Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1840-10-29

gree to my fellow citizens who were associated with
me, OF 10 whose Judgment and supervision my con-
duct was accountable. Ny earliest Impressions I'M
bihed IN nur revolutionary struggle were That The pco-
ir capable o approaching the blessings OF Freedom
were The OILY sate depository of power, aud with
these impressions came when quite youth TO this
section Of Our Union, then wilderness, but now
rch ana powerful SsIte. These impressions be.
came ma kim IN Tue guide of my life; and it is now
proud satisfaction to mr, after long experience, 10
be able I" assure yop thai lime far from weakening
their force, has conirmed them. Thus habually ac-
custoned to look To my ellowczens for aid inslruc-
on and support, il impossible for me even 10 feel
elevated by any event which did place their honor
ana interest far above mine, individual And
y is ~ hs view alone of the consequences resulting
IRON my public acts of which you pleased TO speak
with 50 much parliaty and Kindness that am ena-
bled to enjoy the satisfaction which their retro spect is
calculated TO inspire
"FellowC tzcns-My health is too feeble to sustain
me IN an attempt to express fully the reflections which
are excited in my mind, by the view you have taken of
ourp bic affairs at this time. cannot forbear how
ever brief response to of the topics you have
touched You are right in ascribng TO me deep in
erest IN the result of the contest which they have pro-
dnced between the Federal and Republican parties.
Jeet II, and throw away the which would sup
press an ayowa of it, afiectation unworthy of
freeman, whatever muy be his situation in life.
"Ihese are no ordinary times. II is impossible to dis
guse the fact tbata revolution, if not in the forms,
the spirit of Institutions is attempted by the Fede
raj party and would be unnatural for me look at
the signs which announce the progress of this spirit
without warning my countrymen of their existence
withstandlng may be denounced by the Wing and
Federal presses n dictator.
"Whilst was your Chief Magistrate this spirit
frequently exhibited, and strongly impressed
with the character ofits designs, that felt it my duty
IN my Farewell Address to guard you against them,
and to which, as full exposition of my views, | ear
nesty refer you The display of its power, therefore,
in the present political contest does no surprise me.
SIN the early history of our country the Federal par
ty made many attempts 10 mould the Government to
their purposes, but they were defeated by the vigil
ance of the people, then fresh from the school of the
Revolution. Our national energy has since been chief
ly directed to the adjustment of relations with
foreign powers and these have had such preponderat
ing influence on the action of the General Government
as to furnish but slight opportunities for the admission
Of any principle in system, dangerous TO Republ
can liberty. But the period has arrived which frees
from all apprehension doubt regard to the operation
of our system, far the question Of security against
foreign danger is concerned and we yet to test our
capacity to adjust in equally fortunate manner, these
more delicate relations which belong to intercourse
with each other, and in which are more Intimately in
volved the means Of preserving our happy Union
Hence may still be said TO be in many respects in
our infancy nation. We yet TO see, whether
resist successfully the many schemes that be
brought to bear against harmony States, and
which may aim to give wrong bias to the action of
both Federal and State Governments.
"Look pray you, at the efforts which are making
array one section of the Union against the other II
in this aspect that The movements the Abolitionss
become fearful and perentous. If there be any real
nthropy the of those who constitute this
party, it cannot be doubled that il is made to take
false direction by those who striving 10 revive the
doctrines of the Federal party 1t is nndcniable that
the mass of the Abotonists acknowledge political
leaders those who have signalized their opposition to
the measures which will keep the Government in the
path prescribed for by its founders If there is sin
gle Abotonist in the United States who supports or
advocates any leading doctrine of the Republican par
,y have not heard of il. Wherever the influence of
ese societies is felt it adds the power of those who
favor the establishment of National Bank-who con-
tend for system of Internal Improvement at with
the rights of the Staes-who advocate Tariff of pro-
lection unnecessary on the score Of revenue and cal
cuated TO multiply the sources of discord between the
various sections of the Union.
"Bu it is less to the fact that these elements of dis
cord visible in horizon, than TO the truth that
we here, who the devoted objects Of their wrath,
are srengt hening them by divisions among ourselves
about immaeral things, that would call your atten-
tion and you to proper sense of duty. 1t is
impossible that Tennessecans, whatever divisions or
names they may allow themselves 10 be called by, can
ever majority be brought to sanction the doctrines
Of the Federal party Can any Tennesseean say
whether he be Wing, or Republican, or Democrat
can he say the leaders of Federalism, will give you
my vote because agree with you in political sent-
ment. The almost universal answer Isl No! Yet
such will be the effect of our divisions, If shut
eyes TO the danger which is before US, and which will
inevitably befa the country, If the organization of the
various influences brought by the FedeTaists to
the support of Gen. Harrison, should include any
siderable portion of the South
I aiFeow-citzens know that in speaking thus plainly
expose myself 10 the obloquy Of the Federal party;
and perhaps may incur the imputation of seeking to
inermeddle with the independent judgment Of yon my
countrymen. The obloquy of the Federalists has no
terrors for when the liberty OF my country IN dan
IL. T,Io ind fool
ing; but while believe their principles to be danger
Gus to the public prosperity, will not cease TO oppose
and expose them. For those OF my friends who may
ascrbe TO other considerations than those which
profess in the freedom with which have adverted TO
the present state of public affairs must be content to
say that they do me injustice.
at is no personalmotve, fellow-ctzens, that leads
me to speak Of General Harrison as have-and If l
know myself such could prompt me in the
conviction which | have formed, that the election of
Mr.. Van Buren, is essential to the preservation of
Republican principles. 1t is true that with the latter
gentleman have an intimate acquulntance, and have
for years been terms Of the closest confidence and
friendship
"But his claims to my personal respect great and un-
qualified admit them TO be- sink into insignhcance
when contrasted with those which he presents not on
" TO me, but to you and all the country as genuine
Republican, pure patriot and sagacIous statesman
To these claims his services, whenever he has been
publicly employed, bear the most indisputabe testl-
nony, and it is but act of duty tor me to say, that
they were most sgnay displayed whilst he was mem
her of nv cabinet Mr.. Jefferson himself in similar
tuation could not have been careful of the pub
c good, or resolute in maintaining the Republ'-
can principle free from all innovation or tan whether
threatened by open or secret influences.
"This, my iellow-czens, is a great and momcntnus
crisis in national affairs in which our dearest rights
as freemen deeply concerned. The Presidential
Election is near at hand, which will decide the fate Of
our Republican SYSTEM whether it will be perpetuated
on the great principle laid down in our written Con-
stution, changed TO great consolidating Govern
mcnt in which the rights of the States will be destroy
ed the confederation trodden under foot our glorious
Union burst asunder, and your constitutional liberty
lost forever. Its destiny is in your hands-the hands
of the sovereign people-and at the polls on the Sd OF
November, you decide this alimportant question tor
veal for If you cast your votes for that well
tried Republican Martin Van Buren,, your Republican
system is perpeuated and placed upon durable foun-
daton Cast your votes for Gen Harrison the chosen
candidate of the apostate Republicans, the AboonIsts
and the Hartford Convention Federalists and, your
Constitutional liberties are perhaps gone forever, and
may end like that of the ancient Republics