Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1844-01-26

Rtves, as will DO seen from its face, written
to a personal and political friend in Hanover; bu,
another gentleman having learned 10 a conversa-
ton with Mr.. Rlves, ,ha, he had written such a
letter, containing full expression Of his views
on the subject of the Presidential election, has
obtained copy Of the letter, with permission TO
have il publlshcd-as The best means Of satisfy
ing ali enquirers. and removing all doubts, as TO
The course Mr. Rves will pursue IN the approach-
ing contest.
WAsHISGroN, Jan. lst, lSI4.
My DEAR SIn-It seems TO be now definitely
settled, that tho country IS 10 be called upon to
Yc,ract the solemn decision pronounced by it in
1910 upon tho dement's Of Mr.. Van BIren's Ad.
minist.aiion, and 10 restore hum TO power, with
out solitary atone men, for The past, pledge Of
amendment for the future. The Indications which
have been given here, since the assembling Of
Congress, too significant 10 be misunderstood.
The Convention at B4itinore will have nothing
10 do but to register and proclaim the edcs Of
the Caucus ia the Capitol.
Ia this state Of things, nre we. who have 90
often testified, in he face If the world. our deep
and earnest convictions OF the fatal and democrat
iZing tendencies Of Mr.. Van Buren's whole sys.
TEN Of political action, 10 stand aside Win folded
arms mud 10 shrink into ing'orious, had al
said. trcasona bic neutrality, because OF some
differences Of opinion questions Of public pol
"
ration, and the recognised atbilrament Of the pub
lie will, nre daily narrowing in magnitude and
extent! [ bumbv think rot.
The election of Chief Magistrate IF the m
ton. onezof those vital processes, provided by
the Constitution of the country, for tho period.
cal regeneration Of syslem, by fresh infu~
sion into It, Of tho elements Of popular health and
virtue, in which good citizen, unless under CIR
cumstances Of very peculiar character, can
properly refuse 10 take part, and to the extent
OF his Influence and example, a decided and Elf
cient part. When the vast moral md political
influence of the Office. wei! as its direct attrlb>
utes Of positive and controlling power. nro con
sdered, IL can never be n matter Of indifference,
or even of an equal balance of conntervalliog
motives of preference or objection, who shall hIi
II. There - aiwnys chosce; and though the
malsing uf Tint choice, mtv sometimes be enblr
rasseh by conflicting considerations, arisiug out
Of n want Of en,ira cuincidence OF opinion with
either OF tho opposing candidates, il IS only the
moro incumbent on 20 determine prefer,
enca with care and delIberafl ION, according to The
hes, lights of our understandings; aud when
once conscien riousy formed, t3arIessIy and Gnhes
iiatingly 10 act u out.
In tho approaching Presidential contest, then,
We ought not and cannot be neutral; and it. B
every thing now indicates - 10 be the case, that
contest shall! be between Mr Van Barren and Mr.
CLAY, have iittle hesitation IN saving that
there is Bat one line OF action by which
acqnii ourselves Of the fall measure Of oar duty
to the country-and that Is, waving all mlaor
considerations, to give a manly and determined
support IN Mr. Clay in preference to MIR. Van
Buren,. For myself. can conceive of no great
g calamity 10 the nation, or deeper dlscredn Ia
the cause and very name of nnpular government,
than the re election of Mr.. Van BIreo would be.
after the signal aud overwhelming majority by
which he was recently dep0sCd from power.
upon the fulles, canvass OF his measures, po!icy
and conduct
The hos, of vindictive passions which follow
in the train Of re- iored Governments-the crowds
OF hungry retainers. pleading the merit Of past
services, who press frwaId to claim The re-
ward OF their fidelity, Indemnity for sacIlf-
ces and losses incurred in the common cause
the infatuated and periinacious attachment 10 m
cient ahuses-the arbitrary aud seli-wiled habiis
nuriured 10 the former possession OF power-the
commitment 10 favorio but peroicious schemes OF
policy. have oil concnrred 10 give a sot, Of pro
verbal currency 10 tho remark OF celebrated
English esman and historian. that the worst
and mos, dangerous of all resolutions Is Reslo-
raiion.* That all these evils would be realized
20 the widest extent, and IN the most unmItiga-
ted viruIence, in the restoration of Mr.. Van Blu
rem, none can doubt who have been attentive oh.
servers of the selfish and vicious system Of party
policy exemped in tho creed and conduct OF
himself and his friends, who have not forgot.
ten that memorable motto OF party rapacity, SO
boldly emblazoned on the shields of his chosen
followers, which, in proclaiming 'to The victors
belong the spells of victory" shamslessly poln-
ted the offices and trusts OF the country,
as tho rightful plumber Of political warfare!
But 10 return 10 the remark have ALREADY
made.-Cou'd any thing inflict deeper wound
on the cause of Republican institutions. than such
a spectacle OF levi,y and instability. on the part
of the constituent body. would be exhibited in
the restoration Of Mr. Van Buren,. after the over
wheIming condemnation of his administration,
pronounced by the almost unanimous voice of the
country. but three short years ego' Would il
no, render popular governuaen, itself "hye word
and taunt', among the nations? In lSi0- the
American people, upon the fullest aud most de-
Hbera'e hearing OF both sides of the political con-
sroversy--of the friends we'll as of the oppo.
nenis Of Mr.. Van Buren-recorded their soies
against him nv surh n iorlsv never before