Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1841-12-24
THE TWO EX-PRESIDCNTS.

A late number of the Albany Argus con-
tains long and elaborate article urging the
denomination of Mr.. Van Buren, for the
Presidency. After enumerating the UNI
rivallcd achievements of this ilustrious
Statesman in his political career, this oracle
of the Democracy" discourscs with great
dissatisfaction upon the "gracetai" and
"philosophica" port of the retired chiciain
in his classic retreat at Kmdcrhook. The
Argus considers it quite ouigdr and anti
democratic in Ex-PnEsIDENT ADAMS to con-
descend to represent his district in Congress
after having occupied the Presidential chair
and thinks the undigriGed example of this
rude plebean affords a striking contrast to
the "grdcJM," polished, patrician bearing
Of the "philosophical" Martin. The fol-
lowing is an extract from the article TO which
we refcr:-
"Oi the generations since the Revolution, two Pre-
| sdents only have been denied n reelection 1t NAV
be thought invdlous 10 pursue comparison between
! them, respecting the manner in which they have
| borne themselves under such a dispensation. But
Their poll neal faith cannot be more directly at oppo-
sites than their of conduct in this respect #
an un,atlstied desire of place, craving for public
life or habits OF public occupation which impatient
and restless spirit could neither conceal nor subdue
prompted return, in sub0rdinate station, to the
| scenes OF political and legislative contentious q for
ward gladiator in the strife, provoking conflicts and
| excuses IN the representative arena such as have
never before been witnessed, and furnishing to the
world the example of an ex,president, returning with
fresh zeal and slarpencd appetite to The rcry rudi
| mcntS Of pubiic career: if such an exhibition was
calculated 10 diminish the respect for tie presidential
?tfcc and The admiration Of The presidential charac
ter; the calm philosophy, the serenity, the pleasing
and the graceful acqucscence in events, looking ou
upon the world with the sensations which an ncrcs
in the public welfare cannot but excite but with ne
desire 10 mngle in the aray, scarcely fail to re
| assure our faith in the elevation and dignity of ou
nature and in the successful working out of the grea
i problem of self overnment."
The best commentary upon this beautiful
specimen Of modern democracy is to be
found in late number of the Democrat,
Review, where this "undignifed" example
Of the venerable Ex-Prcsident is thus spo.
ken off,
His (Mr. AS stores of special knowledge or
every subject, gradually garnered up through The
course of his extraordinary life, in the well arranged
'sorehouse of a memory which is SAID to have nov
er yet permitted single fact to escape it, gives hin
u great advantage over all new corners. He IS
wonderful, eccentric genius He belongs to NJ
party nor does any party belong to him. He is o
=" too cold a nature to be long party leader. He il
Original. of very peculiar ideas, and perfectly fear
~ less and independent in maintaining them. He il
remarkable for his atiabity to young persons ant
surrounded by them al his own table, he can be a
hilarious and as happy as the gayest of them. Fo
one Serrice at least, the country him dtbt 0
'gratitude. Ireftr to the fine illustration ,rhich h
"aforded Of The true character Of our Institutions
"dc7l he passed from the Presidential p1I1ce to hi