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

With regard to that vital consideration
which in the estimation Of we'll organ
lied mind and an honest heart, will al
ways be more deep and impressive than
the mere trappings of office-I mean the
consciousness of rectitude of purpose and
estimation of friends--I think cannot
be mi staken in believing that / could un-
der no circumstances, hope 70 do better.
II, therefore there be any political sup
porters who are or who may hereafter be
induced by any consideration personal 10
myself, by respect to my feelings under
suppostion that they have been woun-
ded or embittered by defeat incurred
in defence of their principles, TO bring
me forward again as candidate for re-
election, beg them, in justice to myself,
TO dismiss all such motives from their
minds. | cherish no such feelings, and
require no new proofs Of the confidence
and good will of those who have sustained
me in success and rallied around me in de-
feat. The circumstances under which
the Democracy Of my native country, Of
my native State and of the sister States
have raised me from the first to the last
step of advancement; the opportunities
they have afforded me to exempify to
the world the principles by which have
been governed, and the indomitable spir-
it with which they have sustained me in
the great struggle to battle the exertions
and appliances of selfish and political
interests combined against me, and
against the measures which l have uni
formly advocated, and in part succeeded
in establishing, have imposed upon me
an obligation lasting as life, and leaving
on my heart debt ofgratitude I can new
er discharge.
1t will be time enough hereafter for the
Democracy to designate its candidate
1t is not 10 be disguised that feeling, of
personal kindness towards myself, and for
which | cannot be too grateful, have been
among the motives for thus early disig-
mating me for the station from which
have just retired. This feeling coDsti-
tutes a dangerous ingredient in political
operations, and from no one could an at
tempt to check it proceed more properly
than from myself Preparations for the
next Presidential election are not, on
this occsaion, and at this crisis, liable to
the ordinary objection of preiudging the
conduct Of the incumbent for the time be-
ing, inasmuch as he will, at all events
retire at the expiration of the constitution
al term.
The most appropriate as we'll as most
useful exertion which can be made at this
time Of our friends, is in adopting the
best measures and means in their power
for the explanation and diffusion of their
principles, the detection of falsehoods
and the dissemination of truth among the
great body of tho people, leaving the Sc
lection Of their candidate to more suita-
bic period. In the latter, the Democra-
cy never had less to apprehend from dis.
sension among its members, since there
has not, according to my best judgment
ever been a moment when the noble and
patriotic sentiment advanced by YOUR
Distinguished edRepresentative, "Every thing
for the cause-nothing for men"-was so
universal among the supporters Of our
principles.
In the efforts to be made by the De-
mOcracy Of the United States for re.as.
tablishing the ascendency Of their princi-
Oles in the administration Of the General
Government, shall be placed, in many
by the station | have occupied
and the known sentiments of the people
in reference 10 the conduct becoming
The position in which l stand, in the situa.
lion of an observer only. But it will not
assure you, be that of one Indifferent to
he result. lean never, while live, look
IN an uncO0cemed spectator where the
great principles 10 the establishment of
which have devoted the best years ofmy
ife, and the success of which am assured
s essential 10 the welfare of the country
ire at issue, and my friends are struggling
or their preservation with the stern ener-
Iies Ofmen conscious Of the justice of
heir cause, and animated by the full
ssurance of its ultimate triumph.
| cannot close this communication with
ut expressing my sincere acknowledge
lents for the friendly expressions of re-
ard and confidence conveyed in your
etter, and assuring you that they added
luch to the qualification received from
he honorable testimonial which it accom-
Snied.
Respectfully your friend and
Fellow-citizen,
M. VAN BUREN.