The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-10-03
SENATOR RIVES.

That this distinguished statesman is as
sailed by both parties, Wing and Loco-foco,
is one Of the best evidences of his virtue
many of the friends of the administration, by
fearless expression of his unbiased opinions,
we presumed, from the known rules Of their
party warfare. We expected also that, what
ever course he might pursue, he would never
command the support of some Of the bgotted,
Liberal and impracticable of the Wing party.
We do not know that the'favor of either of
such characters would be desirable, or even
tolerable. We do know that they do not in
the least affect the judgment of Mr.. Rives,
nor do they enter into his consideration in the
discharge of his duties to the country. Mr..
Rives is not brawling demagogue, nor
trimming politician, nor huckstering parti-
IAN. He does not graduate his public course
merely to suit the purposes Of party, nor to
gain merely the momentary applause Of the
multitude. He asks no ofiice-he desires
not even to be canddate-his highest
ambition is to fulfil the duties imposed upon
him for the best interests of the country and
to the acceptance and appreciation Of the good
and his own conscience. BY such motives
has he heretofore been guided, and he will
pass through any and every political ordeal
which he is yet to meet, with the same purity
and clearness of conscience, and moral in
trepidity of character that will defy all cavil
and challenge the envy of even the greatest
and best of statesmen. He is frm-he is
consistent-he is honest-he is independent.
What more is desired Of him : Because new
occasion has developed difference of opinion
between himself and his recent party friends,
is it expected that he is to abandon all the
opinions he has cherished, all the principles he
has advocated, and rush with immoderate
haste to join the clamor for Henry Clay and
National Bank He who expects it must
set cheap estimate upon the dignity and
character of an American statesman. No.
The Wings will find more profitable employ
ment than carping at Mr.. Rives because he
does not choose to scrbble his name in every
newspaper, and bawl upon every stump,
1.-THE Lexington (Ky.) Reporter cannot &C.
cupy its columns better than by its contempt
bic abuse of the Conservatives, the cause it
advocates must be most miserable and hope
less one. The Richmond Enquirer and its
correspondent must needs undertake to cate
chise Mr.. Rives, and the Richmond Wing
thinks proper to interpose column Of cynical
criticism. What have they all to do with Mr..
Rives The theatre Of his action is in the
Senate; and do they not understand the part
he there acted? Have they any business with
him now, except to discuss, if necessary, his
public conduct Ii they mistrust that he has
changed an opinion, or relaxed a nerve, or fall
tered in single step, they do him great in
justice. Did they see him in that burst of
eloquent Indignation in which he denounced
Mr.. Wrigh's proposition, to repeal the Depo-
site Law, an effort surprising in beauty and
effect any other that transpired during the
session. We tell them then to discard their
suspicious, for he is there still.
If any doubt the Conservatives of Virginia.
let them look into their able and consistent
organ and indicator, the Charlottesville JEFF
tersonian Republican. That paper clearly,
truly and fearlessly illustrates and defends
their position.