Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1840-10-15
DDR
or fhe I5Hig Contention held ~.
EsichaoNd ora fhc 5fh Of OcGo.
Der. $3.50,
To THE PEOPLE or VIRGINIA.

Der. 1850,
To THE PEOPLE or VIRGINIA.
The Wings Of Virginia, now assembled
10 Convention az Richmond. conscious
themselves ONO motive but love Of coun.
try. and OF no object bu, The public good
believe. most sincerely, that the great DO.
dy OF their political opponents. in the con
test which now agi'atcs the Union are
aciuaied by the same motive and aim at
the same end: that, whatever sinister or
selfish views may be Justly impu,abIe 10
a few fac,ious leaders and interested 20.
h'iclans, vast majority of the People, Of
all parties, have equally at heart the Union
and the Constitution OF the United States.
the sovereignty and jus, rights OF the Sc.
verai States, aud the principles OF Civil
Liberty add Republican Government:
that the People OF all parties honestly de-
sign, by the measures they advocate, and
by their votes 10 preserve and 10 perpetu-
ate our institutions IN purity and vigor TO
Themselves and heir posterity, and TO
promote the happiness OF our common
country. Embracing the opportunity
which so general an assembly as the pre-
sen; affords, 10 Sc, forth some Of the lead .
ing motives of our opposition 10 The cleo.
ton OF Mr.. Van BuIen 10 the Presidency
for a second term. and of our preference
Tor Gen. Harrison, and a few OF the pro.
minent reasons which, in our opinion
should dictate 20 every lover of his coun-
try and lis institutions the wisdom. and
indeed the necessity, Of a change in the
administration of the Federal Govern.
ment, we address ourselves 10 our fellow
citizens without distinction Of parties
IL IS impossible 10 state our objections
TO President Van Buren's Administration
without sdyerting 10 that OF his immedi-
ale predecessor, whose principles Of go.
vernment and policy he has proclaimed
his entire APPRECIATION Of and declared
his design TO work out and consummate
Yet We shall advert 10 that which is past.
and so far irre,rievable, not for the vain
purpose OF unuyailing complaint or cen.
sure, but only to exhibit more clearly the
history and nature Of existing evils. 1hiCh
it's ia the power Of the people by chaEge
Of The administration TO correct.
One Of the strongest objections 70 the
Constitution Of the United States, at the
time Of It's adoption, was grounded on the
frame of tho Executive the vast and
nreponderating power which IT vested 10
iha, Department, and the facility with
which that power was capable Of being
abused 10 the acquisition Of more and
overwhelming and absorbing influence ia
the system. Hence, from the first, and
until within few years past, jealousy Of
the Executive. vigilant 10 detect, and
prompt to c0unteract encroachmcni, was
the prevailing sentiment Of the nation.
aud especially Of Virginia. IL nantes,
ed itself constantly even during the Ad.
minisiraiion Of Washington though the
known justice and moderation OF bis
character exempted him from all susri.
cIon Of wilfully extending his Official
power beyond is due bounds II Wa
kindled into flame during The Admins.
traiion OF the elder Adams: IL was aliay.
ed indeed, set continued always alive.
throughout the Administrations 81 Jrifer.
son, Madison and Monroe: IT vas again
excited 20 intensity against the younger
Adams with aha, justice II Is not our
purpose4o discuss. and manly cjniubn
ted 90 bis fall rom power Suddenly
and when The measures Of President Jack.
son seemed 10 provoke ADD dciy o. This
y wholesome Jealousy vas exiinguished 30
The breasisoi maay Republican, by Whom
10 had been bsi5te most chsushed-Re
publlcsns sincere Republicans IN heart
and principle we believe they wcfc-
and 80 believing We cannot doubt that
their former fcltimcGis have already re-.
sunod or must sooner of later rcsuue
their just Influence 80 their minds aud
over their conduct
Among lhe grievance of which We
romtlain the chef and in our aprfeben
son most alarming is zoe tupend5us iu.
crease ar beyond " has The just balance
oClhc Constitution can bear. and beyond
shat Our fA'bsfs ever feared Of be pow.
~ and ioAucRce ~ The executive depart.
mentIn 40 The practical operations OF ibe
Gosernmcn'. ADD ibc abuse a tbe power
and patronage. which The Constitution
'ni she lass have really vested 90 ihc
President Thn increase and tbis abuse.
0f 'he Executive influence and power.
are wc know denied bat The ackn3w-
4 ielguen' Of them would prevent The COM
summaiion nor o. % maternal WIth a
ticw 60 TIE consequence vhether Che
mischief IS intended os nuf. h % really
Icxg. N Be- our solemn and con
I scientions conviction. that unicsS The pre-
sent tendency % the concentration Of alI
Y powrr 90 ibe executive, shall be timely
! corrected unless it be nor corrected. The
/ government must soon degenerate into d
simple elective monarchy
For lbe fact Of the Increase Of the Ess.
euiise influence and power 10 The prac
luce Of The government. We need only 81
-rrH a. IL f.r a. - a.. nrrr 81 - +.