The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1844-01-20
Fssa the R,lhaana Wing, January II.
Mp. RIVER

but another gentleman having learned, in q con-
versation with Mr.. Rives, that he had written
ench letter, Containing full expression of his
views on the subject Of the Presidential Election,
has obtained copy OF the letter, with permission
TO have it published, as the best means of sat-
ST ing all enqurer., and removing all doubts, as
10 the course Mr.. Rives will pursue in the APP
preaching contcs,:
My Dear Slr--it Gems to he now lie.
iinlteiy settled, that the country is to be
called upon to re,racl the solemn decision
pronounced By it in 1910, upon the de-
merits Of Mr.. Van Ruren's Administrations
and TO restore him TO power, without Il
solitary stonemeni for the past, OF pledge
Of amendment for the future. The indi-
cations which have been given here. sin &c
the assembling OF Congress, are ton sig
nlfican, TO he misunderstood. The Cou
peniion at Baltimore will rave nothing to
do but 10 register and proclaim The edicl
of the Caucus in the Capitol.
In This state of things, arc we, who
have so often testified. in The face of the
world, our deep and earnest convictions
Of the fatal and demoralzing tendencies
Mr.. Van Buren's whole system of poli,i-
Cal &C ion TO stand aside with folded arms,
and to shrink into an inglorious, had al
most said. reasonable neutrality, because
of some difference o.! opinion on questions
of public policy, from Mr. Clay, which a
wise spirit OF moderation, and the recogni-
scd arbilrament Of the public will are dali
ly narrowing in magnitude and ex,en,2---
humhlv think not.
The election of Chief Magistrate of the
nation, is one of those vital processes,
provided by the Constitution of the coun-
try. for the periodical regeneration of our
system, by fresh infusion into it, of the
elements Of popular health and virtue, in
which no good citizen unless under cir
cumslances of very peculiar character.
can properly refuse to take part, and to
the extent of his influence and example, a
decided and efficient part. When the vast
moral and political influence of the office,
as we'll as It's direct attributes Of positive
and controlling power, are considered, j,
can never be matter of indifference, or
even of all equal balance Of countervailng
motives Of preference or objection. who
shall fill it. T,h:e is always choice;
and though the making Of that che ce may
sometimes be embarrassed by conflicting
considerations, arising out of want of
entire confidence Of opinion with either of
the opposing candidates, j. is only the
more incumbent on us to determine ou:
preference with care and delbera,on. and
according to the best lights of orr under
standing. and When once conscientouslv
formed, iearlessly and unhesitatinglv to
act it ont
In the approaching Presidential contest,
then, we ought not and cannot be neutral
and II, as everything now indicates is to
be the case. that conles, shall be betw cen
Mr.. Van Buren, and Mr.. Clay, have as
little hesitation in saying tina, there is hui,
one line of action by which we can acqui,
ourselves o! the full measure Of our duty
10 the country-and that is, waving all
minor considerations. TO give manly and
determined support to Mr.Clay in prefer
encc to Mr.. Van Buren,. For myself, |
can conceive Of no greater calamity to the
nation. or deeper discredit to the cause
aud very name popular government than
the e-eleclion of MIR Van Buren, would
tie. ritter the signal and overwhelming ma
jori!y by which he was so recently depos-
cd tr"m power, upon the fulles. canvass
Of his measures. policy and conduct.
The host Of yinIictive passions which
follow in the train of restored govern
fnents-tte crowds of hungry relainers,
pleading the merit of past services, who
fnrwnrI To cl Tive .,.l Al,
fidelity, or indemnity for sacrifices and
losses incurred in the common cause.-the
infatuated and per,inacious at,ac hment To
ancient abuses.-tbe arbitrary and self
willed habits nur,urcd in the former DOS
session of powe.-the commitment to ia.
vorite but pernicious schemes OF policy.
have all concarred 10 give sort Of prov
crbiai currency TO the remark of ceie-
hrated English statesman and historian
nhat the worst and most dangerous of all
PRECAUTIONS is a Restoration" Tha, all
these evils would be rea. lied to the wild
est extent, and in their most unmi,ipa,ed
rirulenGe in the restoration of Mr.. Van
buren, none can doubt " no have been at
aentive observers Of the selfish and vicious
system al party policy exempliiied in the
creed and conduct of himself and his
friends, or who have not forgotten that
memorable motto of party rapacity, so
boldly embIazoned Oh the shields of his
chosen followers, which, in proclaming
"'o the vlctors belong tke SPOTS of viclo-
ry," shamelessly pointed to the offices
and public trusts of the country, as the
.rIgh.ful piunder of political warfare!
But TO return to the remark haze al
ready made. Could any thing inaict
deeper wound on the cause OF Republican
institutions, thar such aspectacle of levly