Democratic standard. [volume] (Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio) 1837-1850, 1841-04-27

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the UnOin who had distinguished me by
their preference--and to my personal
correspondents and friends not excepting
the very considerable number Of persons
once my intimate associates who, in the
fluctuations of politics, had been conver-
ted into opponents. l affirmed that in
none Of these class es, or in any other, was
there man who could truly say that
had solicited his political support or with
whom | had entered, or had sought to
enter into any arrangement 10 bring about
the nomination | had received, or to se-
cure my elevation to the Office of Chief
Magistrate ofihe Union. took occasion
to add, that trusted | should be excused
by the liberal mind Of all parties for thus
speaking of my own course ofconduct in,
reference TO a point on which l had been
so frequently assailed, and had hitherto
continued silent--mOst especially as /
alone could answer for It in relation to
all my cOuntrymen, though thousands
might be ready 10 answer for them
selves.
The re suit Of this appeal was much
as might confidently be expected from the
truth in which it was founded: and not a
voice was hoard in contravention of the
position had assumed. II did not, how
ever, relieve me from the assaults Of my
opponents; and in this was no: disap-
pointed; for l had sufficient experience
in such matters to satisfy me that, as long
as continued to merit the confidence of
my friends, ! should receive the condem-
nation of my foes, and that few political
men are praised by the latter until they
are about abandoning the former 1t how
ever compelled them to change their
position. and adopt new weapons of
warfare.
Tue feelings and principles by which
my conduct was then regulated, will also
guide it in future; and my friends may
rest assured that | will never place it out
of my power to repeat, with perfect truth
the declaration at that time felt myself
called on to make.
Ibid not on that occasion, nor do / now,
profess to be Indifferent to station 10
which every citizen ofthe United States
may aspire, by just and honorable means
without in the least interfering with the
rights Of others, because did not then,
nor do now cherish such a feeling. To
make myself worthy Of the Office Of Chief
Magistrate Of the most powerful confed-
Grafton of States that ever existed, and oC-
cupy the highest station among men ifit
could bo gained without the sacrifice of
my principles or my integrity, was on the
contrary, the object of my most earnest
desire, as It may properly be that of every
worthy member ofthis great community
where no man is precluded from obtain
ing the highest honOrS in the gift of bis
fellow.citizens.
The present occasion seems to me one
which not only justiieS but renders it in.
cumbent on me to express myself with
that perfect frankness, by which commu-
of this kind between friends and
brethren of the same principles, should in
my opinion, always be charaCterized.-
| will therefore, with your permission,
proceed to state my sentiments on this
last head little more at large.
That am deeply and greattully impress.
ID with the jealous consistency of the 70.
gard and confidence, so fully manifested
~ the General Assembly Ofthe State Of
as we'll as by many others ofmy
elbow citizens of various other portions of
he Union under circumstances apparent
y SO dlscouraging, you cannot doubt for
! roment. II is on the contrary, in the
lnfeigned respect | cherish for those who
,ffered their testimonials Of continual al
achment, that find the strongest motives
o meet them at the Threshold, by a free
md frank expression of my views and
ceilings on the subject, indicated in these I
declarations ofmy friends. &
beg you therefore to believe me t
when ] inform you that the personal inter q
sst which feel in the selection Of a can
lidate for the next Presidency, is restric. @
ed to a consideration Of the ultimate in n
luence, it may have on the final success 6
,fthOse great principles on which have i
earnestly labored to administer this Gov n
,rnment-which have ever believed, es- I
Iential to the freedom and happiness of ?
'ur common country, and with which
have always been content to stand or
all.
Although ] might never feel myselfa at
iberty to shrink from any and every
esponsibility which It may please the |
Democracy ofthe United States to impose l
pOn me, and which is consistent with the I
espect due to the people on account of a
he high station l have held by their v
hoice, should nevertheless, be not mer. Q
ly as we'll, but better, satisfied at seeing 4
hose ends, accomplished under the auspi- il
es Of some one Of the numerous names v
0 be found in the ranks Of Democracy, Fl
VhOse talents, character and services, a
hOugh they richly merit, have not vet f
eceived, the highest rewards Of the