Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1840-02-27

0|Thc Jefferson Republican Of Thursday,
contains aSlong letter from VIM. c. Rives,
Esq, on the subject of the approaching Pre-
sidential election. Our readers are aware
that while the narne of that gentleman was
before the Legislature, as candidate for the
United States Senate, though often solicited,
!. ne refused 70 give any pledges as to whom he
would support for the Prcsidency-but now
that tle election is indefinitel tponed, h.
comes ont decidedly in favor Zen. Harri-
son, and details at considerable length the
reasons for his opposition to the reelection of
Mr.. Van Buren,. This letter viii be read
with interest by every one who values the
welfare of his country more than the success
of pariy-and we have no doubt that it will
give additional impetus to the ball that has for
some time been in rapid motion in this section
of country in favor Of the Peoples candidate.
We give the following extract, as the conclu-
ding portion of the reasons urged against the
reelection of Mr.. Van Buren,:
"When TO these, and the other evidences
of contemptnous disregard for the rights and
dignity Of the States, to which have already
by which the Presidents friends in the other
House of Congress did not hesitate to diYran-
chise sovereign State of the Union of her
Constitutional right Of representation, in or
der TO effect the election of party Speaker,
lin which object however, as if by the retri-
butive judgment of Providence, they were at
last disappointed IA disfranchisement which
TO this day is continued, and may be indefi-
nitcly prolonged,-we may form some idea
Of the modesty as well as Justice, with which
the President and his party have presumed to
appropriate to themselves the name of State
Rights Republicans. In my humble judg-
'nent, the present Chief Magistrate has de-
parted from every leading principle of Repub-
Gcanisn, the profession of which brought him
Ito office; and for myself, cannot conceive
how any one who is truly Republican and
Conservative-who, in the administration Of
the government is the advocate of conserra-
tire as opposed to destructive policy,-who
! is the friend of Sfate-rights in opposition to
Federal c0ns0laatiOn,-who would maintain
Legislative Independence against Erecutire
supremacy,-who would see the government
of this great confederacy administered as
high national trust, and not party job,-
who, in short, loves liberty more than po,cer
can support his reelection. Let others de-
eide as they may, certainly cannot.
The four last columns of this letter are de-
voted TO an exposition of Gen. Harrison's po-
litical principles, and qualifications for the
Presidency-in which ample justice is rem
dered to that much abused patriot and states
man. Mr.. r.. concludes as follows:
Regarding Gen. Harrison, for the reasons
l have mentioned, as the true Repub icu, can
didate for the Presidency of the two now pre-
sented TO the choice OF the country, shall
unhesitatingly give him my support. j shall
do 50 with the more cheerfulncss, because,
while best consulting thereby, as honestly
believe, those great Republican principles
which | have ever considered to be insepara-
bly, united with the happiness of my country,
shall assist to confer its highest need OH an
eminent citizen who has rendered it the most
signal and important services, at time when
TO Serce meant something far other than mere
ly to receive the emoluments of office-on one
who, having successfully enjoyed the conf
dence of Washington, Jefferson and Madison,
would be naturally prompted to emulate their
high eXample-who, in all the various and
delicate trusts he has held, has ever shown
that ne preferred his country to himself, and
has retired from them all, amid the numerous
and alluring temptations they presented to
private gain, with clean hands and unsuspect-
ed honor, neither guilty of infidelity himself
nor winling at 1t in others-and who now in
the honorable retirement OF private life, com
bining the enrolling pursuits of the agrcul-
turist, the scholar, and the patriot-ctizcn, is
emphatcal!y one Of tire people, knowing now
10 appreciate their interests, as we'll as to
maintain and defend their rights. ''-Char-
iOitesviNe .4duocate.