Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-12-23
R6eDseEea.D GxStsM
LEGISLATIVE CAucUs-NOMINATIO
OF VICE PRESIDENT

subject highly important at all times,
put peculiarly at this, from the various
subjects of deep and controlling magnitude, which
themselves with il.
That on this occasion, no felt himself ut liberty |
express the opinions OF those whom lie represent
ed, and claimed that their voice should be heard
this subject. That it was known 20 all-cven the |
most casual observer, fiat Jacksouism had COM |
mcnced its operations and began its march in the
State Of Virginia, in the most remote OF
our territory.
That the extreme South Western County of this
State, tho first III which there was u pub,ic
manifestation of resolution 10 sustain The prcten
sions of General Jackson to tho Presidency.
That the Same sentiment early and deeply
folt in tho county which ho represented. That
these aud the surrounding counties, which eons,i-
tute that wedge which forces itself between North
Carolina and Kentucky, to the border of Tonnes
soc, was that portion of tho State which 6rst es-
poused his cause; and that the Of public opin
lon in his favour. at that time rolling and for
cling itself from tho remote parts Of the Common
wealth, upon tho Capital, until those who wcro at
that time Gen. Jackson's NEST decisive opponents
have now become his warmest supporters. That
tho sentiment not to DO resisted and therefore,
had been cheerfully acIuiosccd in. That tho gentle
man who had boon his (Nr. Prcston's) predecessor
was one of two only, who had refused TO 20 into
caucus in the ysnr 1924, for the nomination of
William I'll. Crawford, representing as no then pro-
Perly did, people whom ho knew to be in favor of
tho election of Androw Jackson. That he was con-
seious that this ontiro meeting in favour OF his
nomination en- President and that tho proposition
DO protrnct tho final decision of this matter, was
from no apprehension on that score.
Ii however, (hs remarkcd,l this procrastinatio
Il intended for tho purpose OF awaiting tho nomi.
nstion of candidate for tho office of Vice Prcsi-
don't, from Tariff State, or with Tariff prnciples,
or any other individual not in all his life and all his
opnions devoted to Southern principles, and strict
and rigid constructions of tho Federal Compact
his mind was unalterably mado up to resist such
nomination That hc should resist n drill which
proposed 20 carry matters beyond that ront That
no could not and would not sustain n Vice Prcs-
cent W no was in favor of the Tariff, OF an Exche-
quer Bank and Distribution of tho Public Rove
That no was opposed 10 management and po
iItical intrigue. That lie ready for action and
would not await the lead of others. That his mind
on the subject OF the Vice Presidency was made up
MI. MILLER said, when he presented the resolu
lions. he had not thought OF the Vice President
ITO oisciamed the intention of procras,iuntng tho
nomination OF ono with any view such the gen
teman had minated. He as much opposed
as he to the Furiil-to the distribution of the sur
plus Rcvenuc-and no would go farther, and say
that he felt an equal Willingness start the same
individual for tho Vice Presidcncy-a ncir5or (said
MT. M of yours, Mr.. Chairman [P. p Barbour
Esq. was known 10 he the individual referred to-
ana Nlr. Nlllcrs annunciation greeted bv tho
word agreed" from number of voicosl Ii was
not MS habit TO manOuvrc; his object in postpon
ing tho nomination was 10 act advsedIy
MIR. OrfD. OF tho Senate, said he had never I'M
oerstood the torn manGuvrc. He had come here
tor tho purpose of assisting in the election of Gen
dackson-upon this question he trusted all present
were IN unison-nnd no could say, with the contle-
man from Powhatan that he had never thought of
u'e VICE PRESIDENT. SO help him Cod no had me-
yer once entered his head.
The resolutions (the purport of which VIC hovc
already stately were then passed with single dis
senting voice.
Mr.. PENDLEroH suggested tho proprioty of nomi.
mating Andrew Jackson for the Presidency: but
alter some conversation between him and Mcssrs
H1'iier and Opie, the purpose was relinquishcd as
superfiuous.
Mr.. GooDE, of Mocklcnburg, sad, he though:
there would have been action at the meeting on
the subject of the Vice Presidency. Ideas had
been suggested to his mind, which lie thought en-
titled to consideration. Like the gentleman from
montgomery, (Mr. Prcston) he thought Virginia
entltlcd to some Differences in the choice of that
ofhcer. Ut WAS not for him to nominate n Vice Pre-
sident, or insist upon nomination, but he did say,
he would be choice in his selection. He would os-
chcw Tor that office, any citizen in favor of distri
butIng the Surplus Revenue, in favor of the Tariff
or OF tho Government Bank In order to procure
such Vice President, Virginia ought 10 take
bold stand to throw herself before The Union and
claim the prominence to which her services and
her attachment to principle, entitled her. We
ought to sustain citizen of our for the Vice
Presidency, and OF our own principles. He had
Decn regarded as too hasty-as submitting too ma.
ny propositions IN Limine- We impcrfcctly hea I'd
the remainder of the sentences, but we understood
Mr. G. to say, that his propositions underwent the
investigation of his mind, and the approval of his
judgment, before their submission.l ETc could moi
but ask what favorable result could be anticipated
tor virginia principles, if awaited the lead OF
others-of Pennsylvania who ouid ofIor no citizen
tor whom Virginia could vote, without abandon.
ing her Sroundl Were to BIO bound hand and
loot until Pennsylvania movod7 Wore Vrgniass
10 be told for whom they to voter We would
ecl Ter ourselves, and as VirCinans ght TO act
lie submitted, IT we did not owe it TO the melting
to NI!ginia-to her character-that, independent
otthe question ofmen, should recommend such
citizen Tor Vice President she could vote for
consistently; to announce openly, that NO would
support none but a man of our principles. Was
thereany reason for not doing so2 Would it impair
Con Jacksons prospects, of success2 Was not overv
ono IN the meeting convinced oftho certainty of his
success, and that j; not to he cloSged by any
disposition of the nomination for tho Vice Pres-
dency7 He will DO elected-and the sole question
Svas for whom nc should vote Vice President7-
If wo waited for others, acceptable candidate
might be prcsented-a man might be advanced TO
the office whose opinions did not conform to ours
We might lose every thing Except the Prcsidcnt)
by delay; by not claiming what wo wero entitled
TO, and putting in the claim instdntcr.
MIR. WTcHzR said the views of the gentleman
from Meckicnburg, bad struck MIN with much
3orce-they those which he had brought into
the ineetDg-and in order 10 tost the sense of the
meeting, he moved now TO proceed to the nomina-
zion Of Vice President.
MIR. BRoBDs&X rose to say, that he could not
support Euch proposition. We had not yet even
nominated President, ard vcro We 10 proceed 10
che nominating of Y. President We hud not
come here for the purpose Of nominating either n
President or Vice President. This meeting had
two objects only; the first was 20 6x upon some !
future day for rc-asseuibling and forming on Flee
toral Ticket; for, should have wait uatii Con