The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-05-28

purpose whatever, ] shrunk from the rebuke a. 4,
whenever IL could be rcbuked, should be guilty ar !.
delinquency which no candid man will deliberately
attribute TO me well know to what extent the Bit
ternes Of party spirit will believe or the exist
ence Of wicked purposes in the bosoms Of its adverse
es but my respect for the honor and intelligence and
characteristic generosity of the citizens Of Charleston
VIII not allow me TO suppose that they put such
construction upon my conduct
Ana here, gentlemen, might rest this matter, but
'a' your proceedings have implicated me with more
general charge Of which this is in specif-
canon beg your indulgence while say word in
regard 10 this more general topic.
II has been settled purpose with me ever since
came into public life to avoid ms far as possible the
OF the question Of abolition with the party
PoiIics OF the day believed il of too much conse-
quence TO the South to permit il To be involved in
the ephcmera tho violent passions of political srug-
giles or to become catch word of empty noise flung
backwards and forwards-with less and less import
from day to day. In such state of things saw
great danger. This question determined to keen
in my own mind--apart from and above all the sym
pathies and purposes ofpary union this subject so
all-imporant, only be preserved by admitted and
recognized differences in politics We fall into nn-
nent danger, when we permit ourselves to suppose
that portion Of the South who differ with the
Presidential election therefore hostile to Southern
institutions. The safety of those institutions is pa
ramount consideration with all but the means of ac-
complaining that safety the legitimate subject Of
uHSIehcc VI opinon-on Wnicn dlfercnce, IN various
degrees, must, in the nature Of things exist. You,
fellowcitizens have declared your opinion that the
reelection Of Mr.. VAN BUREN is expedient for this
great interest; other citizens Of Charleston think
otherwise. The great slaveholding State of Virginia
has, IN the most emphatic way, declared that she
thinks otherwise. Large portions If not decided
Jorities, of all confer minous States with
Virginia and surely she and they cannot be cons.
dcrcd hostile 10 Southern interests disposed to ca
ter for the aboonists. put myself under the safe
guard OF these high authorities, TO be protected from
| suspicion of leaning towards ncendiarism, when my
political partiates the theirs
regret fellowcitizens, that should differ with you
ON the Presidential election but have no intention
Of entering into vindication of myself or discus
sion of the grounds which differ from YOU further
than TO say word the connection which il has Il
the subject which occasions this address Although
came into Office, fixed by my State in opposition Il
the psrty now in power; and although believe tina
that party has not only persisted in every measure
every principle which was delegated to oppose, bu
have devised dangerous and destructive policy
yet did not agree to yield my support to Genera
HARRISON, until had anxiously, and as far as m
abilities enabled me, thoroughly investigated hi
claims upon the support Of the South. The debcrat
result Of this inquiry is altogether in his favor hav
an entire confidence derived from careful examine
and will fearlessly maintain our constitutional rights
and that he merits our gratitude, for the manner il
which he has heretofore maintained them, beyond an
citizen of acknowledging State.
have addressed YOU gentlemen, in that frank spir
which am sure will find response in your own be
SONS; and am, with profound respect,
| Your obedient servant
| VIM G. PRESTON.
May l5 is4O