The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-09-01
ANOTHER CHANGE!

ANOTHER CHANGE!
Many OF our readers are no doubt acquainted
with JOSIAH CALDWELL, Esq. of Ipswich, man
who has always stood high in the Administers
ton party, who has been one Of their candidates
Tor the Senate, from Essex and we believe has
represented the town in the popular branch OF
the Legislature. When such men, who form
thelr OPINIONS on mature and careful delibera-
ton, find themselves obliged to give up their
party, is il not time for all the members Of that
party TO pause and consider on what ground they
stand IL is no small thing for sensible and
rejecting man like Mr.. G. TO part with his old
political associates he will bear long with the
errors and iollies of his friends, before he can
bring his mind to the change, and we repeat that
II Is time for others TO pause and reflect before
they determine 10 support the Administration in
It's contradictory absurd and ruinous measures.
We have been favored with the following
correspondence between Mr.. Caldwell and Hon.
{. Gushing, which every voter will do well to
peruse.
IPSWICH, Aug. 4th, 1s4o
Hon. c. Gushing, ~ C. Nepbmyport:
SIR: When | had the honor of an interview
with you the other day, al East Boston, on the
measures of the present Administration, you
promised TO send me several Congressional
documents. VIII you not forward me some
soon
think that intimated to YOU on that occa-
sion, that my only regret at leaving the ranks OF
the Administration party was the necessity OF
leaving behind me many honest and worthy
men, who have not as yet publicly withdrawn
their support from Mr.. Van Buren,. But my
hope Is that in due time, we shall nevertheless
be found, as heretofore, exerting our common
energies in the same direction, for the good OF
our suffering country. | wish in all kindness to
cherish great respect for them but should be
false to every honorable sentiment, to remain in
position where could not render an honest
and cheerful support to the prominent measures
OF the dominant party.
After much reading and reflection, am fully
convinced that the operation of the law to regu-
late the safe-keepng, transfer, and disbursements
Of the public moneys, will be runous to the great
interests of our common country, Every pre-
ceding administration has partially recognized
the obligation of the Government, 10 furnish
and maintain sound and uniform currency, in
accordance with the provisions of the Constitu-
ton. The present one repudiates il, The in
dependent treasury law and its kindred measures
must, In my opinion, prove subversive OF the
genuine principles Of democracy Their legiti-
mate influence will strongly tend "to benefit the
few at the expense of the many This ADM
nistration has avowed the doctrine, that the go
yernment must take care of itself, and the peo-
pie of themselves: that the government can do
nothing for the people for whose benefit it was
instituted. When | see a government pursuing
disastrous policy so long, regardless of its ef-
tects upon the country, when honest men OF
both parties are convinced Of its injurious ten
denotes, when such is the case, my opinion is
that all true democrats should unite 10 change a
government that VIII not change its policy
During the whole Of Gen. Jackson's admins
trafiOn. no had NV hearty and conscientious
supporter regarded him as capable, eff
cient and honest patriot. voted Tor his sue
tcessor but he has not in my opinion g followed
in the footsteps of his llustrious predecessor
He has exhibited more regard for his party than
for his country. Gen Harrison is not in all re-
spccts perfectly satisfactory candidate for me,
but finding in the numerous testimonials in his
favor by men Of the first character for ntelli-
gencc, veracty and patriotism, shall give him
my support.
For some time past being conscious of no
change OF principles as a democrat, and being,
on account of particular circumstances, under
obligations OF peculiar gratitude to my demo
cratic friends, have tried TO assume a sort of
neutral or independent character. This position
am constrained 10 abandon, rs being incon-
sistent with the duty every citizen owes his
country in a crisis like the present.
Have the goodness to send me the documents,
that ! may circulate them among my political
friends. Some there are in this place, who have
supported the past and present administration,
that now favor the election of Harrison.
| have greatly exceeded what | intended,
when sat down to write to you for the speeches;
which trust you will excuse, and believe me
10 be,
With great respect and regard,
Your obedient servant,
JOSIAH CALDWELL.