The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-09-04
Mr.. ANDERsoN's LETTER.

Mr.. Richie is in the habit of claiming
every man elected Conservative in Virginia,
as favorable to the reelection Of Mr.. Van
Buren,, no matter how much he may differ
with that gentleman on political principles.
In making these claims, due proportion Of
fattcry, and no small share Of coaxing and
wheedling is administered; but this plenti-
full bestowal Of "sof soap" does not always
succeed. We find many belonging to the
administration, who boldly tell the world they
have a country and its interests to preserve,
and that they will make their duty paramount
to party discipline. Such men at such
juncture, are indeed invaluable to the nation,
and such we regard Mr.. Anderson, who thus
fearlessly asserts that he is not prepared to
sustain man whose practice has been at war
with all the principles which the Conserva-
tives have sought to perpe,uate.
To the Editor Of the Valley Star
FiNcAsrLE, August 9Th.
Dear Sir--In your las, number yon have been
pleased to make direct appeal 10 me TO define my
position, &c. had supposed that my position was
already SO well defined that such an appeal was
wholly unnecessary, the ub-Treasury and the re-
election Of Mr. Rives were put in issue in my cleo
ton little more than year ago; and as was mot
prepared to abandon all" (nor amy of my old long
Cherished principles" l declared my nncompro.
missing opposition to the Sub Treasury, and my in
tenton TO support the reelection of MIR. Rives--I
was elected over my competitor (who was brought
out against this very ground) about five TO one
in my district. You mistake me- sir, il you suppose
that because this or that man has yielded TO the
ductons or the menaces OF power, has deserted his
principles and the man who has faithfully sustained
them, that shall do so likewise. You mistake my
constituents and do them great injustice II you sup
pose they would have their Representative TO do So
II the last election had shown that my constituents
had changed and that majority OF them wished
their Representatives 10 act such part, should
have resigned my seat instantly. will never know
ingly misrepresent them. stated on several occa-
81 MS that if should ascertain that majority Of my
constituents were in favor OF the Sub Treasury and
opposed to the election Of Mr.. RveS, would resign
my seat but never said as has been falsely stated
BY some Of my most malignantpersonal and political
enemies, that would resigni II majority OF Dele
gates Of my district elected al the last election should
Be opposed to Mr. Rives. If l recognized the right
of majority OF the Delegates from my district 10 IN
struct me, l ought to have resigned the moment l
was elected three out Of five Delegates then elect
ed were not only opposed to the election Of Mr.. Rves
but thoroughgoing Sub Treasury men, whilst three
of the five Delegates elected at the last election,
understand declared themselves opposed to the Sub
Treasury, and but one avowed himself decidedly in
favor of it, do not think that the last election fur
nishes any test Of public sentiment in my district In
relation to the reelection Of Mr. Rives nor do those
reckless partizans who teach 10 the contrary think
So Il is my intention, therefore, to go TO Richmond
next winter Gil shall be able TO get ihere) and 10
| vote for VIM. C. Rives and use all honorable means
to secure his reelection believe II due 10 mao
rity of my constituents and the public virtue ITSELF
| that should do so. know the magnanimous peo-
pie represent little better than you do sir II you
suppose that they may be turned about to sui The
caprice interest of those in power, or that they
will abandon such man VIM. G. Rves because
he will not change his opinions, misrepresenl his
constituents and turntraor 10 his country subscrve
the interests of ONE The Freemen OF my dis
rict under special obligation to "sink or swim
| with Mr.. Van Buren," and support him right or
wrong. Although they gave him a very liberal
support for the Presidency they claim the right of
frecmen to Judge Of his administration by his acts,
and whilst they will give cheerful and liberal sup
| port to such as they approve, they will make manly
opposition TO such as they disapprove. II he pos
the generosity which entitled him 10 be consi-
| dered !" Northern man with Southern feelings
he will appreciate too Justly the virtue and ndepen-
i dence OF Southern men TO expect from them humi-
liating acquieScence in executive or party dictaon,
or that they will be deferred from the discharge oil
their duty by party denunciaticn or removal from
! office. ] have felt much grieved at the removal OF
such men as John Campbell, the late Treasurer and
Dr. Jones and DIR. Skinner, the late postmasters Of
the cities OF Washington and Baltimore. These
gentlemen received their appointments under Gen