The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1843-08-17
EvEN-HANDED JUSTICE.

Daily almost we notice, through our exchange
list accounts of political gatherings IN different
sections Of the country, IN iaycr oil certain as
piranls for the Presidency. Mr.. buchanan,
Mr.. Calhoun MIR. Van Buren,, Gen. Cas-, and
Col Johnson, are brought forward by their re-
spective friends, and their merits canvassed,
and their claims urged, by the zeal of devoted
parlisans, iorcbly, and with energetic elo-
quence. The press, too, throughout The land,
is declaring lis preference, and hosting lis va
rious coors. The Charleston Mercury ably
supports the views Of Mr.. Calhoun paints
them IN striking colors and commends his ser
vices TO public attention with eulogisiic and not
undeseIved remark The veteran of the En-
qurer endorses Mr.. Van Buren, with con
>istency; other journals, Of less repute but
much la Dt, favor the pretensons of the West
ern candidates even the ierocious Globe,
throwing off the disguise with which 1t vainly
sought to hide its manifest partially, presents
the claims Of distinguished individual with
It's accustomed ability, and, we regret 10 add,
with more than its usual arrogance of tone.
We complain not of such proceedings nor Of
such expressions-lhey are Excepting the
Globes intolerance) the natural result of popu-
lar feeling, the channels through which the
public mind gives ut,erance 10 the public voice
without such, freedom OF opinion would exist
merely in theory. All we ask is, the same Cha
riable conces sions we make-the even hand
ed justice" OF equal privileges.
And il gives us much pleasure 10 acknowledge
that generally the courteses of the press are ex-
candidate: where his claims are not favored,
with perhaps single exception, they are treat
ed with respectful contemplation; and the SER
vices he has rendered the country are acknow-
lodged with gratitude, and discussed with i'm
partial judgment.
1t is not in the power of any one press to en-
large or circumscribe the sphere of Democratic
princpes-to admit within or exclude from, the
pale of the church, any individual. or class Of
persons nor presumpluously assume Its own
as the standard of Democracy, and to ex-
communicate all who conform not to its dec-
sons, or repudia,e the preferences it chooses to
avow The very nature of Democracy abhors
such exclusive power; and true Democrats de-
spise the person who attempts 10 usurp its ex-
ercise.
The eminent qualifications of President Ty-
Ter for the high Office he now fills, have inspired
many warm admirers with a desire he would
consent TO become candidate for popular
election, and belief that a canvass, honoraby
conducted, would evenluate in his success. In
conformity with such wishes and such hopes,
presses have come out with spontaneous ex-
preston of their preference for him over all
ompettors-meetings enthusiastic and crowd
ed meetings, have been held, 10 declare the
public appreciation of his measures, and TO devise
means TO secure their continuance by securing
his election.
Ii is not extraordinary that respectable por-
ton of the press should ncucate the views of
President Tyler-should even sanction his
claims TO the grateful recompense of his coun-
trymen-nor is it extraordinary that multitude
nous assemblies should hail with enthusiastic
goodwill his name and personal qualities for
they are merely the echoes of the general voice.
1t is extraordinary that any journal, protesting
Democratic principles, should seek to injure him
who has restored their ascendency. Ii is ex-
traordlnary that an organ of the party, aware
that the success Of Democracy, in the great
struggle approaching, must depend on Demo
cratic union and harmony, should, in its selfish
zeal and interested support of one candidate,
distract the unity of the party, and jeopardise
the triumph Of the cause. Some motive other
than honest feeling. or regard for the interests
of the party, must induce such nsensate con-
duct.