Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1840-05-30
GEN. JOHN M'ELvAiN OF OHIO.

The enumeration OF Gen. M'ELvAtN's deteTmi. |
nation to abandon Mr.. Van Buren, and TO support
ien Harrison for the Presidency is most preg-
lant sign Of the times In common with Thousand
If others, this conspicuous member Of the party;
he Jackson and Van Buren, elector for the district
n which he lives, at three successive elections
,as found himself compelled to abandon the faction
INTO which the party has degenerated. Gen NJ Ell
VAIN the early and fast friend of Gen. Jackson;
and so much confidence was reposed in him that.
during the last winter, he was placed on the Van
Buren, Central Com nittee--wbich work he has now
declined. We ask attention to the following letter
in which he assigns his reasons for the course
which he has taken.
From the Ohio Confederate.
Mr.. EptroR:-It is not because wish to thrust my
own opinions before the public uncalled for, but be-
cause others have chosen to attach Importance to
them, that am induced to ask place in your pa
per for few remarks. 1t is known to my fellow
citizens in this part of the country, that have been
the early and constant advocate Of General Jackson
and his administration, and that contributed my
eXertions TO elect his successor. But disappearing
the course of the Van Buren, party in many particu-
lars when Gen. Harrison was again brought out
in opposition to Mr. Van Buren,, | made NO my
mind TO support him, because | knew him to be
honest and worthy Of the confidence IF the people.
As others have been pleased to use my name freely
because determined to act in this matter for my.
self and in pursuance Of my duty TO my country,
have thought II proper thus publicly TO announce
NV erminatiuns-throngh your columns to our
old Jackson friends, by whom desire to be proper
~ understood
In abandoning Mr. Van Buren, and giving nv
vote to Gen. Harrison, let man suppose that
| ,,ppnnS n1d nnl;ti al
friends, with whom cO-operatad in electing Gen
| Jackson to that high post which he filled with 81
much credit to himself and honor to his cOu"try -
Those who adhere TO the princioleS which the
friends of Jackson then prUfes>e1 will find me still
with them ! am aware thar portion Of the Van
Buren, party will bitterly condemn my course and
charge me with desertiun Of nv princpe>--in the
hope of persunding my old frIeTds HAT | have
changed. -rua, is rot true. Nv principe, TIE
same the principles that brought Gep J'ck> N iatu
power. They may ehops set N" dOWn as CnnSlr.
utiyp v ell. be- 1t 50. Iney At liberty 10 cHij
me bv this or any other name; bur mu,1 lave tie
privilege Of voing for whom please. Ium resoA .
I'd not to be cOl!area by the party "r party names
There is no material difference betu cen the ere
bulk of the two parties, to the manner IN which
hev de ire the Government to be administered -
The difference, believe /" be ansng ii" politician
on both sides, whose object i to gather hurvs>
of "tat things" for themselves, at tie exp.n,r ui
he people.
1t is proud name enough for me, that can >imp
| " call myself an American Citizen. | WI h 80 re
known by no other. will acknowledge 10 her.
| am tired OF ptOn.-Names are nU,hng -
Honesty Of purpose is every thiny. therefor
support my Old General and ellpw soldier, not II
party man. but because knotc him--and know him
| to be brave man, a true patriot aud a capable
statesman, and, knowing hlm as | do, had ! tel
thousand votes they should all be his in preference
to Van Buren, If it was necessary. could 60 in
to detail in giving reasons for my preference Of
General Harrison. But expect to meet personally
with most Of my old political friends aud associates
and will with great pleasure explain verbally why
am constrained ~ sustain General Harrison. Ful
he last year have been dissatisfied with the cour
OF measures pursued by the Administrations, anG
con sidered the legislation OF the Van Buren, par
in the State Government peculiarly obi cnnable
And much have disliked the course Of the lea L.
ers OF the Wing vartv, have longef to see and dt
hope TO see Mr.. Van Buren, leave the White HJu-t
on the 4th Of March next. To many Of my friends
these feelings and wishes are not new Yet 81
strongly have been bound by The chain of party.
that confess have been wanting in nerve, openly
u proclaim my opinions. ] Ind even persuaded
myself TO slip along until the election, in silence
| and inactivity, unless (Which | supposed woulC
probably be the fac) should be called on to be the
! Van Buren, candidate for Congress, which wouir
/
frankly
Blu, being appointed member of the Democratic
State Central committee, found that neutrality
was no longer possible. l. therefore, aga IN review
ed the two political parties (the extreme Of both
a5Aor) and came to the conclusion that there was
indeed, SO little difference between the honest mel
of the two parties, as had served two campaigns
under the old hero of Fort Meigs and the Thumes
| would 90 on and serve a second under Van Buren,
| To I alS flnnd I haI arrad uh.r
were differences, found, between he Central Com
mite and myself On subjects ofvital interest to tn
country, which could not be recOncied. When
again reviewed the late message of the Presiden
to Congress, his former dictatorial message ant
the destruc'iy, measures of q cannot say tru,
Jackson legislature, butt the Ohio Legislature
which wsrS bringing ruin upon the country, it wa
apparer' at. il retained place in that commit
tee, J - aid be compelled to sanction with my nam
what my judgment condemned and my love of coun
try abhorred Under these consideration pluck
cd up courage, [aS had often dune before unde
the .'Old Granny und Coward as some call him
and resigned ny membership in that committee.
now regret thu ! had not acted with more energ,
and decision md at once followed the dictates o
my conscience, which by day and by night admon
shed me Of nv duty, in regard to this importan
matter, until almost hated myself for hqltng St
long between two opinions. Perhaps. | ought u
ask pardon of the Democratic State Central Com
mitee" for my wavering conduct--but the shackle
are broken, and thank God. am once mnre Il free
maa! And as long as live intend TO be so.
l will only further remark, in conclusion. tia
with my decided appreciation Of the old chief AL
ms deternin"n"' ." Airport him BY oil prDps
m"ans caHnot snare in any proceedings whlc
smack Of dic,nt,nn ut the pehplu. The Daone, +,
my opiniun, abundant!y cnpable. wit, OFT /
help Of dic,atur~, To chnn>e heir own officers
desire further To say 10 all my nd Jackspp friend
IN the city aud surrounding counties, that nv hon.