Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1843-01-26

the victor and, by union OF great capacity, I'M
movable integrity and intrepid energy, has rendered tc
his country, at critical period Of It's affairs, and BY
shifting in its corporate form, the most dangerous and
odious manifestation of the arisocrac forces service
unsurpassed in valae since the days of the Revolution
and has ratified the permanence and progress Of the
Democratic principle in our Government for genera
tons 10 come To such now venerable with the
weight of years and honors still breathing in his
tirene nj the devotion 10 his country, that ANNA
ted his active career, and exertng the efficacy OF
great name and the generous impulses Of heart that
neither grows old cold for the welfare of our Demo
cratic institutions, is the joyful dictate OF patriotism,
more especially al the returning season OF his most
important public acts TO renew he respectful homage
Of public gratitude And there is the additional salts
faction of knowing that this tribute is rendered 10
power or place, or alleged by the admixture of sci
fish considerations, but iha. IL IS Il spontaneous and
heartfelt Offering As such IL will be received by the
object OF it, The unsolicited opinions Of his country
men are 10 him the best reward of long life Of public
service and next to the consciousness Of duty well
discharged and the appreciation OF Heaven, they may
we'll be regarded the support and solace of his de.
clining years.
Join with you most cordially, in your views respect
nr the succession to the Presidential Office While the
Democracy are seeking, by entire union and harmony,
obtain a object in the restoration of their
cause and party 10 the nscendency, which has been
briefly interrupted by the casual success of their oppo
nents and ready to submit all personal preferences
lion i, is their right and duty 10 canvass freely the
qualifications and the conduct Of the different candi
dates and through their delegates, TO propose such
individuals TO the sutfrages OF Their brethren, as are
deemed most worthy and competent 10 discharge the
highest Office in the gift of the people In the present
instance and with the most hasy retrospect Of
cent political history, there to be difficulty in
discerning the prescribed by high considerations
of the public welfare. Strictly speaking, no man,
however great his TALENTS the exeron of them for
the good Of the country has any claim upon the people
| for the bes,owment OF public favor. The of De
mociacy is infinitely greater than any man who ever
served or can IT. and It's onors to be regarded
as ps ard no, rewards 10 those who il we'll But
the people have also duty TO themselves; and they
will be true him who has been true them, in the
DAYS of political gloom and adversely; and will regard
his advancement not much the reward Of his fidelity
as the triumph of their and of their rights. No
friend of the distinguished citizen, whose unwaverinp
devotion to the principles Of Democracy, throughout
the conflicts of the last election, exasperaed the
ges Of faction bent on rule or ruin, aud assured ais
overthrow will urge his claims occupant BY right
of the Presidential Chair, soon 10 be vacated; but, al
the same time it is impossible TO overlook his eminent
abilities and faithful services TO forget that he pur
sued straight undertaking course, when partial
cesson TO opposing interests might have diverted the
current, which was setting agans, him, and vixen Ill
Judging doubtful advisers were ready 10 suggest
compromise or posiPonement OF important and vita
measures in order to 10 their party nominal vic
tory more disastrous than defeat.
MIR Van Bnren consented TO halt. way measures
| He planted himself upon prime Piles. He fell with
them and The Democracy owe II to themselves 10 raise
him up with them in the day Of renovated prosperity
and power. In re electng him to the Office of Pres
dent, the people will not only relieve themselves IRON
existing evils in the body politic but they will apply
the remedy in the form that will be most eficacious
and complete through the hands Of an administrator
of known and approved skill caution, and vigor. Be-
sides this, by such act of political justice, the i'm
porlant lesson will be conveyed to the public
our country that the paths Of duty and Of honor are
coincideni that firm reliance on the sober reflection
and second thoughts d the people s always safe, und
aill be justified by events; and that inlexibe adhe
renee 10 sound principles, however unpropitious the
tunes, and however strong the temptation TO tempo
RING policy, is, after ALL the passport 10 real conf
dence, and TO the only desirable popularity, we'll
TO permane nj fame.
Your letter also recalls mind, the contrast between
the course pursued by Mr. Van Buren,, in case some
what similar TO that which has recently occurred in r
Island and the OF President Tyler-a magistrate
of whom, it may be truly said, that, by his yacatine
conduct, and plant facility Of accommodation TO the
circumstances of his position, he has alike us,onisheo
his opponents and COMPOUNDED his friends Had The
contest for equal rights in Rhode Island taken place
during the administration Of Mr.. Van Buren,, or hi.
predecessor, have the best to believe tina,
State rights end popular sovereignty would not ha
been invaded and tramprd upon, as we have lately
witnessed, by the strong power Of the National Exc
cutve, and The Of The popular huzardcc
and pos? oned by unauthorized and unconstiiu,oaa
military interference. ii Id 10 be hoped tina. the
duct Of Mr.. Tyler, IN tins instance will suggest to The
Democracy salutary caution, il no other and tina
Isl to ascertain beyond question, that no candidate fol
the succession, their side, entertains opinions hos
tile TO the original principles Of our form OF Govern
ment or beev that the ultimate sovereignty vestea
in the organization and ferns Of The State and not in
the people themselves.
Rene vino Won INV &c To- ne for the terms
in which your invitation has been conveyed, am
with great respect,
Your friend and fellow-cilizen,
/ THOMAS w. DORR