The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-04-11
From The Charlottesville Je6ersonian-E Ezra
A SlGNi

From The Charlottesville Je6ersonian-Erna.
A SIGN!
1t will be seen by the following correspon-
dence, that a large number of enlightened
Republicans in the Valley Of Virginia have
invited Mr.. Rives to public dinner in Win
chester on the 18th inst. and that he has ac-
cepted the invitation. 1t is stated in the letter
Of invitation that large majority of those
who sign it, were recently Van Buren, men,
and our readers will not fail to remark that
the first name signed to it, "a. S. Baldwin,
is that of gentleman who, at the last Presi-
dental election, was Van Buren, elector-
This government has broken the spell of
party discipline with patriotic and enlight-
oned people and the revolution which is
taking place every where in public sentiment
Zone of those revolutions which will assured
ly, not go backward may teach our present
rulers, though now too late for their benefit,
the important and salutary Republican truth
that all public Magistrates, even the highest,
are responsible servants Of the people.
WINCHESTER, March IL, Is4O
Hon. WIN. c. RIvEs,
Sir: The undersigned, on behalf of large
portion Of their fellow citizens who desire to
manifest their high appreciation of your long
and faithful public services, and especially Of
tho distinguished ability W it'll which you have
combatted the destructive financial measures
of the party now in power, respectfully invite
you TO public dinner in this place on We'd
nesday the 5th Of April next, or on such
other day as it may best suit your convenience
to be with US.
1t may not be amiss in rendering you this
evidence of their appreciation, to remark, that
most OF the undersigned concurred with you
at the last election Of President in desiring
the elevation Of the present incumbent to that
high Office, from conviction that his admins
tration would be controlled by wise and pru-
dunt counsels, and just regard to all the di-
versifed interests of our young and growing
Republic: but sad experience had demonstrate
ed the tallacy OF these hopes and expectations.
Departing at the very threshold Of his admin
istration from the course Of policy which he
and his leading friends stood pledged before
the country TO maintain, each successive step
that he has taken has been from bad to worse,
until the rapid declension Of both public and
private credit-the evidences of which are
daily multiplying around us-threatens the
most serious consequences in every depart
ment of commercial or business operations
while the new and heretofore unheard of, as
symptoms of power-even to the disfran-
chisement without the forms Of law of one of
the old thirteen States who stood shoulder to
shoulder with our own Virginia in fighting the
battles Of Independence-are enough to alarm
the fears and arouse the Indignation Of every
friend Of our Republican form of Govern
ment.
At the first gun that was fired at the esta-
blished institutions Of the country you threw
yourself into the breach, and have noby and
manfully battled in their defence. You did
this, too, under circumstances most honorable
to yourself, and which entitle you to the last
ing gratitude Of your country. 1t is well
known that there was no Office at the disposal
OF the Executive which you could not have
obtained if you would have consented to pur-
chase it either by a silent acquiescence in his
measures, or an open approval Of them. But
you disdained Office upon such conditions,
and resolved, come what might, to stand by
your country and her institutions.
We have the honor to be,
With great respect,