The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-12-29
A VOICE FROM TENNESSEE.
From The Nashville Republican Banner, Dec. l5
MR.. RIyES.


The letter below from this gentleman confirms us in
the opinion have all along entertained that he could
neither be driven seduced from his position OF
compromising opposition TO the SubTreasury scheme.
His situation is a peculiar one. Hated by the Loco
Focos for daring TO oppose their fayore measure he is
at the same time an object OF suspicion with many OF
the Wings, Of the friendly relations existing.
or rather which hare existed between himself and the
administration Under these circumstances, the
which the Wings Of the Legislature Of Virginia should
pursue in reference to his reelection to the Senate,
becomes question Of the highest interest. Whether
or not they should reelect him. appears 10 Us, should
be made to depend upon his willingness TO aid the oppo
siiion in accomplishing the great and paramount OBJ
jects they have in view, What are those Objects
Certainly not the mere acquisition Of place, power and
patronagenot the elevation to office Of any par
ticular set of the indiscrimnate pro-
scrpton and punishment Of all who may have, any
time, differed in opinion with them questions of
tiona policy, in their estimate Of General JaCksons
and Mr.. Van Burens merits as statesmen. Did we
not believe that the Wings had higher and nober objects
than these in yiew we should be far from desiring
cooperate with them in their opposition 70 the present
administrations Jf we rightly Understand them we
rsgp.l the following the leading objects Of the
Wings in the struggle now going on:
The diminution Of executive patronage, and the dis
pensng OF so much shall be condcd to the President
on public principles and national grounds.
Security 10 The freedom Of eieciions by legal enact
ments against the interference OF federal officers
The rescue Of the coordinate departments OF the
Government from the overshadowing influence and en-
croachments of the executive.
The principle Of responsibility in every officer of the
Government restored and re-established.
The entire overthrow Of the system Of terrorism,
executive intimidation and seduction established at
Washington
In fine, the restoration Of the Constitution and the
Laws to their rightful supremacy.
He that will 'lay his shoulder to the Wheel in &C.
c0mplshng these measures Of ieliyerance and
liberty" are willing to take by the hand Us true
Wing and treat as brother. We must be permitted
to deal frankly with Wing brethren in other sections
OF the Union 1t would be fatal mistake in those who
constituted what is terped the old National Republican
party TO suppose, for moment, that the present cheer
ing state OF affairs is owing to the popularity of
the leaders Of that party, any great change pub
lie opinion, in regard to the they years
since advocated. lnopposon no one of the leading
measures Of national policy recommended and carried
now united In Gen. Jacksons opposition the late
United States Bank, and to any National Bank at ALL
1t is well brown that respectable portion Of the Wing
party at's moment heartily concur Not on the
subreasdy question do they wholly and entirely agree
On the occasion OF his reelection Gen Jackson obtained
2l9 electoral votes out Of 2Ss How has this small
minority been swelled into majority BY accessons
from the Jackson ranks, consequence of system Of
misre subsequently, adopted by him. and carried out
by his lustrious" successor.
IL IS manifest therefore, that the present opposition
is associated together different principles, and with
different objects in view, from the old opposition. The
leading questions OF national policy upon which the lat
ter differed with Gen. Jackson have for the part
been settled protective Tariff has ceased to be
subject OF discussion in our national councils. sys-
tenn Of Internal Improvements by the General Govern
ment is longer thought of advocated BY any party
And recent demonstrations Of public opinion authorize
the belief that the project Of National Bank will be
abandoned more to be revived, unless, by some
such groa. and overwhelming necessity as occurred in
through regardless Of party considerations or constn
tionai scIuples.
We repeat then, that the present opposition is new
and distinct party, organized distinct principles,
and with different objects in view, from the principles
and objects Of the original opposition to Gen Jacksons
administration These objects we have endeavored to
enumerate above and it appears to US that the true
question 10 relation to the support Of Mr.. Rves by the
Wings in the Legislature Of Virginia should be, ,cu he
actively and aeaiousy aid IN accomplishing them We
think that he will. We think the Wings have strong
guaranty that he WILL in his manly opposition to the
Subreasury proJecta measure, be it recolected, with
which the Official Organ Of the government has emphat
caly declared the fate Of the administration to be ndis
solubly connected. At all events we should presume
Mr. Rives, if approached the subject, would have
objections to a candid avowa Of his opinions the
points have mentioned. Should his answer be salts
factory, doubt not it would, are at loss to
perceive upon what principle the Wings could withhold
their support from him.
It would be borne in mind that the formation of the
opposition as it exists not the work Of day
Although the present vicious system OF administration
has been for years in operaton all did not perceive its
evil tendency at the same time. Some were brought
10 pause and reflect by this abuse-others became
alarmed for the safety of institutions at other
derelicon Of principle, and gradually the danger be-
apparent, men ranged themselves in opposition to
the party in power and on the side Of the laws and
the Constitution Many took their stand whilst Gen.
Lab
at their zenith Others have followed their ex-
ample since Mr.. Van Buren, was elected. The Sub
treasury project, and the party despotism with which
has been sought to be forced upon the country, contrary
to the expressed wishes Of the people, have opened the
ewes Of very many, who were previously well affected
to the administration. We hope and believe that the
eyes of the whole country WILL in time, be opened TO the
imminent dangers which hang its institutions from
the conduct Of tho party in power
Where is the policy then--where is the principle
in portion Of the Wing party saying to any man.
"sand asile-you did not perceive these dangers as
me-you heretofore voted for this particular
measure supported that particular ndivdual-and
cannot give you our confidence, or extend to you
the right hand Of fellowship" The question is not
ehen became sensible Of the evil tendency Of the
present system Of administration, but they convinc
ed Of noc and will they aid in applying the proper
corrective II they are, to all intents and purposes,
they WINGS, and much entitled to the conf
dence and support Of the Wing party any other por
ton Of it. On other principle of party iaon,
it appears to us, the Wings even hope for
in their patriotic efforts to ward off the danger mpend-
ing the country from the misrue of mschievous
and corrupt administration.
II will be seen that Mr. Rives speaks Of the great
financial measure Of Mr. Van Buren,, scheme ,rhieh
he believes 10 be ruinous 10 the counys prosperity and
dangerous to its free institutions! He must now sec,
furthermore, that Mr.. Van Buren IS determined at all
hazards carry that scheme out to fasten it upon
the people, even after they have thrice rejected ithat
he has again proclaimed his fixed resolve upon this all
important subect-and believe that, seeing il, Mr.
Rves must feel that there is other alternative
AasL,LiLu The