Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1840-04-24


Joined to he proceedings of this Committee.
j. NJ. SAUNDERS, Chairman
F. HoRSER, Secretary
To the Editor ofMe Jcfersonian.
Sr-In your last paper il IS announced That several
gentlemen Of this county, who have heretofore co,ope
rated with the Wings, will do so no longer, ana my
name is mentioned as OF them wish TO say
word in explanation, although am well aware the po-
tca opinions of an humble individual like myself are
Of very little importance, vet dislike TO appear hckle
and inconsistent 1t is true, have acted with the
Wing party for years past, because was opposed
TO many of the and acts OF General Jackson
Nv objections his administration have been stated TO
the public and do not wish intend to rctract them
But that has past away and state OF affairs arisen,
which makes it right 10 rermr 10 tu"ddmsnfat PrHPeS
frequent recurrence to which was wisely recommends
ed by those who lived before ns-and certainly no time
can be proper to do so IMAM on the return Oh
Presidential election.
have ever been Republican, and therefore wish to
see at the head of the Government man who will sus-
tain the great principles for which the Democratic party
have always contended-which practscd by JET
ferson and Madison, and set forth IN the memorable
Report and Resolutions of l19c-99. 1t would be eX-
rene folly to discard President because we do not
agree with him all questions of policy, and elect
another who differs from 'tindamcntatfy md TO-
taUy."
South. and | am satisfied, the Northern Wings will
never vote for Southern man to be President of the
IT, S General Harrison is the candidate of the Oppo-
sition Tor rather the Northern portion OF IT'D which
party embraces men of every political hue; but large
majority are National Republicans and FederalIsts,
who are in favor of liberal and latudnous construc
ton of the Constitutions by which the powers OF the
General Government enlarged at the expense of
the States and against which Virginia has ever contend
ed If elected Gen Harrison must carry out their Prtn
eipics and policY to which am opposed Great uncer
tanty exists in regard to his present views OF slavery,
which he will explain by manly declaration OF his
real sentiments thus giving to his friends and supporters
in every part of the Unlon the advantage OF drawing
from his past history such conclusions on the subject as
nav be best calculated TO advance his popularity among
the people of each peculiar section 1t is believed the
Aboonists will generally support him-wlthou their
aid he cannot succeed and consequently, his election
would be hailed by them great triumph, as was ms
nomination by the Harrisburg Convention never
thought him fit for the Presidency, and so expressed
myself in 1896 when voted the Opposition ticket, on
after the cry against Jackson, that the Wings would
have rallied under the banner of "a military chIctain:
Mr. Van Buren, is the candidate OF the party whose
principles profess, and although do not consider ms
Administration free from errors yet 1t has convinced
me that Southern rights will receive injury from
him At all events, the State Rights part of the com
muny can gain nothing by his defeat, or the election
of his opponent.
| might enlarge on the subject but deem 1t unneces-
sarv, having SAID enough TO explain and justify my
position, which is that OF an independent freeman, de-
tcrmined never be the slave of party, at the ex
pense of principle and claiming the right, at all times
and on all proper occasions, to express his opinions OF
public men and measures, freely and carlcssly.
Respectfully,
Your obt servt,
JAMES FRENCH.