Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1840-1842, 1842-01-13
4 CA II II

In publishing my determination not to be cam
ddatc at the ensuing election, for the Senatorial Dis
tric composed Of the counties of Fluvanna, Gooch.
land, Louisa and Hanover, if the circumstances in
which find myself placed, such as belong to
ordinary cases, I should no propriety in pre-
senting to my constituents the reasons which govern
mo in this decision. 1t might be regarded as ar
Intrusion of private matters before the public, il
which they would feel no concern. But my reasons
for declining to make efor, again fill the station
which have occupied for nearly eight years, arc o
peculiar character.
Although, rs with most men who have ncarly
Completed period Of years in public life. find
many irresistablc appeals TO my of duty, tc
regard obligations Of private and domestic cha.
ractcr, yet even if could turn deaf car to these
the peculiar condition of political parties this
timc-thc relation bear to them, and my opinions
the cngrossing subjects OF public policy viz: III.
two great conflicting schemes for managing the ifs
cal affairs of the General Government-a National
Bank and the Sub-Treasury, forbid that | should
offer myself as n candidate when, il elected, could
not represent the advocates of either OF these nan.
cal plans, without surrender of nv own opinions
Ii may here be enquired, il the obligation TO re fleet
the will of the majority, which | ncknow ledge MS
paramount tn all other considerations whilst man
holds representative trust, except the preservation
OF the Constitution, invioate, would not remove
that dlthculty' To that enquiry should epy that
no man ought 10 wish to place himself in situation
where duties would be required of him which he
could not chcertuly perform, and in the present
case, added to other difficulties, soemny believe
that there is not majority of those now represent
IN favor either of the Sub Treasury or a National
BANK; and candor requires me TO say, that ut the
present time-under existing party arrangements
and influences, do believe n majority nre pre-.
pared with me to advocate guarded and limited
use OF State Banks, as the best plan for managing
the fiscal affars of the General Government having
due regard to the general interests OF the country
Although II is my opinion that il is the only practi.
cable plan, ultimately, on which a majority of the
people VIII be willing TO rvsi, 10y the unbiased ex-
escise OF their own judgments. Under all the CIR.
chmSiances, the proper for me seems TO be-
10 retire. as could not bo willing advocate either
Tor the ub-Treasury or National Bank Party.
The fact, tina, many persons regard my support
OF General Harrsons election, inconsistent with
my former protested principles, taken in connection
with the state OF p rites Just referred TO- in the district
represent subjects me TO TIE possibility Of a mis-
construction Of my motives ia Withdrawing and on
that account depart from the usual custom on such
occasions, and assign my reasons.
There are some possibly among those who wish
TO re'eect me, MS well those that do not, who
may think that should "siand my trial" before the
people, ut the Spring election, to receive their YER
dic Oh my participation in the Presidential canvass
10 all such answer, that have ever been ready
TO appear at the bar OF the popular tribunal to abide
v,
on The objects and ends avowed by me on that occa
son-on all that proposed doom all that
hoped and expected in the election Of Gen. Hnrti-
son. Suihcc 1t 10 say, that without anticipating
Total exemption from in his, rs could not rea.
sonably hope, from administration, desired 10
correct Abuses nnd NAL practices inconsistent with
our Republican institutions, which Mr. Van Buren, |
must have conniveda with the vain confidence that
party discipline would sustain him in any emer-
gency-l wished 10 check the growth Of Executive
power and palronnse-io rebuke, what seemed TO |
me TO be, n disposition TO bear down all opposition |
III the Legislative department, TO Executive recom-
mendOiions, which, under MIR Van Buren's prnc- |
tce, was but softer name for Executive dieLation
In word, thoughtt was hi h time for the people
10 put the question 10 the test, whether under the
CALLING operations OF party tactics, they still possess
ed the ability, when they felt the WILL to take the
administration of their government from the hands
oi one set of men, and place il in others This is n
pretty correct summary OF the objects avowed by
myseli, ana those with whom acted IN the election
OF General Harrison: For abouring TO effect such
ends as the e, can see LOihing with which to re.
proaeh myself; and, therefore, whatever might be
the result, should not fear to be drought to trial
But the Extra Session of Congress and its measures
and particularly the Bank question, have made
new issue, not heretofore nvowed, on which the
public mind is 10 be agIitcd, and in which | am in
no way involved. Had the abours of the success
ful party been directed solely 10 the perfection Of
those sanitary reforms, which were made the basis
OF opposition TO MIR Van B Iren's administration
with almost entire unanmity, might have iet some
obH9ulof 10 nave appeared AGAIN before the penDe |
and defended myself tregOrdess of personal incon.
venlencel If there should have been any respectable
number still disposed TO censurc me.
10 one only acquainted with the structure 0i our |
Government, from its theory, the main pillars OF |
which are the several State soveregnties, with their
separate State Legislatures, for seat in one Of
which, am now discussing the propriety OF being
candidate, IT would seem strange that my prnoi
pll reason for declining, is the probability that |
could not represent the people satisfactorily on q
question TO be determined IN another government
10y another Legislative body. IL might be asked
arc there no subjects Of internal domestic State po-
Icy to engage the attention Of the peoples Repre-
scntntves2 Do they take no interest in the great
subjects of educitIon-agrculture--ihe policy OF
State Banks, and State Internal Improvcmen.?-
Deeply as the hest interests Of the people are in
voyed with these subjects, and others rot ntmed
belonging exclusively to the State, yet the Demon
81 party spirit at this tmc exeIts such baeiul in.
1uence, such boundesS sway over the minds ofmen,
tnai practically, all regard for domestic interests
II not the remembrance OF their existence, lie sub
merged in the overwhelming tide OF Federal poli
tics. We brag and buster about State Rights
whilst the only right we seem 10 value is the right
olecta President, and blindly to follow the pro-
ranent actors in the Federal Government, which
soever way they may lead, calculating no other
consequences, but the chances Of success or defeat
TO our party. Whilst this state Of things exists !
candidate for popular favor must identify himself
with the other OF the great parties, on the
engIossing questions OF policy IN the General Co
r1ment.
do not mean to deny that it is the right md in-
decd the duty, ofthe people and of the Legislatures
to speak out boldly Federal questions on aro
per occasions, for the purpose Of influencing their
Representatives. 90 not mean to be understood
hs condemning the existence Of parties and party
fplrlt. know TINT properly regulated they are ne
ccssary Tor The well being Of govetnment-that the
vigilance q the minority, IN healthy state OF pub.
c opinion, rcstruns the majority from eGcessesthey
would otherwise run into. know that tic endless !
diversity Of sentiment of men, the various sub |
iects belonging TO such government ours, makes |
II necessary that We should tolerate minor differ
ences-bUt this liberation Of minor errors in "our |
party," achnow EDGED TO be necessary for tho pre-
servaon Of the unity Of parties, has been most !
grossly abused. II demands the vir,ua surrender |
II all individual right Of thinking and acting, and
cTlcts, upon pain OF communication, acquiesccncc
90 all the plans and schemes OF party leaders, not
merely those OF minor importance, but such rs con
tuue the leading distinctive features OF party poll
~. You are not allowed to whisper your opposi- |
ton to measures radically affecting the whole frame
work Of society, or threatening the public Liberty /
ITSELF In opposition 10 party when II assumes this
dcspotc fern, shall ever RAISE my feeble voice. no |
mater who Is to suffer by IT,.
It's ih's dctrousm f party. 10 which I object, |
that believe az this moment Is cnisurg thousands
~ our people os unwilling soldiers. under the ban
rcr Of the sub Treasury md the NaiionoI Bank
The people OF the United States, mean minority,
! think, regard the existence Of our State Banks
IN healthy condition, not only promotive of the
prosperity Of the community but calculated 10 ais.