The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-03-20
THE CULTIVATION OF CARRIAGES
PREFERABLE TO THE PURSUIT
w OF POWER.
MR.. VAN buren, AND DIooLETIAN.

MR.. VAN BUREN, AND DIooLETIAN
AS it was our fortune to predict to Mr.. Van
Buren, the consequences of the policy he had
marked out for his Administration, and now that
our predictions are history, and he has exchanged
the pinnacle O. power for the quiet shades of pri-
vate life, we commend him to the life and the
philosophy (but not to the death) Of the Roman
Emperor Diocletian. We do this, because we
have watched his course from the beginning to
the end of his Administration, and because we
already see that he will find it difficult to bear
with contentment the tranquil Incidence of re-
tirement, We may add that Mr. Benton and
his constituents have already indicated wish
to call Mr.. Van Buren, back into the field as
candidate for reelection.
Diocletian was not, like Mr.. Van Buren,,
driven from his seat of power, but he acquired
the glory of giving to the world the first exam
pie of a resignation which has not been often
initiated by succeeding rulers. He formed the
design of Indicating in the midst of the splen-
dor of Roman triumph--at the height of his
power, and when his administration was in the
full tide of success. His power and dominion
had been shared by Maximian, who, as he was
a rude man-as he came from the Missouri of
the Roman Empire, and as he loved power, and
desired neither present tranquility nor future
reputation may be considered as in many par
ticulars not unlike Mr.. Benton.
But when Diocletian Invested himself of the
purple, and withdrew from the multitude, to his
retirement in the country, Maximian, unlike Mr..
Benton, followed his example. Having relin-
pushed the possession of the world, these two
old men soon became restless, and regretted
their want of occupation. Diocletian, however,
was able for a period to fix his attention upon
letters, and devotion, and building, planting and
gardening. Not so with Maximian. As Mr.. Ben
ton has proposed to Mr.. Van Buren,, so Maxi
milan solicited Docletian to reassume the reins
of government, and to engage again with him
in the excitements of public life. With phi
losophy worthy of Mr. Van Burens attention
and example, Diocletian rejected the temptation
with smile of pity, calmly observing, as Glib
bon expresses it, rare historical coincidence
"Hat If he could sheD MGrimian the CAB
BAGEs aohich he had planted NTH has o1on hands
at SaLona, he should no longer be urged to
reIinquish the enjoyment of happiness for the
pursuit Of power"
The recollections which that Emperor carried
with him into retirement, of the difficulties in
the art of government, viii doubtless force them
selves impressively upon the mind of Mr.. Van
Buren,. We have no doubt that Mr.. Van Buren,
was, as all Presidents are liable to be, placed in
asituation, which, as the result ofhis experience,
Diocletan describes in the following language,
which we commend for the attention of phioso-
pliers, statesmen, and retired politicians:
How often" Diocletan used to say, els it the in
teres Of four five ministers to combine together to
deceive their sovereign! Secluded from mankind by
his exalted dignity the truth is concealed from his
knowledge; he only with their eyes, he hears
nothing but their misrepresentation, He confers the
most important offices upon vice and weakness, and
dsgraces the most virtuous and deserving among his
subjects. BY such infamous arts added Diocletan,
the best and wisest princes sold the venaI
ruption of their courters."