The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-10-27
THE NEXT PRESIDENCY.

THE NEXT PREslDENCf.
1t is great mistake, we humbly aPprehend,
made, nevertheless, very generally by political
partzans, to allow unexpected and adverse
results in local elections to induce them as
suddenly to yield the ground they have occu-
pied, and seek some new issue or new name,
under which to rally and fight again for the
same object II is correct in the abstract, un-
doubleday to yield to what is indisPutably the
will Of the people, and to permit the general
indication Of that will to operate as a lesson
for the past, and as guide for the future. But
to reason from particulars to generals, and to
suffer partial and equivocal results to affect
general course of policy, argues weakness
Of purpose, and an instability Of principle that
must destroy all union, concert and comb
dence, and expose the prize Of victory to the
grasp Of those who may seize it over the RUNS
Of better cause than their own.
However distinctly, il may be conceded, the
voice OF the people has been expressed against
a National Bank and National Sub-treasu-
nv, still we hold it utterly impossible to deter
mine whattheir present preferences are, in rela-
ton to the names that have been mentioned as
candidates for the Presidency, including that
of the present Chief Magistrate. We have
seen nothing which absolutely concludes the
fate Of either Of the candidates. We have seen
nothing which can be regarded as just cause
for higher hopes in favor Of the administration
candidate, than for an opposition candidate.
But on the contrary, the general indications
of the people, taken as whole, according to
the present summary of general results, are
decidedly in favor Of the opposition. Still it is
not clear, that a majority of the people would
give their suffiages for candidate whose
name is identified with the cause Of either Of
those general measures which it must be ad-
mtted, the popular will condemns. 1t is by
no means certain, that the people at so distant
period as ls4o, would not prefer some can
didate who is openly committed against both
National Bank, and National Sub-treasury.
Any calculation, therefore, at present, as to
what name would be most acceptable to a
majority Of the American people, for the high
office Of President, must be founded upon
mere speculation.
The true course for the Conservatives is
to take no part whatever, at present, in the
business of President making. They have
higher object in view. The achievement Of
practical and present good for the people.
They should not be diverted from their actual
present object, by taking part in the scram-
bic for the spoils of victory yet to be
achieved. They would thus in attempting to
grasp a distant end, neglect their me ms. 1t
would be attempting to scale height without
thinking of the intermediate necessity of
ladder They must establish their founda-
ton first; and rear their superstructure, and
people it, if they please, afterwards. They
must establish their principles, and justify their
political faith before the people. Then they
will have touchstone by which to try the SER
vices of those they would trust. Let this be
established, and they will have no difficulty in
selecting their candidates, and, by the aid of
the people, in securing their election. Let
them stand firm, resolved to be moved neither
by intimidation, ridicule, or disgust. Their
doctrines are becoming more and more popu-
lar, as prejudice and ialsehood vanish before
the light Of truth. Their financial policy is
the suggestion Of patriotism, and is suscepti-
Bile of immediate practical application, and
tangible benefit to the country. The Sub
Treasury cannot be established-it would not
be practicable, if it could, A National Bank
is out of the question, for the present, at least,
all admit. Something, however, is indispen-
sable. The State Bank Deposite System will
yet be confirmed; prosperity will return;
prescription and intolerance will die away, and
peace and happiness be restored. The Con-
servatives therefore have every cause for con-
graduation, and every reason for continuing
to stand firm, without any regard to remote
and speculative questions.
We have been frequently importuned to run
up the flag Of various candidates for the Pre-
sdcncy. Various allurements have been
spread in the different paths to which our
footsteps have been invited. We have been
unwilling TO be drawn aside from the high
ground of principle we assumed from honest
patriotic motives. We are still unwilling to
take any part in agitating names for the Office
of President. 1t is extensively known that
our private predictions are favorable to Mr..
RlvEs, as a statesman whom we have long
believed, would be certain to restore the good
old Madisonian era, if appointed to the admi-
nIs'ratlon of the government. The opinions
of the opposition, however, are extremely va