The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-02-10
THE yIRGlNIA sENAToR.

Many considerations unite TO give Mr. RiveS' opin-
ions upon the absorbing subject now before the Sc
nate peculiar weight. His education has been upon
the broad basis OF statesman. His early life was
under the guidance and direction Of Mr.. Jefferson,
who extended him the last days OF his existence
his confidence, his counsels and his appreciation.
Mr. Rives political opinions and principles were all
modelled in the school Of his great patron He came
early into public life and evnced in all his public
acts the fidelity with which be practised upon the
principles of the fathers Of the Republican party.
His State was proud TO honor him in advance of
his years, and his country carried out the endorse
men Of his State. His moral course has been as
pure il has been uniform; alike wihoutreproach,
and without variation.
lnheriling a large fortune, he has identified him
self with the agricultural interest Of the country,
| wholly exempt from speculations, and all bank
transactions. This great interest he looks to as the
foundation ofthe national prosperity; but with the
enlightened views Of statesman, be is not unmnd-
ul Of the other interests that auxiliary and in
dispenSabe, but which can prosper only by mutual
protection, and deserve TO live together in harmony
and mutual confidence.
With so deep a stake in the welfare of his coun-
try, and without any extraneous influence 10 bias his
judgment, TO warp his principles, or TO subdue his
independence. Who is there at this important cri-
sis more entitled to be needed for his WISDOM be
trusted for his fidelity and be respected for his pa
triotsml Without inendingto disparagc the great
men that surround him, and the great lights that
shine in almost every part of our country, we say
there is not one aaon whom faith and hope can re-
pose with greater safety.
We regard Mr. Rives as one ofhe great champi-
ons ofthe republican cause and the republican party,
| We look upon him as one of the champions of the
| great conservative interests of his countryust to
all, and jealous of none His conductan his course
inspired by patriotism and guided by principle, will
stand the test of scrutiny and of time"
| He is the ornament of old Virginia, and she is
| proud of him. She looks to him TO rekindle the
lights that went out with her Jefferson and Madison ;
and never deserted son that was worthy. of her
honors and has worn them as triumphantly as VIII
| LIAM c. RlvEs.
When the passions and the preudices which now
distract and darken horizon, shall pass away, he
will be honored for the noble stand he has taken on
the side of his country, his whole country, and
nothing but his country !" and for the mastery eff
forts he has made to raise her broken spirits and
brighten her bighted prospects.
| Randolph in his dying moments said he "bequeath-
ed to the keeping of William c. Rives the honor of
virginia. His country now confides 10 him higher
trust--the protection OF her industry, her interest,
her welfare, her prosperity, her happiness, and her
| honor. Her INSTITUTIONS and her CONSTITUTION.
His reward will be The highest of all human rewards,
the gratitude of free people, and the guerdon Of an
approving conscience