The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-10-05

ject. my discrimination, founded principle, to give no
pledges Of support 20 any candidate for the Presidency
an order to.procore my ELECTION. Highly as valued
the honor OF representing this ancient
would not purchase ssen a. BY the sacrifice Of prnei-
pie, which believed TO be intimately connected with
the preservation and vindcaiion Of our free institutions.
had faithfully represented the opinions and interests
Of my State. had been true to her Republican
creed. But this was not enough must give pledge
to support the reelection Of Mr.. Van Buren, and
that condition slone We have been repeatedly told by
the organ Of the party, could have commanded my
n. election | refused TO give the pledge, and you
know the result Ia that result. feel there Is nothing
Of shame or regret for me. live, gentlemen,
you very well know, without Office, happily, contenied-
ly, usefuly. trust. Bot as an American freeman.
cannot live without the vital air Of liberty we all breathe
Il is personally matter OF importance TO me That
should be Senator Of the United States. proud a.
esteem that honor, above all others but it 10 matter
Of the deepest importance to and my children that
free institutions should be preserved common
inheritance to us all and especially that they should re-
ceive no wound from my hand, by my conduct, or my
example
If The people be true to themselves these instiiu-
lions will yet be riumphantly vindicated and pre-
served. Let them assert their righifu suprem icy.
Let them say to the arrogance OF Executive power,
hitherto shalt thou come but no further, and here
shalt thy proud waves be stayed" Lei Them In
stead OF surrendering their opinions 10 the President
require him to surrender his to them. Let them
initiate the conduct Of the Roman people to the
Grecian King referred TO in the toast you have
done me the honor 10 drink When that bold and
victorious invader had pushed his enterprises 10 the
very gates of Rome and in the midst Of his success,
sent an embassy 10 propose to the Roman people
treaty Of alliance and Friendship with them, not
doubling their eager acceptance Of such favorable
terms, what was the answer of that noble race ef
freemen1 "Pyrrhus must lay down his arms and
draw his forces out OF Italy before we will hear any
proposals from him" And by the indomitable
energies of patriotism and valor, which still slum-
bered in the Roman arm, they made good their an.
swer. Let such be the answer and conduct of
American freemen towards their President, who,
by dint of party tactics, has well nigh achieved
fatal conquest over their rights and opinions. Let
them say 10 him cease your war upon our well
known opinions-show your obedience 10 the pub
lie WILL by your acts as well as your pords-with-
draw your Sub-treasury scheme and all its kindred
projects for the dangerous enlargement OF Executive
power and then, and mot till then, will hear what
claim you have to advance to future confidence
and support" Let them frown upon the servie
doctrine that they and their representatives must
wear the livery Of some political chieflain. Let
them announce TO the men, whom they honor with
their confidence, that it is no part of the mission
trusted TO them 10 be the systematic supporters the
sink sicim" pariZans Of this or that candidate
for the Presidency; but that their duty is faithfully
to represent the opinions Of their constituents, TO
take care Of their interests, TO guard their rights, and
fearleSsly 10 rebuke the abuses and eDcroachmens
OF power whenever they occur. Let them encour-
age manly independence in the Representative
character, and show by discriminating bestowal Of
their confidence that it is fdely 10 The people, and
not ssrriiity to power which merits and will COM
mand their confidence 1t is in this way that the
people will assert their rghtiul supremacy and ex-
ercse Legitimate control over every grade Of pub
lie iunctonaries, the President as well as others,
teaching the highest, equally with the lowest the
duty of obedience to the public WILL and thus bring
back the Government, in PRACTICE to what it de-
signed by its glorious and immortal founders to be,
a Gopernment Of tie people. In pursuance of these
principles, now beg leave, gentlemen to offer you
the following sentiment
Popular Repressntation.--T instrument of ma
onal self government; designed TO be the vgant
sentinel of the peoples rights, and watchtu guard
upon the abuses and encroachments OF power. Let
the people cherish its independence the right arm
Of their sovereignty.