The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-03-20


to observe that President Harrison has awaited
himself ofthe occasion of hisInaugural Address,
TO relterate his opinion upon this subject, and to
renew his pledge for one term. Not like Gen.
Jackson, who had expressed the same opinion
before his first election, does he draw back, now
thathe has come to power; but he holds up the
warning to the nation, and himself sets the first
example OF abstinence from the cup of ambition
that is put into his hands. "Republics, says
the President in reference to this defect Of our
adopt or continue any feature in their systems
q government which may be calculated to
create or increase the love of power in the Boz
SIMS OF those to whom necessity obliges them
tdcommit the management of their affairs"
We have now before US new precedent in
tbs particular, and as we fervently hope, the
beginning of an era and if the republic goes
| on TO prosper-the chances Of which are greatly
multiplied, secured, we trust, if this example
prevails Harrison will be pronounced
in history as great benefactor to his country
for the establishment of this principle, as Gene
raj Washington for his aid in establishing our
independence. 1t required the virtue of
Washington to resign his sword when his coun-
try was freed, while he, himself, was the idol
of ae nation. Harrison, coming into power on
hegreatest tide of popularity known in our
history in contested election, nobly takes his
staHd on the platform of one Presidential term.
SinIe Washington declined a third term, no
successor has dared to aspire to it. The exam
pie vas paramount to constitutional law. Jack
son, indeed, thought of it--or his friends thought
Of itfor him, If they could have succeeded in
bringing on French war But as the one was
husfed, there was no apology for the other
We trust the example of Gen. Harrison, in sight
OF tf error thus rebuked, will command con-
sider,tion which no successor will dare to tram
pie uider foot
1t scarcely possible, that General Harrison
shoul( now have any motive but to do every
thing i'm his power to promote the good of the
county. All his renown, as Chief Magistrate,
at hon e and abroad, is identified with this single
obJecttand that, surely, is an object worthy of
any MINIS ambition. His own personal fame,
all the motives which address themselves to the
springs of human action, are merged in public
good That is the very perfection of the frame
and operation OF human society, that the struc-
ture should be such, as to bar the influence of
bad passions in rulers, and call into action the
nobler qualities Of our nature.
We asrribe to the man who now stands at
the head Of this nation the sagacity TO have dis
cerned the Importance of establishing this prece-
dent and the patriotism TO have led the way
The well known excellence of his character, the
history Of his public services, the benefcent
kindness, manly thought, statesman-like views,
and patriotic sentiments which characterize the
Inaugural, are concurrent facts in proof of such
perceptions and purposes.
We have seen in the recent history of our
country-a sad and gloomy record what Pre-
sden expecting future elevation, will do for ham
SELF to establish his own ascendancy and power
We are now to witness the effect of cutting of
of these baser motives of human action, and the
substitution of the country's welfare as the grand
object Of pursuit. No one can specify any other
reasonable consideration as likely to come within
the purview of General Harrison's policy.
The reception Of the Inaugural.
We are happy to observe the uniform echo of
appreciation among the fair and candid, presiding
over the press, which comes back from all parts
of the country, in respect TO the principles and
character Of the Inaugural. 1t seems to strike
the public as document which stands out from
all of its class of modern date, and peers above
them as thing pre-eminent, commanding atten-
ton, and melting hope. tits solid platform, on
which may be erected system of legislation
and government, that will redeem the country
from its misfortunes, and put it forward in new,
bright, and vigorous career ofprosperity.