The Hawk-eye and Iowa patriot. (Burlington, Iowa) 1839-1843, 1840-08-13
A WARNING TO oFFIcE-HoLDERs.
Corresponding Committee tor Shelby Co
GEN. HARRIsON's ANSWER.

: : ~. r
A WARNING TO OFFICE-HOLDERS.
We renewedly commended to the atten-
ton of our readers, the following extracts,
from the writings Of that apostle of dem
ocracy, Thomas jefferson. 1t is fashion
able, very fashionable for the federal off,
GERS and the leaders of the loco foco party,
to speak of their admiration of Jefferson,
and their hearty cooperation in his politi-
cal sentiments! Yet, who are more busy
in getting up caucuses, organizing party,
anil drilling men to the support of party
than the government Office holders, of
the present day? What class Of men have
we who take upon themselves to direct
and brow beat honest voters for free
thought, and an independent vote, more
than these same office holders in the Ma
tional and State governments? Nay, what
man can now hold an Office, who does not
devote his time, and use his influence, in
the business Of eleclioneering! And yet
Van Buren, and his office holders claim
to be governed by the principles of Thorn
as Jefferson! Their impudence in making
such claim. is only equalled by their
recklessness in the means of accomplish
ing their selfish purposes.
Read what Thomas Jefferson said in a
circular to those in office, while he was
President, and compare it with the every
day acts Of those in Office at the present
time.
4 cit is deemed improper for officers to
attempt to control or influence the free
exercise of the elective right.-The right
of any officer to give his vote at elections
as qualified citizen is not meant to be
restrained, nor, however given, shall it
have any effect to his prejudice; but it is
expected that he will not attempt to infu-
ence the votes Of others, nor take any
part in the business of electioneering,
that being deemed inconsistent with the
spirit of the constitution and his duties to
Here also is another extract from the
same author.
81 have always thought it wrong that
men holding, public stations should inter-
fere in popular elections, for they are un-
doubleday interested, and of course in
terested judges, and for this reason
gave early notice to such officers as were
under my control that All interference
with popular elections further than their
votes would be sufficient cause for removal
from Office
We repeat it, we commend these cx-
tracts 10 the careful attention of every re.
publican freeman. They contain worthy
sentiments, that must approve themselves
to the conscience Of every honest republic
can. Have the principles Of democracy
changed, that these sentiments should be
discarded? or has Van Buren, and his
noisy partizans merely stolen the name
Of democracy, thinking thereby to carry
into execution their own selfish plans
Let every honest man, land thank heaven
the mass of the people are honest, and
mean to be SO in their political principles
and practices) we say, let every uprigh,
republican examine the practices of those
| in office, and test their democracy by the
rule laid down by the worthy Jefferson.
Let every hard working laborer who
looks for no Office, who expects no fa
salary-,-whose only wish is that govern.
ment should be exercised in the best man
ner to promote the greatest good Of the
greatest number; let all such cut these ex
tracts from the paper, and have them rea
dy to any noisy, electioneering Office
holder that may attempt to influence his
vote.
Let the mechanic, who asks nothing
more Of government than a fair protection
of his rights as free man, and an Ameri
can workman, post these extracts ovel
his bench, or in some conspicuous place
in his shop, that the lneddling office
holder may read his own condemnation
4 written by one of the fathers Of his coun
try. These extracts will be an effectua
cure for those political harpies witt
] preach of the advantages of low prices
and the pure democracy Of Van Burel
: and his nnderlings.
. Let the bold Jack tar and the hardy
fisherman keep them as shot in ibe
locker, for the officious and electioneerinl
collector. And Just read him short lee.
ture from them on the duties, while he
Iprates about the beauties of democracy.
Let the sturdy, republican, liberty-lov
ing farmer nail i upon the door Of his
E clog cabin" as rule Of duty for every
office holder to observe.
Let these be acknowledged. as the badge
of genuine democracy BY all classes, unit