Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1840-06-19

THE VICE PRESIDENCY.

NASHVILLE, May -, !eiu.
DEAR Sin: The National Democratic Convention
lately held a, Baltimore, after nominating with perfect
unanim,ty the present Chief Magistrate, tor reelection
to the station which he has filled with so much honor !"
llimselfand advantage TO the country, having declined
making a nomination for the Wee Presidency, IL De-
comes proper, in my Judgment that should distinctly
declare the position which occupy before the conn
try: in reference to the use which has been made OF my
name in connection with that Office.
Having been Unexpectedly placed III nomination by
a portion of my Republican it!low-cItizcns, IN some OF
the States, it was my una.terab!e determinations, often
expressed 10 my friends, from the day tina, my name
first appeared in connection with the ice Presidency,
10 be governed by the wishes Of tie mGJ0rty OF me
political party, to which ! have been ardclty at'acilra
dupng my whole le, whenever the preference OF mat
MINORITY should be asccrtatned IN any satisfactory ih"aei
and in no possible contingency to yield my 0rm consent
TO The use of my name as 4 candidate by a m'"'r"y oil
my own political friends.
II, as was at one time anticipated, atull convention OF
the Democratic party representing "Hfhr Stn'eS, had as
semb!cd and made a nomination that wonia nave nreh
conclusive, none would have been more cheerful 10 apide
hy the nomination thus made, or to rive 10 the nominee
liiad the choice fallen on %anothcr) 4 more cordIai and
hearty support titan myscIf.-lt appears, however, 'Aot
several Of the States were mnveprescntcG IN the convrn'
ton, and the selections Of the Democratic candidate
for the Vice Presidency was left open tor the separate
action Of the Republican rar'y OF the s"verl! states.
entirely concur with the convention, III IL" mop"
by that body, that 'bciurc the election Shall
take place. the opinions of the Republican party
.shail become 50 concentrated, as 10 secure the choice
ola Vice President by the electoral colleges.
In times like these, when powerful combinations OF
various sectional interests, are acting IN extraordinary
concert with our old opponents, the Federalrsts, and
thciralics, the Abolltonists, against the cherished prIn-
ciplcs o!our Republican institutions, personal ana sec.
tional preferences, between men OF the same political
principles, are OF no importance. -lie ancient enemies
OF our long-cilerishcd principles, with their new recruits
md r.inEnrr.rautS arc IN lp met he pillars. mon
which permanently rest our national independence and
our beautiful fabric of separate State sOvereigntes, are
TO be defended. And as these considerations are, 10
my Judgment, infinitely more important to the country
than the elevation If any individual citizen 10 THIS, or
any other office, trust | may he permitted to express
my sincere desire, should the further use Of my name,
in connection will the Vice Presidency, he found TO IN
tcrpose The slightest obstacle 10 the entire and cordial
union of tho Democratic party, that 1t may he promptly
Withdrawn by my friends from before the pubic.
can have no desire 10 be a party L" Il contest III which
may be thrown into apparent collision wilil poltiIca!
friends whom esteem, and with whom | have acted
Tor 4 long series of years, and especially IT such a post
ton shall have a tendency 10 weaken the syinpatilics
and energies of the whole Republican party, ana hazard
The safety and continued ascenGcncy OF their cardna!
principles.
The present struggle is 4 fierce one, and II becomes
the duty of every Republican 10 defend his post man
fully. If, in my public career, have heretofore
cvinccd any becoming ardor and zeal IN The main'e-
nance of orr principles, S&hat ardor IS undated, that
zeal is undiminished; andaIthourh nv position may be
that Of an individual citizen in the ranks of my party, !
shall be found faithfully acting with my political friends,
and, upon all suitable and proper occasions, resoiuteiy
exercising my rights as a freeman in maintaining the
Republican principles of our fathers, and carrying them
successfully through the 'ordeal OF the popular SUI
frage. am, with high regard,
Your obt. servant,
JAMES X. POLK
Hos. FELIx GRuSDY, Washington City.