Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1843-10-28
Letter from Judge Mclean.

Letter from Judge Mclean.
We fnd the following excellent extract Of
letter from Judge MCLEAN in the Charlottesville
Advocate, to which II was contributed by the
gentleman 10 whom ii was written. 1t brealhes
spirit of Probity and high souled patriotism
which commend il TO every American heart.
1t not written for the press, but is published
for the purpose Of placing its author in proper
position with regard to the mention that has been
made of his name as candidate for the Presi-
dency:
The office of President, in my opinion. has
been lowered, and also the character of The
Country, at home and abroad, by the used
to secure that office. High the Presidency
Of this great nation is. II may be reacted at 100
grea, a price. 1t sinks below the ambition Of an
honorable mind. when il Is atiainable only by a
sacrifice Of the iofties, patriotism. Not to name
others, we have IN the elevation of Jefferson,
Madison, and Monroe, examples OF a high and
honorable ambition which is worthy Of Imitation.
These eminent men when named for The Office Of
Persistent, reposlng on What they had done and
what their known capacities enabled them 10 do,
10 the highest public fruits, neither took seem
ed TO take any agency in their own advance
ment
sFor many years | have been deeply impress
ed with the in ustIce, the corrupting and runous
effects of political parlizanshp. It's introduction
l.
ined our beloved Country. Before his bane had
perverted moral sense, love of country,
and so far as politics are concerned almost ev-
cry noble feeling of The heart. were happy, as
people, in the enjoyment OF great and uninter-
rupted prosperity. And whatever may be said
to the contrary, this terrible evil lies at the
founda ION of all ernbarrassments 1t has
been mainly Instrumental IN The commercial re
WILSON'S we have witnessed, aud II has prostra-
ted our political morality. Oar Pecuniary losses,
within few past years, almost beyond the
power OF computation; bat those are scarcely
worthy of consideration in comparis with the
loss, it may be he irreparable loss. of moral force
IN our institutions. The be blind TO
the admontions Of history who supposes tina,
a free government be long sustained which
addresses itself, with all its Influence, the
beser passions of our nature. Such course leads
to widely dfused corruption and conseqnen,
ruin. In my judgment, Hothiuu can rescue our
Government from this the common fate of Re-
publics but a change IN It's political action. This
action must be elevated. 1t must reach and
rouse the moral tone of the nation. Instead oil
administering 10 the prostiuted appeti,es oil
demagogues, ii must rest on virtuous and en-
lightened public opinion. 1t must gather strength
by its ac's-moral strength lis aim should be
the general good The chief of the Govern
ment IN making appointments TO office shou' {
carry out the principles of the v!rtuous Monroe
who, certain person being recommended tc
him for office, personal friend with good quail
Ifications, remarked with eaTnesiness, mo mar
can feel more grateful Than | do for persona
kindness but in making this appointment | have
a high public duty to perform. AID must look Il
the public Interest,"
"a departure from these principles drove me
reluctantly, from political life; and in all sncer
ty assure you that there Is political Office
not even the Presidency, which could tempt ms
again into politics, principles opposed TO thost
whivh approve and on which | endeavor Il
act.
pledges, when given by candidate for pub
lie favor, should be received with suspicion. a
thew are generally made answer particula
purpose and are seldom redeemed No one, per
haps, should be named for the Presidency who's
opinions, on the leading topics of the day ar
unknown to the peblic. Until within few year
past, pledges were not required from the candi
dates for the Chief Magistracy. And NAV as
what good has resulted from this iuovatIon. Iia
it made our Chief Magistrates more faithful 1
the Cons titution and their general duties! LIE
a comparison Of our late history with The pas,
answer this question. Who thought Of asking
| pledge from the venerated fathers Of The repub
tic above nsmed9 A sound head and an homes
heart think are the best pledges. These vii
rarely fail; whilst experience shows that pledge
are made 10 be broken.
mo one who is named for the Chief Mscistrac
from a respectable source. should feel himself 8
liberty to say that he would decline nomina
ton for that office. Bat beg you to believe
my dear Sir, that this remark 10 not prompte
BY vanity which leads TO suppose, tina: m
name could be favorably considered by the con
templa,ed Wing Convention. The friends of Nj
tons and long public services, are looking wit