Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1836-07-28

utpfuu. w hhsA VIC arc stuslOIc %
the difficulties which encompass III,
subject, we would venture to sugges
As the most efectual means Of accom-
pllshing our great object. a radica
change in the administration Of the
government. This can only be effect.
ed by means Of the presidential cleo
ton; for under the present state o.
things, and the exaggerated and over
shadswing importance which that off.
Ger has acquired in the government
the whole complexion of the admins.
traton depends materially on the
character and qualifications OF the pre-.
sident. He is not only regarded a.
the chief executive officer. and the
dispenser Of patronage, but by 4 strange
perversion of the principles Of our go.
venment. the President, and not the
People. is the source of all executive
power; and upon this notion OF his pre-
negatives, he exercises unlimited sway
over all subordinate officers. This fac,
is Of itself sufficient TO render him al
most omnipo,ent. and all attempts to re-
form the government, which do not be-
gin at the fountain head, must necessa-
rily prove nugatory.
These considerations lead US natu.
rally 10 view of the principles in.
volved in the approaching Presidential
election, and of the character of the
prominent candidates for that exalted
- he =.
number. viz: Martin Van Buren, Of
New York. Hugh l.. White of Tenn,
and William II. Harrison of Ohio. Ii
is not our purpose to 90 into any de-
tailed view OF the relative merits oil
these individuals. nor can We permit
ourselves for a moment 10 descend in.
TO the arena Of controversy for the
purpose of discussing alledged personal
dement's. We have nothing 10 do with
them. except in ;:seir relation to the
presidency Of the United States. and
in that relation we shall endeavor to
discuss their pretensions fairly, for a
respect 10 ourselves no less than a
due regard for the high station to which
they aspire, would forbid that they
should be treated with indignity.
The pretensions Of the first named
candidate. Mr.. Van Buren,, are in ouI
opinion, obnoxious to many insurmoun-
table objections. To say nothing OF
the very equivocal attitude in which he
stands TO the subject of abolition. q
subject of the deepest interest to Vir"
gina, and fraught with the most mo.
mentous consequences TO the Union
we regard the simple fact that he is
nominated to the succession, by the
president, as constituting in itself, a
most serious objection to his election
The principle Of hereditary success
sion has been most carefully guarded
against by our constitution, ITS trainers
doubtless supposing that merit should
constitute the only claim TO promotion,
and that the people were the best judg-
es Of that merit, and hence they have
left the election OF public officers in
the hands of the people. But what
would this principle avail If in prac-
tice 1t is 10 be disregarded. aud the sub
stantial power of electlng his successor.
exercised by the president, whilst the
mere empty iormalIty of raiifying his
nomination is reserved to the people
In addition to these objections. we
regard Mr.. Van Buren, as identified
with, If not the author Of most of The
obnoxious measures of the present adj
ministration. We regard him as the
father Of that odious system Of pro-
scription, and rewards and punish
ments. and party vassalage. which is
known as the system of New York
tactics. We have looked too in his
political course for more than twenty
years, during which time he has been
a prominent actor in political scenes.
and we can recognise no enlarged and
stateSman-!ike system of policy which
owes ITS origin To him. and we are at a
loss to ascertain even the cardinal prin.
ciples by which his political course
has been governed; for we find him al.
ternaicly advocating and opposing al.
most every prominent measure OF pub.
~ ioli' " ~ w tnt NutluaNoUN OF pup
lac sentiment IT was popular or other.
wise. That he possesses a sufficient
degree OF talent and political iniorma-
ton 10 administer the government with
ability We readily admit, bat whilst
We accord to him these qualities, we
look ~ vain to discover, IN the charac-
Ter Of the man who could declare %
the world that Il was glory enough for
him 20 have served under such chief
as Generel Jackson. fr that elevation
of sentiment and dignity II conduct
which should ohlr1cieuze . President
of The United S'a'cst
From the election of Mr. Van Bu.
rem, therefore, we could have nothing
10 hope but every thing 10 fear. Even
if be Vere disposed 10 reform the sbu.
ses e the government his party con.
neNions. and Obligations. are such a.
destroy his ability n accom- plish it
Bot be has solemnly declared IL 10 be
his purpose. N case he y elected. 10
continue the abuses which have been
introduced by be- agency. under the