Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-03-23

venuon-whish meeting was attended by Mr.. Van
Barren, who addressed it at considerable length,
avowing himself to be a friend OF the Tarf; and
actually expressing his SURPRISE that it should have
been brought into question; as it was known that
no was personally aud extensively Interested in
sustaining the Tariff policy. Sir, that have
any thing to hope from him on the subject of the
Taritf-great and vital as that question is-hs
friends do not even pretend to affirm.
Mr.. Van Buren, is Justly responsible Tor the pro-
ect for tho distribution of the Sur plus Revenue.
have heard this evening for the very first time that
he was not the protector of that scheme. IL is the
first time ever heard it questioned. yet believe
him to have been the author of this device to al
lure the Statcs-the large States greatly involved
in debt. IL is most tempting lurc-and that lie is
| the author have but little doubt.--Where Sir, IS
tho redccming trait in his character? Where is
the solitary nc! of his life which challenges the
gratitude or the admiration Of the American Poo
pic! Where is that identity offeeing-where that
coincidence of vicws-whch entities him to our
especial confidence and support He cannot COM
mand unqualified faith, upon tho subject OF
Internal improvements. He is uncquirocdtty a
gainst us the Tarf-a very unusual attitude for
him to assumo--and through his agency, we arc
threatened with the distribution of tho Surplus Re-
venue.
But wo arc told he is opposed to the u. States
Bank. Has he furnished any evidence of his will
ngncss to destroy that institution, except by the
substitution OF another monster, far more hdeo us
If the United States Bank be destroyed, it is pro-
posed to substitute the EXchequer Bank--and great
may be objections to the present Bank, and
just is opposition to the renewal of its char
ter VIC must entertain objections yet more strong,
and cherish an opposition yet more violent to the
creation of Exchequer Bank-confding to tho
Federal Executive, the entire control, of the en-
tire circulating medium of tho nation.-Add to the
present power and patronage of the Government,
the power and patronage of such a Bank, blend
ham. tod h., NJ,
authority which nothing resist; he will hold at
his mercy, our virtues, and our liberties. But the
practice has here obtained, of screening MIR. Van
Buren, from tho odium and responsibility of these
Objectionable measures, by interposing the name
OF our venerated President. Gentlemen throw up
on the President all VIII CHI is hateful disgusting;
all which they cannot undertake to defend. But
IT there DO any thing glorious i'll his career, Mr.
Van Buren, is admitted to his full share OF the Gre
dit. And this is the only acceptable or admissible
evidence of deuotion to the Prssidcnt-Sir should
regard such conduct as very equvocal earnest
of regard for tho President; suspicious evil
dence of solicitude for his lasting fame Sir, it
has been insisted that many charges have been
urged against MIR. Van Buren,, in the absence of all
positive proof. have relied objections to the
private character of that genteman-but may be
allowed to suggest that, TO suspect politician, is
to condemn him. Men have u right TO be fastidi-
Gus in the selection of their Representatives, in
the selection OF their wives; to suspect either is
fatal objection. When we hold our county elect
ions, IT candidate of prominence be suspect
ed, do we nevertheless give him confidence and
await the positive proof of gut?-No Sir, we
withhold our confidence, and our Suffrage, until he
shall establish his innocence, and tho purity of his
character.
Can Mr. Van Buren,, his friends, complain if
we observe towards him the same line of conduct?
But, sir told that we must consult the wish
es OF the Republican party-and to accomplish
that, we recommended to pursue a policy
confident m
ton of Mr. Van Buren,. We must forego the
claims OF our favourite, and tho acknowledged ia.
Yourlte of our constituents. Sir, with what grace
can this request be preferred! Have we been
encouraged in this noble dsintcrestcdness, by the
generous example of Mr. Van Buren,? When did
he sacrifice his ACKNOWLEDGMENT to sustain
the integrity of the Republican Party? Sir, in
the darkest hour of the Republican the day Of
our greatest peril-when we were exposed to the
hazard of war-when a hostile fleet hovcred on
our coast, and our very soil was polluted by the
daring tread of an invading fee--what tho
aid and comfort extended by Mr. Van Buren, to
the Republican Party? Sir, did he not act With
the Federal Party? Did he not throw himself at
the head of the peace party of New York and
run Dewitt Clinton for the Presidency against our
own venerable Madison, to distract the counsels
and harass the measures of the Republican Party?
Is it for this patriotic sacrifice tho integrity of
the Republican Party, that we required to sur
render the claim of our distinguished fellow eiti-
zen, who was then defeating the energies of his
mind to the sacred cause of his country's glory?
Here the Senator from Buckingham, (Mr. Book.
cr,) having requested that Mr.. Goode would give
way for a motion to ad journ, the Convention ad-
Journed until tomorrow evening seven O'Clock.
SECOND NGHT.-The Chairman having proposed
the question, Mr.. BRowN withdrew his preamble,
and lett Tor adoption, substitute for the rcso-
luton OF the gentleman from Powhatan, this
broad resolution-"That it is not expedient al
this time, to make nomination for the Vice Pre-
sidcncy."
Mr.. GOODE rose and addressed tho meeting
to this effect:
Mr.. Charman-The step taken by the gentle
man from Petersburg leaves the meeting i'm the
condition which it before occupied The same
question occurs for decision, and the same course
of remark is admissible. | could have wished
for my own sake, and not less for the sake of the
meeting, that had been allowed to conclude my
remarks last night had but little to add and
should have concluded in a short time but for the
adjournment do not mention this in the spirit
OF dissatisfaction, because 1 am well assured that
the gentleman who moved the adjournment WINS
actuated by tine kndest motives towards myself
although he If opposed to me in the pending strug
gle. The occurrence, however, imposes on me
the necessity of referring TO propositions for which
have contended--with how much force others
must determine L have maintained that tho
terms of the resolution of the gentleman from
Powhatan provide against the contingency ap.
pretended by others, and sweep away the found
alton of their argument. / have maintained
that 1t is proper to make a nomination of n can
didatc for the Vice Presidency as an act of Justice
to the People as well to the College of Elect.
ors L have frankly stated, that to reflect nv
icehngs, ana 10 sustain my principles, was ready
to confdc in Philip p. Barbour. In tho course oF
the proceedings of last night, the pretensiors of
Mr.: Van Buren, had been brought under ex.
animation, and have freely followed tho example
of others. Indeed, regard it peculiarly proper
that those pretensions should be freely cSnvassed
of bo lodi ti,F 81
movement is to promote his interests Sir, if we
make no nomination-if we fail to insist on tho