The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-05-12
JOHN FORSYTH.
Cry OF WASHINGTON, April 25, 1910.


Cry OF WASHINGTON, April 25, lS40
GENTLEMEN: The near approach Of the Ma
tlonal Democratic Convention in Baltimore, on the
9th of May, induces me to address you. The
object of that meeting is TO nominate candi-
dates for the next election of President and Vice
President of the United States. In relation to
the Presidency, am happy to find it is univer
sally understood that there will be no division.
The leading and only point, in which any dis
cussion is anticipated, is that of the Vice Presi-
dency.
From the situation in which am now placed.
il seems to be proper that my sentiments and
views should be definitely known. The first
question will be, whether the Convention will
60 into the nomination.
On this point, it is said there will be differ
ence of opinion. Whether the Convention shall
make a nomination, or leave it to each State to
make its own selection, wish my friends to I'M
derstand distinctly that that will be matter
with which am not to interfere. will be per-
fecty satisfied with the course the Convention
shall adopt; and, in any event, must beg OF them
not TO suffer any feelings Of Partially for me to
endanger the principles which we are united in
sustaining. My sentiment has ever been, that
in a Republic no citizen has any claims upon the
people to election for any Office, irrespective OF
the benefit and advantage resulting to them
selves All Offices ought to be for the good Of
the people, and not for the incumbents. If spe-
cial services ever merit special rewards, those
rewards should be given in any other way than
that which would endanger the great fundament-
al principles of liberty.
To regard highly responsible elective office,
as reward for past services, is to regard the
elective franchise as forestalled by the claim of
justice; and it is therefore repugnant to Repub
lican principle. II such claim may be urged in
favor OF any other, on any OCCASION am con-
scious that my humble services merit nothing
beyond what they have already received. So
far as past services have elected the principles
of the man, they will be regarded as pledge for
his future course and beyond this, they ought
not to considered especially in relation to my
SELF
There rests no obligation on the part of my
friends to me. The debt of gratitude, if il ever
existed, has been more than paid. All the obli-
CATION that remains, is from me to them. The
confidence which they have manifested, and
the kindness shown to me, have imposed an
obligation of gratitude in my bosom, which l
can never cancel. There is at this time, great
interest at stake. 1t is the support of the prin-
ciples in which we united, and upon which the
Government has long been administered
Thoseyprinclples have been my guide for more
than thirty five years. during which time have
been continually afoat upon the tempestuous
sea of political life. They are much more dear
to me than my own elevation, or that of any
other person. desire all of my friends in the
Convention to regard their preservation as inf
nitely more important than the qualification of
any private friendship.
have not solicited denomination nor shall
decline it. | am, as ever have been, in the
hands of friends and fellow citizens Ii is no
less my pleasure than il is my duty TO make the
avowal, that wish to be entirely at their dis
posal, and shall be perfectly content with their
ri hair IL
for which we contend, will be more likely to be
secured by the use of my name, they will use il
if, in their opinion, another selection will be
more likely to ensure success, they will make
another selection. If, in their opinion, to make
no nomination of Vice President and leave
the selection TO the pleasure and preference of
the Republicans of the several States, will give
most strength to our friends, the Convention
will take that course and in either event, shall
continue to act with perfect integrity to those
principles, and TO the friends with whom have
hitherto acted in sustaining them. In assuming
this position, do not wish to be understood as
declaring myself insensible to the honors which
arise from public confidence. | can regard the
man but misanthrope, who is perfectly indit-
ferent to the applause the censure of his fel-
low men. II is quality to which make no
pretension. Next To my own conscience, the
many testimonials which have received Of the
appreciation of my fellow citizens, is the richest
reward for my past services to which my ambi-
ton aspired; and this feeling has been the
principal cause, for some years past, of my
continuance in public life. II is also my great
est consolation, that in my present situation,
while il has been my constant effort to discharge
its responsible duties with fidelity, have so
far succeeded, at least, as TO have avoided CEN
sure. have heard of no disposition to make
different selection, on the ground that these du-
ties are not satisfactorily performed But, dearer
than all these considerations are the principles
involved in the approaching election. They
ought to be sustained, without regard to any in
dividual partalities or feelings; and, under this
hope my friends will feel perfect
freedom of action in the Convention.
II is with sentiments such as have expressed,
and under an earnest desire that the labors of
the Convention may tend 10 the advancement
and success of our cherished principles in the
pending contest that have felt constrained 10
address to you this hasty letter. You will, OF
course. feel at perfect liberty TO make such use
OF il as shall, in your judgments, be calculated TO
harmony IN the Convention, and give
strength 10 our cause throughout our beloved
Most respectfully
Your friend and feIow-citzen,
AZ