Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1836-11-01
A PORTRAlT,-Jcauiitiu as IL is just.
TUN TIE IN EC7TL7t.
TO THE PEOPLE OF VIRGINIA.

TO Fl PEOPLE OF VIRGINIA.
It will not be considered invidious to say, that you
have never been surpassed by any member Of this CON.
fede;acy, for firm, uniform and consistent support of
the equal principles which mark and distinguish the De-
mocralic party. Nor have you been less distinguished
for your Jealous and unwavering devotion to the Constl-
tuition, as it came from the hands Of the fathers Of our
political church. You have lived above the petty con-
ticls that agtate other communities, and have observed
a port and bearing, that have given stability to honor,
and dignity to independence.
Standing upon this broad and commanding elevation,
you have welded Il moral influence, That tile ~proudest
have not been ashamed TO honor, and the lIunblest have
felt with pride. To preserve, %unbroken, this ~enviahle
character, is not less your duty, than it is your interest.
Will you continue TO be faithful to those high obligations?
You are passing q severe ordeal, and the elections Of the
9TH Of November for President, will test your fidelity.
There are three candidates for this tlgniied oiEcc-all
of them distinguished and honorable men: but, such are
the superior qualifications and paramount claims OF one,
that they seem most to demand your consideration.
MIR. Van Buren, has long been considered tile popular
candidate for the Presidency; AMI, until an Opposition
vas organised, il was thought that he would carry the
election by default. To defeat him, is now the hope
and effort of every movement. Faction has essa yed not
only TO dim the lustre Of his character, but to destroy it.
Penality has poured out its turbid stream to overwhelm
him-and the envious have stopped from high places TO
dishonor and blast him. Yet, where do you find him, in
despite of this relentless crusade !? The incumbent of the
second office under the Government; and the leading
candidate for the first.
IF but 4 modicum of what is said 10 injure MIR. Van
Buren, were true, he could never have reached his pre-
sent position nor, without strong and positive merit,
could he have risen, through every grade of professional
and political life, TO that cmlncnce which he has
attained in bolh-and that, too, when the Bar OF his
State was crowded and adorned with its greatest strength,
and its political campaigns commanded by captains who
stand immortalized ON the page of listory.-lt would be
an imputation on the morals and the understanding OF
the people, TO have honored him with all that they mad
to give, If he were the mere thing that his Anniversaries
represent him TO be. No; it is r%epugnant to common
sense and every Induction of REASON. lu see CAUSE and eff
feet so Numerically opposed.
Surrounded, as MIR. Van Buren, is, by alynx.eycd OPP
position, anxious 10 defeat him, what charge have they
ever brought against him, that was not either venial IN
It's character or false in its allegations Ingenuity and
corruption have not been backward in their work, and
they have been stgnally dicomfited. Not one act of his
life is shaded by dIsIunor; and his highest grade ofofence
is, that he has not thought on many points Of national
policy, as some others have-and that he has been stead
fast in the support of the principles and supremacy of
the party 10 which he belongs.
Trace Mr.. Van Buren, through the many and import
ant offices that lie has filled, and you will ind that lie
left them all with increased reputation for the ability and
urbanity with which he discharged their respective du-
ties. 10 reason from the results of the past to the pros
poets Of the future, is a sound dictate OF reason and po-
Icy. Upon this principle, you have The surest guarantee
for all that you could require at the hands Of your Chief
Magistrate.
Mr. Van Buren, comes before you with many claims
that you should, and no doubt that you will, delight 10
honor. AS Il statesman, he holds a rank equal TO the
most distinguished Of his cotempo1arIes, gained in the
same conflicts, and proved by his many triumpLS. His
construction of the Constitution, (Which is the sheet
anchor of our whole polityD his views OF national poll
cy, and the principles which identify him with the great
Democratic family, are in extenso these which are pro.
nounced orthodox in Virginia. Throughout all the trials
and temptations Of the vast theatre upon which he has
borne SO conspicuous a part, his rcstmcnts are without
spot or blemisli-his habits, feelings, associations and
indulgences are all gentlenanly, and his commerce with
every grade Of society is marked by great b%landness,
courtesy and good feeling. lie cherishes no bad pas
sions, and he achieves with address, moderation, sagacily
and imperturbable good nature, what others attempt with
more boldnesS, more impulsion, less judgment and less
consistency. And this is the secret OF that magical pow
or, for which his adversaries have so much tainted him.
In Justice to MIR. Van Buren,, and in justice 10 your
selves, you are bound To canvass his qualifications with
impartiality; BIASED by no prejudice, and influenced by
no indireclion. This scrutiny will satisfy you that the
many charges industriously circulated 10 his prejudice
or from ignorance of his true character, or the inventions
of ungenerous and ignoble Anniversaries. lie has risen
too fast, and has been too much in the way Of others, not
to have such enemies, and they have multiplied in the
ratio Of his advance. In this he has shared the fate vi
those whom y"u have most delighted TO honor-Iour
Washington, Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe had their
revilers; but through good and through evil report you
stood by them as by your country s rights, nor ever
deserted them until the dilapidating hand of time pulled
down these pillars from our temple. 10 The same dcrOtcd
and m4gnaninOus people MIR; Van Buren, now appeals,
and if lie has no Virginia bi:lh.right to recommend him
to you as they had, nor any Revolutionary services 10
canonize his name as they had, yet, his country thinks
he has claims and recommendations, and the appeal $
made TO you upon his own merits, fairly examined and
justly Appreciated.
: If he Shall be the choice Of the nation, YOU have his
pledge, that in all the essentials of the present Admins.
tratlvn, he will use his exertons TO carry out its policy.
This pulley has been tested by its success, and that is 10
be seen i'll the prosperity that every where smiles upon
our land, and in the ample fruitlon of all that constitutes
national happiness. CAT