The Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1841-1843, 1842-07-12


most candor.
have prompted none ofthos, movements
among the people of which we have seen
accounts. As far as | am concerned. they
are altogether spontaneous, and not only
without concert with me. but most generally
without any SOFT ofprevious knowledge on
my part. That am. thankful and grateful
profoundly gfatcful-for those manifesto,
lions of confidence and attachment, will
not conceal or deny. But have been and
mean TO remain passive, if not au inditfe-
rent spectator. have reached a time of
life, and seen enough nfhigh official stations
10 enable me justly to appreciate their value
aud their cares. their responsibilities, their
ceaseess duties. That estimate Of th' l.
worth. in personal point of view, would re-
SIT ain me from seeking 10 fill any one; the
highest of them, in a scramble of doubtful
issue with political opponents; much less
with political friends. Thai | should be
greatly honored by call from majority OF
the People of this country to the highest of
fee within their glf', shall not deny; nor,
/ if my health were preserved, might feel al
/
tive and commanding. But declare, most
sol2mnly, that have no., up 10 this momen;
! determined whether will consent 10 the use
! Of my name or mol ss candidate f r the
Chief Magist' acy. That is grave ques
ton, which should be decided b, all attain
| abe lights. which think, is not necessary
! yet 10 b. decided. and n decision ofwhlch |
reserve 10 myself, as far as can reserve it.
until the period arrives when ii oughito BE-
solved. That period has not, as think.
yet arrived. When it does. an impartial
survey ofthe whole ground should be taken,
the si1:e Of public opinion properly consid' r
ed and ones per 'al condition p y ca a d
int ellec,ual, duly examined and weighed
In thus announcing a course Of conduct for
myself it is hardly necessary to remark tha,
i, is no part Of my purpose 10 condemn, or
express any opinion Whatever upon those
popular movements which have been made
or may be contemplated, iB respect TO the
pest el, ction Of President Of The United
States.
lfto have served my country, during a
long series Of wears, with fervent zeal ard
mistaken fidelity. il Seasons Of peace aud
war. at home and abroad. IN the Legislative
I ais and in an Executive Deparlment-if
to have labored most seduonsly to avert the
embarrassment and disir, IS which now O.
verspread thus Union; and when they came,
10 have exerted my self anxiously, nj the Ex-
ira Session, and and at this. 10 devise heal
ing remedies; if to have desired 10 Introduce
economy and reform in the general admin
istralIon, curiail enormous Executive pow
er, and amply provide, al the same time,fo
the wants of The Government and the wants
Of the People BY Tariff which would give
il revenue and them protection; if to have
earnestly sought 10 establish the bright but
too rare example o: a party in power. faith
ful 10 its promises and pledges made when
out power-if these services, exerions
and endeavors justify the accusations ofam-
biion, | must plead guilty to the charge.
] ave wished the good opinion of the
world; but defy the most malignant ofmy
enemies to show that | have attempted TO
gain it by any low or groveing arts,by any
mean or unworthy sacrifices. BY the viola.
ton Of any of the obligations ofhonor, or by
a breach ofany oflhc duties which owed
10 my country.
turn. Sir, from these personal illusions
and "reminiscences, 10 the vastly more i'm |
portant subject of the present actual condi- |
lion of this country. If they could ever be
usilfiable or eycusable, it would be on such |
IN occasion as this. when am addressing
hose those 10 whom am bound by so many
intimate and friendly ties.
In sPeakinSof the present state OF the
country, ii will be necessary for me TO touch
With ffedom and independence upon the
'ast rs well as the present, and upon the
onduct, spir, and principles Of puriics. In
IOing this. assure nv democratic brethren
nd fellow Citizens, of whom | am told
here are many here present, land tender
hem my cordial thanks for the honor done
ne by their attendance here this day, with
IS much sincerity and gratitude as # they
agreed with me iD political sentiment thai
nothing is far her from my intention than to
say one single word that ought to wound
heir feelings o: give offence 10 them. BIZ
surely, if there ever were period in the
progress of any people when all were called
upon, with calnuess and candor, to consider
The present posture of public and
private affairs, aud deliberately 10 inquire
uio the causes and remedies of this unpro-
Dilious state of things, we have arrived at
that period in the United States. And. il
ever a people stood bound by tho highest
duties 10 themselves aud 10 their posteriiy,
10 sacr'f fee upon the altar of their country.
cherished prcIudices and pa ty predictions
and an'ipnthies, We are now called upon TO
make the sacrifice, if necessary.
What is our actual condition. ii is one
Of unexamplcd distress and embarrassment.
aS universal as it is intense, prevailing the
whole community, and sparing none. =
Property of all kinds, and every where, fal-
en- and falling in value; grculiural produce
IF every description AT the most reduced
1Iices;money unsound and al the same time
scarce, and becoming more scarce by pre-
partitions, Of doubtful and uncertain issue,
10 increase its soundness; all the depart
menis Of business inactive and stagnant;
eNtravapanily high and constant