The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1843-08-28
POLITICAL MATTERS AND THINGS IN
GENERAL.

one month.
POLITICAL MATTERS AND THINGS IN
GENERAL.
The Richmond Enquirer is pleased to copy
some of the Chdste epithets bestowed on the
friends of the Administration by the repudialed
Globe, because an Intelligent letler-writer, In
discussing the chances Of the several candi-
dates, seemed 10 think that the fact of Mr.. Van
Buren, having been defeated in 1910, would ope-
rate against him in lS44. The Enquirer is not
willing to admit the folce OF such an objection,
and cites the cases of General Jackson and Ge-
neral Harrison, both of whom were defeated
and afterwards attained the Presidency, as con-
elusive arguments in favor Of Mr.. Van Buren's
chances. Now with all due respect we would
remark that the circumstances attending the
cases referred to differ from those in Mr.. Van
Buren's case. When General Jackson and Ge-
neral Harrison were defeated, they had never
yet attained the Presidency, and uere not IN
possession Of The CITADEL THEY WERE NOT
VOTED OUT OF OFFICE. There is not an instance
on record of a roted out candidate for the Pre-
sdency being rOted in again. Mr.. Clay was
never voted out Gov. Polk wass yoted out of
office, and sure enough was not voted back
again The Adamses were voted OUT,
and were never voted back again. |,
is much harder to storm an almost i'm
pregnable fort than to defend one. Mr.. Van
Buren, could not hold the citadel when it was
in his POSSESSIONS it likely then that he could
seize it2 By these remarks we mean no dis
respect to Mr. Van Buren, and should not have
made them but for the course of the Globe and
Richmond Enquirer.
From the zeal evinced by the Richmond En-.
quirer and Charleston Mercury to produce diff
ferent results in the compo, tion of the National
Convention, and the number of excited con
verts daily ranging themselves under the ban
ners of the principal combalants, we are be-
coming convinced that the probability is there
will be no good result produced by the Conven-
ton. If one half of the delegates should be
chosen by Stale Conventions and the rest by
Districts, we have reason TO apprehend fatal
rupture will occur in the General Convention,
when angry discussions arise as TO the manner
Of voting, &c. In such an event TWO or more
Democratic candidates would be run-and that
would be ruin Our fears on this subject may
be groundless, but when we say we entertain
them We are in earnest. Matters have already
gone 10 such an extremity that we do not be-
lieve either the District or the Machinery sys-
ten will be adopted in all the States; and in the
absence Of unanmiiy 10 the mode Of nominal
ing the candidate, we have reason to anticipate
great confusion worse confounded"
We believe i, would Be far better land we
submit the suggestion) for the Republican
members of Congress TO compare notes and Sc
lect the candidate, than TO preciptate scch an
evil upon the party as Convention angri.y di-
vided against itself would be. We believe such
a plan would be infinitely better than to nom-
nate candidate by the votes of Delegates Sc
lected by State Conventions for the members
Of State Cow 1ntons are generally self elected,
the People taking no part in the matter. and the
Delegates appointed by them are entirely ire
sponsible for their action. But it is quite diff
ierent with the members Of nelU Congress,
coming " fresh from the People," and liable TO
be held 10 a strict accountability, should they
act contrary to the will of their constituents, in
N0tlng 1Or an OBNOXIOUS can9l late.
1t is true Mr.. Blair might object to this plan
The memorable instance of Democratic mem
Der Of Congress (Hon. d. White, of Kentucky,
having placed his vote in the hands of Mr. Cla,
TO be used for the benefit Of Mr. Adams, wher
his constituents were in favor Of General Jack
son, it is true is not forgotten. Nor can it be
denied that it was the urgent solicitations OF
Mr.. Blair himself which induced Mr. White tc
pursue such course. Bot this very memora
bic instance, so far from being epeated mex
winter, would serve TO guard against coalitions
Mr.. Blair's face would be perfect beacon hgh
among them.
But the Globe and Richmond Enquirer ar.
in error when they assert (ahd they do it onl,
to create a false prejudice against Mr.. TYLER
that it is the Administration papers, or thos,
Sin the pay of the Administration" which OBJ
iect TO Mr.. Van Buren, because he was so badl,
beaten in 1870 If il be necessary, that is j
the friends Of Mr.. Van Buren, are not satisfied
with our simple statement to the contrary, we
will quote the remarks Of sufficient number oil
papers not in the interest Of the Administration.
TO prove the charge i'll founded. In closing this
article we will give one specimen:
From the Petersburg VA Repyblioon
Every days experience more and more strongly,
convnces us, that TO Mr. Van Buren, we cannot looL
as an available candidate. The prejudice which III
election Of l540 showed was entertained against hi,
by vast majority of the American people, seems to
be daily gathering strength say The prejudice be-
cause that it prejudice its very increase proves
What has Martin Van Buren, done that he shout,
he ahl To nd a
that received in ls40l far from any new charge
having been established against him, the defenders 0
his administration have brought forward in the Sena
tora debates Of the LIST three sessions even strongc
evidence OF the injustice Of the old accusations tina
they were provided with in the last contest And We
the lamentabe fact of his increasing weakness stare
us goomily in the face The late elections have bee
scene Of continued triumph, save where hi. unfor