Lincoln telegraph. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1836-1846, 1840-10-29

rem displayed the most patriotic devotion
to their country at the period, when Amer
lea was engaged, in just, righteous and
necessary war against one OF the most pow
erful nations on the globe
| propose to examine this point, with
perfect freedom, because am intimately
acquainted with the occurrences of that
day.
need not stop TO culogize James Madi-
son. for purity of character, patriotism, and
great requirements as civian--none sur
pass him. He was a real Republican and
the bosom friend of Jefferson. He was
elected in 1903 President of the United
States, and during his first term did all that
great man and patriot could do to bring
Great Britain TO sense of Justice, and to
induce her TO abstain from violating our
national rights and honor, by remohstrance
and peaceful means. His efforts we're in
vain In June 1912. he recommended
declaration of War, which was declared
on the 18th of that month. 1t was ilhmed-
lately seen that portion of our citizens
were determined to oppose and thwart the
vigorous prosecution of the war. In May
1912, the Republican members ofthe Leg
islature of this State, nominated De WITT
CLINTON as candidate for the Presidency,
in opposition 20 Mr.. Madison On the
declaration Of War, and when it became
manifest, that it was 10 be sustained princi-
pally by the Republican party, the real re-
publican friends of De Witt Clinton,
regarded the contest between them,
with pain and regret. Mr.. Clinton had
been chief pillar of the Republican
party during his whole life. He was adj
mired and beloved for his talents, his prin-
ciples and his patriotism. In 1909, had
married his sister, and there ever existed
between us the strongest personal and polt-
ical friendship. In September 1919. Gen.
William King, of Bath, in the then State
of Massachusetts, called on me in Albany
and stated that he had made the Journey 10
that place for the sole and only purpose Of
getting me to cooperate with him to induce
Mr.. Clinton, to resign his pretentions to
the Presidency. He stated that the Re-
publicans of the East had a high regard for
Mr.. Clinton, but that they considered the
prosecution Of the war identified with the
election of Mr. Madison, wno enjoyed
their affection and confidence, Gen
King urged many other considerations why
Mr.. Clinton should decline, and urged me
to aid him in bringing about that aost de-
srahe event. My own opinion conceded
precisely with Gen. King aud the result was
the following letter. by Lieut., Governor
Taylor and myself to Richard Riker ESQ,
who was then Chairman Of Committee
in the City of New-York for promoting
Mr.. Cinton's election.
"ALBAsY, Sept. 26, 1872
Dear Sir =" Permit us to introduce to your
acquaintance Gen. King of Massachusetts, 1t is
his wish to communicate freely with some one or
more of the 1t. Governors (Mr Clinton 81 friends
in your city, in relation to the Presidential ques-
ton. The General s character and standing
title him to the greatest consideration, and allow
US to say that nothing could be more gratifying
to the real friends of Mr.. Clinton in this section
of this State than an arrangement which wonld
avoid competition in the choice of President.
"At period like the present, big with events,
in which we contending for every thing dear
and valuable, aud when a portion of citizens
| are systematlzng measures, calculated to deaden
the energies of the nation, rely upon it, the sup
porters and friends Of the constitution cannot but
view with emotions of the deepest regret, srug-
gle between men, who think alike on general
measures. We acquit ourselves, when we SOL
EMMY declare to you our firm opinion, that no
event could exalt Mr.. Clinton higher among his
republican friends than surrender of his preten-
tons to the Presidential chair at the ensuing cleo
ton, and different would consequently
in our opinion, destroy his prospects, and deprive
the nation, at future period, of the services of
man whose talents highly estimate.
With much respect, your Obedlent Servt's,
A. SPENCER.
JOHN TAYLOR"
RICHARD RIKER, Esquire
[See Niles Register, vol. Sd, page 1879.
OF the character of Gov. Taylor; IT is
unnecessary to speak, He was a patriot
of the revolution, and for many years one
Of the pillars of the Republican party. He
served the State in various and high offices
with integrity, wisdom and patriotic devo-
ton to country. Mr.. Clinton was one OF
the nearest relations he had.
This letter proceeding from such
source, conveying the most dsinieresled
and santary advice, emana'ing from patr-
otto and friendly hearts. was certainly emit
tied 10 the grayest consideration What
was the consequence an alienation be-
tween me and Mr. Clinton for more than
four years, in which we neither associated
or spoke to each other-an alienation pro-
ceeding solely from this letter.
But hasten to show Mr. Van Buren's
conduct at this period which tried mems
souls. He was for the first time elected 10
the Legislature in April 1912. He was
then chosen Senator, but was not entitled
to take his seat until afte: July 1912, and
did not take his seat until the meeting of
=