eminent Individual, as the
competitor of Mr.. Adams, nearly four
years hence, ere the heat Of the late con-
test has subsidized, and the incumbent been
we'll seated in his chair Mr.. Adams may
appositely address these sapient ie3isia
tors, IN the lang agr Of Shakespeare -
Is the chair empty? Is the sword I'M
sway'd
Is The Ruler dead the Empire unpos-
sess'd :"
fit be not so. why this anxiety to pro-
vide his successor Ii seems To be a SIN
guIar and ill-timed movement, to say the
best of it--one which ne might have ex-
pected from the misguided zeal of a parti,
Fan but sorciy not such an one rs we
ought to expect 10 find among the pro-
ceedng- ola legislative body. If, indeed,
IT answered any good purpose thus early
To announce candidates for an office which
has Just been filled, the legislature of Ten
nessee might ind an apology for its con-
duct in lis desire To and the cause Of its ia
vs,ite. But, when il is recollectcd that
Gen. jackson WAS a candidate at the re
cent electi0n--that his pretensions were
almost lntenperaiely urged, and his qnalif-
cations openly aud faidy canyassed, it can
not be expected, by even the most heated
zealot, that any acw stroke of policy will
allay the opposition Of his political oppo-
nrots, or that his friends Will be able To add
new force 10 his claims. 1t may, indeed,
be said that, without this formal nominal
ton, it would never have been known until
II was too late for hi- friends to adopt con-
certed measures, that he would be "A candi-
date al all, and that the battle might have
been lost by delaying To sound the tocsin
dy knows that the nomination Of a State
legislature, particularly when, as in the
present case, il is Known to be devoted
with all the superstition of idolatry, 70 a
particular individual. ill not have airy ,eyrn
the slightest influence with the people. -
II is mere farce, and every attempt ut i'm
italion should be secuted Ivy an Intelligent
public. The Practice of lie, islllive nom
nations originated during the pendency of
tie late contest. and although II was adnp-
ted, with seeming appreciation, by several
3tntcs. all men of sober reflection admit
that il is useless and absurd. aud therefore
-" more ho"ored IN the breach than in the
observance
There is one thing, however, of some
importance, which 10 the midst of its mum.
mrries, we are glad to find that the Trnnrs
see legislature had time to attend to. We
are douhly pleased that the measure to
which we allnde has the sanction of Gen.
Jackson's recommendation 8; for we are "a
ware that this viii be n stronger argument
with many than the intrinsic importance Of
the subject itself, or even the utlity of the
proposed change. 1t is proposed to dea
pri'e the House of Representatives M
what Is ap,ly termed the " lGst reSoF6' 'dme
future Presidential elections, and so t02
simplify the manner of the election, tlfat
the people may not only understand but
feel II. These are deSideratg which every
man mnst feel the importance of, and to
accomplish which every one will lend his
countenance and his aid. That elections
of President are condccted with too little
reference to the people is fact which can
not be denied. They do not feel that in
terest in ii which they ought, because they
ale MT sufficiently acquainted with its
great object. However imputable this
may be TO ignorance, yet there is a way to
enlIshien this ignorance, and it is the duty
of frse government to do it. Upon a
subsequent occasion, il is our intention
feeble as our Efforts may be, to state fully
the reflections which attentive if not dis.
reflection upon the events of
The late election have suggested. To day, we
refer the reader To Gen. Jackson's letter.
Que or two hints which he throws out,
narIIc LIl..ELx lh.,t ,,LI.L ...I..