Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1835-06-25
WAsaIseros. May 90. 1885.

could consent TO become a candidate for
the high office OF President OF the United
States. When my name was first associ-
ated with the question Of General Jack
sons successor, more through the i'll will
OF opponents. than the Partially offriends,
| determined 10 wait for the development
OF the views of the Republicans Of tho
Union, and 60 pursue that course only.
which their unbiased judgment should e.
| nally recommend. deemed that course
to be due to the administration Of which
was member--to the best interests Of
the country--and to the indivisbility OF
political party. by the organization of
which, the overthrow Of Republican prin.
ciples in he United States was prevented,
and upon the asrendancy Of which We
alone alone can depend for their preser.
walton. To the offers OF support which
were at that period occasionally made 10
me from different quarters Of the Union,
| respectfully replied. tina! the public good
10 my opinion. required the services of
Gen. Jackson, for second term that the
agitation Of the question OF his successor,
at that early period. must OF necessity en-
barrass the administration and that il
was my desire that my name should not
be connected with the subject. From
that time to the present, have neither 90
licited the aid nor sought the support Of
| any man in reference 10 the high Office
for which have been nomin atcd; unless
my replies to interrogatories from my fei.
low citizens upon public questions, and
my sincere endeavor to make myself wor-
thy OF the respect and confidence Of the
American people, are liable 10 that con.
struction. For the truth OF this declara.
ton, can safely appeal to the hundreds
Of honorable men who composed the re
cent Convention---to the numerous editors
and politicians throughout the Union, who
have distinguished me by their preference |
and to my private correspondents and in |
tihate friends. not excepting the conside |
rablc number Of persons, once my friends
and associates, whom the fluctuations OF
political life have converted into opponents.
In none Of these classes. nor in any other
Of our community, is there a man who can
truly say, that have solicited his political
support or that have entered or sought
10 enter with him into any Arrangement
TO bring about the nomination which
have now received. or secure my election
TO the chief magistracy Of my country
and you and those you represent, am sure
will pardon me for having thus spoken of
my own conduct in reference TO point
upon which have been the silent object
OF attack, as causeless as il has been yio-
lent and unremitted especially, as ]
lone can answer for il in relation TO all
my countrymen. although thousands may
be ready 10 answer in relation TO them
selves.
Under these circumstances the democ.
racy OF the nation, In convention assem-
bled, having as you informed me, with
degree of unanimity that caDno, too high
ly appreciate, pronounciDg me worthy Of
so great trust, 1 cannot hesitate in ma
king their wishes the rule Of my conduct
| do, therefore, with deep, and hope
abiding sense Of the honor conferred upon
me by their preference. accept the nomi-
nation which has been rendered 10 me by
the Convention.
am not aware that there is any point
in the general policy Of the Federal Gov
eminent, in respect 70 which, my opinions
have not been made known by my official
acts by my own public avowals, and by
the authorized explanations Of my friends.
II there be any such, however, you may
rest assured OF my ready disposition 10
comply, on all suitable occasions. with the
wishes OF my fellow citizens in this regard.
| content myself on this occasion with
saying, that consider myself the honored
instrument selected by the friends Of the
present administration. to carry out its
( principles and policy and that. as well
| from inclination as from duty, shall, IL
IL honored with the choice Of the American
people, endeavor to tread generally in the
footsteps Of General jackson happy, If |
shall be able to perfect the work which be
has SO gloriously begun.
Il cannot be denied, that there is no
country in the world, whose inhabitants
are SO well secured in their civil and reli
gious rights, and enjoy SO large share OF
prosperity and happiness, as the people of
the United States. For this, they are in.
debted less TO salubrity Of climate and fer
tility of soil, than 10 our excellent system
government, by which, more than any
other, every man is protected in the appli
cation Of his powers and faculties TO bis
own benefit. That dissatisfaction should
nevertheless occasionally arise, even I'M
der the best administration, Of system
capable OF producing such happy results,
is not to be wondered at. Until the wit
Of man shall be able to devise some plan
Of representative government. by which
all who think themselves qualified, may be,
at the same time admitted to participa
ton in the administration of its affairs, we
must not expect to be relieved from The
spirit OF complaint, or even surprised 10
find it most vehement at a period Of the
greatest prosperity. But between partisan
complaints as TO the management Of our
Government, or even diyersities of opin-
ion in relation TO the wisdom of supposed
improvements in the details OF its con.
struction, and desire to undermine and
overthrow il, there is immeasurable DINER.