The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-05-02

II
He had NO 'itching PALM and no dollar Of the
peoples treasury stuck TO his fingers John
McElvain has been the strong man OF the sol
| distant democratic party in this region. The
only man the 0lhce-holders could bring out with
any prospect Of successful competition, against
our popular and excellent representative in Con-
gfess, J. Ridgeway. hut difficult as he confesses
i TO have been 10 burst the shackles Of party
hard as i was 10 brave the denunciations which
nc knew TO await him, General McElyaine is
'oo honest 10 shrink from his duty 10 his coun-
NY, we commend his article 10 the attention
OF me Puhaie, and especially TO that portion Of
our Iehow Citizens 70 whom he addresses him
self asfsa f--
Mr.. Editor III is not because I wish 10
thrust my own opinions before the public I'M
called Tor, but because Others have chosen 10
attach importance 10 them, that am induced 10
ask place in your paper for a few remarks. II
is known to my fellow citzensin this part "a the
country, that have been the early and constant
advocate of Glen. Jackson and his administration.
and that contributed my exertions to elect his
successor. But disappearing the course Of the
Van Buren, party in many particulars, when
Gen. Harrison was again brought out in oppos7
ton 10 Mr. Van Buren,, made up my mind TO
support him, because knew him 10 be honest
and capable and worthy Of the confidence OF the
people. As others have been pleased to use my
name freely because determined 10 act Ia this
matter for myself and in pursuance Of high duty
TO my country have thought il proper thus
publicly 10 announce my determinations-thro
yom columns TO our old jackson friends by
whom desire to be properly understood.
In abandoning Mr.. Van Buren, and giving my
vote 10 General Harrison, let no man suppose
that abandon my political opinions or my old
political friends with whom co-operated in cleo
ling General Jackson TO the high post which he
filled with so much credit 10 himself and honor TO
his country. Those who adhere TO the princ-
pies which the friends of Jackson then professed
will find me still with them. am aware that a
portion Of the Van Buren, party will bitterly con-
denim my course, and charge me with desertion
Of my principles-in the hope of persuading my
old friends that ! have changed. That is not
true. My principles are the same-thc princi-
plies which brought Gen. Jackson into power
They may, perhaps, set me down as Conserva-
tive. Well, be it SO. They are at liberty to call
me by this or any other party name; but must
have the privilege of voting for whom | please.
am resolved not to be coiidred by party or party
names. There is no material difference between
the great bulk Of the two parties, as to the man
ner in which they desire the Government to be
administered The differences, | believe 10 be
among the politicians on both sides, whose OBJ
ject is TO gather harvest of "fat things" for
themselves, and equally at the expense OF the
people.
Ii is proud name enough for me, that can
simply call myself an American Citizen. Iwish
to be known by no other. will acknowledge no
other. | am tired of deception. Names are
nothing. Honesty of purpose is every thing
therefore support my old General and fellow
soldier, not as party man, but because k,,oio
him-and know him to be brare man, a true
patriot, and capable statesman; and, knowing
him as do, had ten thousand votes they should
all be his in preference to Van Buren,. If it was
necessary, could go into detail in giving reasons
for my preference Of Gen. Harrison. But ex
pect to meet personally with most of my old po-
liical friends and associates, and will with great
pleasure, explain verbally why ! am constrained
to sustain Gen. Harrison. For the last year,
have been dissatisfied with the course Of mea-
sures pursued BY the Administration, and consi-
| dered the legislation of the Van Buren, party in
| the State Government, as peculiarly objectiona-
Bile. And much as have disliked the course OF
the leaders Of the Wing party, have longed to
see, and do hope to see, Mr.. Van Buran leave the
| White House, on the 4th Of March next To
many of my friends, these feelings and wishes
are not new. Yet, so strongly have been
bound by the chains of party, that confess
| have been wanting in nerve openly to proclaim
my opinions. had even persuaded myself to
slip along until the election, in silence and mac
tivity, unless (Which supposed would probably
| he the iact) should be called on to be the Van
Buren, candidate for Congress, which would
make it necessary to declare my opinions freely
and frankly. But being appointed a member OF
the Democratic State Central Committee found
that neutrality was no longer possible.
!, therefore, again reviewed the two political
parties (the extremes of both abhor) and came
TO the conclusion that there was, indeed so little
difference between the honest men of the two
parties, as had served two campaigns under the
old hero of Fort Meigs and the Thames, would
90 on and serve second under Van Buren,.
In this conclusion | soon found had erred.
There were differences, | found, between the
Central Committee and myself on subjects of
vital interest TO the country, which could not be
reconciled. When l again reviewed the late
Message Of the President TO Congress, his for
mer dictatorial messages and the destructive
measures Of q cannot say true Jackson Legisr
laturc, butt the Ohio Legislature, which were
bringing ruin upon the country, il was apparent
that, if retained place in that Committee,
should be compelled to sanction with my name
what my Judgment condemned and my love OF
country abhorred. Under these considerations,
plucked up courage Gas had often done before
under the "Old Ganny and Coward" as some
call him, and resigned my membership in said
committee. | now only regret that had not
acted with more energy and decision, and at
once followed the dictates Of my conscience,
which by day and by night admonished me OF
my duty, in regard to this important matter, I'M
ill | almost hated myself for hating SO long be-
tween two opinions. Perhaps ! ought TO ask
pardon of the Democratic State Central Com
mitteen for my wavering condnct-but the
shackles are broken, and, thank God, am once
| more freeman, and as long as live intend TO
be so.
Twill only further remark in conclusion, that
with my decided appreciation Of the old chief and
my determination 10 support him by all proper
means, cannot share in any proceedings which
smack Of dictation to the people. The people, in
my opinion, are abundantly capable, without the
help Of dictators, TO choose their own officers.