Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1843-09-26

For many years have been deeply impressed with tho
injustice, the couupung and uinous effects Of potca
nzanshp Its introduction into the Federal Government
has well nigh ruined beloved country Before this banc
had perverted moral sense love OF country and
Tar as politics concerned almost every noble feeling
the heart we were happy people, in tho enjoyment
great an uninterrupted prosperity And whatever may be
said to the contrary this terrible evil lies the foundation
OF all our embarrassmens IL has been mainly
tai IN the commercial revulsions have Witnessed and
has Frustrated our political morality. Our pecunary losses
within few years past, almost beyond the power Of
computations but these scarcely worthy of
ton, in comparison with the loss may be the
loss, OF moral force in institutions That man must be
bnd TO the admonons OF history who supposes that n
tree government be long sustained which addresses
SELL with all Its influence, TO the baser passions Of
ture. Such course leads TO n widely difused cor.
npton and consequent ruin. In my Judgement nothing
can rescue our government from this the fate
publcs, but change in its political action. This action
must be elevated. Ii must reach and the moral
OF the nation. Instead OF administering the ptosti.
tdied appentes OF dcmagogucs, il rest on a
vruous and an enlightened public opinion. Unjust gather
strength by its ac-mora strength Its aim should be the
general good The chief of the government in making ap
Poinmen,s to office should cary the principles of the
vrtuous Monroe who, certain person being recon.
mended to him for office personal friend with good
qualifications, remarked with mo
feel more grateful than do for personal acts OF kindness
but IN making this appointment have high public duty
perform, and must look TO the public interest"
departure from these principles drove me- reluctantly
from political life; and in all sincerity you that
there is political office, even the Presidency which
those which approve and ON which endeavor
Pledges when given bv candidate for public favor should
be received with Suspicion they generally made
answer particular purpose and seldom redeemed
No perhaps should be named for the Presidency whose
opinions the leading topics of the day. unknown
the public Until within few past pledges
required from the candidates for the chief magsacy And
may ask what good has resulted from this Innovation
Has itmadc Chief Magistrates faithful the
stituion and 10 their general duties Let comparison of
late history with the this question. Who
thought OF asking pledge from the vencrated fathers of the
republic above named A sound head and honest
heart, think, the best pledges These will rarely fail
whilst experience shows that pledges made broken
No who is named for the Chief Magistracy, from a
respectable should feel himself liberty that
he would decline nomination for that office But beg
believe dear that this remark prompted
by vanity which leads me suppose, that my could
De iavoraby considered by the contemplated Wing Convcn
ton The friends of Mr.. Clay, consideration of his
eminent qualifications and long public services looking
with no ordinary soicude 10 his nomination. And /
you, that have wish, by the obuson of
separate friends If have any from their present
socaons. do not desire and would receive the Pre-
sdency, within reach the instrument OF party
Indeed should count it no honor, To have my
GIFTED with the downward course of Government and
such accelerated and only accelerated, by ultra
phrtysm. To bring back the Government old foun
daOns, its lost character, former purify
gy and elevation would be achievement second only to
that of Washngton's. An achievement which would make
any individual the favored OF his Country Of this who
would not be proud and short of this object honest
can desire the Presidency"
With the greatest respect am,
Your grateful and obi't sery'i
JOHN MCLEAN.