Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1844-02-03
ALctter From Mr. Rives.
PROM THE RICHMOND VINO.

PROM THE RICHMOND WHO.
The following letter from the Hon. w.
c. RrvEs, as will be seen from its face, was
written to personal and political friend
in Hanover, but another gentleman having
learned in conversation with Mr. Rives
that he had written such a letter, contain
ing full expression of his views on the
subject of the Presidential election, has OBJ
tanned copy of the letter, with Permis-
sion TO have il published, as the best means
Of satisfying all inquiries and removing all
doubts as to the course Mr.. Rves will pur-
sue in the approaching contest.
WASHINGTON, Jan. /, 1914.
nv Dear Sir:--lt seems TO be now def
iniiively settled that the country is to be
called upon TO retract the solemn decision
pronounced by it in 1910 upon the demer
its Of Mr.. Van Buren's administration, and
to restore him to power, without solitary
atonement for the past or pledge of amend
ment for the future. The indications which
have been given here, since the assembling
Of Congress, are too significant to be mis-
understood. The Convention at Baltimore
will have nothing TO do but TO register and
proclaim the edict of the caucus in the
Capitol.
In this state of things, are we, who have
60 often testified in the face Of the world
our deep and earnest convictions of the ia
tai and demoralizing tendencies of MIR.
Van Buren's whole system of political ac-
ton, to stand aside with folded arms, and
70 shrink into an inglorious, had almost
said, reasonable neutrality, because of
some differences of opinion on questions OF
public policy from Mr.. Clay, which wise
spiri, of moderation, and the recognized
arbitrament of the public will. are daily
narrowing in magnitude and extent?
humbly think not.
The election of Chief Magistrate of the
nation is one of those vital processes pro.
vided by the Constitution of the country
for the periodical regeneration Of our sys'
TEN by fresh infusion into it of the ele'
ments of popular health and virtue, ir
which no good citizen. unless under circum
stances of very peculiar character, car
properly refuse to take part, and to the
extent of his influence and example, de.
cided and efficient part. When the vas,
moral and political influence of the office
as well as its direct attributes of positive
and controlling power, are considered, II
can never be matter of indifference, Of
even of an equal balance of countervalinl
motives of preference or objection, who
shall fill it. There is always choice; anc
though the making of that choice may some
times be embarrassed by conflicting consid
crations, arising out of a want of entire
coincidence of opinion with either of TIT
opposing candidates, it is only the more in
cumbent on US 10 determine our preference
with care and deliberation, according to th'
best lights Of our understandings; and
when once conscientiously formed. fearless
" and unhesitatingly to act il out.
In the approaching Presidential contest
then. we ought not and cannot be neutral
and if. as everything now indicates is to b.
the case, that contest shall be between MI
Van Buren, and Mr.. Clay, have as liul
hesitation in saying that there Is but on
line of action by which we can acquit our
selves of the full measure of our duty t
the country; and that is, waving all mno
considerations, to give manly and deter
mined support to Mr.. Clay in preference 4,
Mr.. Van Buren,. For myself, can cor
ceive of no greater calamity TO the nation
or deeper dscredit 10 the cause and yer
name OF popuiuI SoNS'u"'N"'I '''"h VIC ~
election of Mr. Van Buren, would be, afte
,he signal and overwhelming majority b
which he was so recently deposed frol
power, upon the fullest canvass of his met
sures, policy and conduct.
The host Of vindictive passions whic
flow in the train of restored Governmen
the crowds of hungry retainers. peadir
the merit of past services, who press TO
ward TO claim the reward of their fdelit
or indemnity for sacrifices and losses il
Cured in the common cause.-The intatu
ted and perlinacious attachment to ancle
abuses-the arbitrary and self wllled habl
nurtured in the former possession OF PoN
er--the commitment TO favorite but peri
cious schemes of policy, have all concur,
20 give sort of proverbial currency to I
remark of celebrated English sla'esmI
and Historian that the worst and most da
eerous of all revolutions is a restorallons
That all these evils would be realized TO
widest extent, and to their unmitigsted v
.M,. Fox, in his history If James II