Liberty advocate. [volume] (Liberty, Miss.) 1835-1866, 1844-02-24
From The Richmond Whig'
MR.. RlVES' LETTER.
WASHINGTON, Jan. list, 1914


My DEAR SlR-lt seems TO be now de
finitely settled, that the country is to b.
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, withouta sol
itary atonement for the past, or pledge
amendment for tho future The indica-
! lions which have been given here, since
the assembling Of Congress, are too sig
nifcant to be misunderstood. The Con-
vention at Baltimore, will have nothing
to do but TO register and proclaim the edlct
OF the Caucus in the Capitol.
In this state Of things, are we, who
have so often testified, in the face of the
world, our deep and earnest convictions
Of the fatal and demoralizing tendencies
Of Mr.. Van Buren's whole system Of po-
litical action, TO stand aside with folded
arms, and to 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 spirit of moderation, and
a recognised 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
provided by the Constitution of the coun
try, for the periodical regeneration ofour
system, by fresh infusion intoit of the
elements. of popular health and virtue,
in which no good citizen, unless undUI
circumstances of avery peculiar charac-
ter, can properly refuse TO take part
and to the extent of his influence and ex'
ample. a decided and efficient part
When the vast moral and political lntiu-
encc Of the office, as we'll as its direct at.
tributes of positive and controlling power
are considered, it can never be matter o.
indifference, or even OF an equal balance
OF countervailing motives OF preferences
or objection, who shall fill il. There il
always a choice; and though the making
of that choice, may sometimes b. embar
raised by conflicting considerations, arr
sing out Of want of entire coincidence 0
opinion with either Of the opposing can
didates, it is only the more incumbent o.
us to determine our preference with car
and deliberation, according TO the hes
lights of our understandings and whel
once conscientiously formed, fearessl
and unhesita,ingly TO act it out.
In the approaching Presidential contest
then, we ought not and cannot be neutral
and if, as every thing now indicates is
be the case, that contest shall be betwee
Mr.. Van Buren, and Mr.. Clay, | have q
little hesitation in saying that there's bt
one line of action by which We can az
quit ourselves Of the full measure Of gu
duty to the country--and that is, wayin
all minor considerations, TO give maj
ly and determined support TO Mr.. Clay
pref erence 10 Mr.. Van Buren,. For m,
self can conceive Of no greater calam
ty to the nation, or deeper discredt to tt
cause and very name Of popular COVER
mcnt, than the reelection of Mr.. Van b
rem would be, after the signal and owe
whelming majority by which he was
recently deposed from power, upon 4
fullest canvass Of his measures, pole
and conduct
HC HOSt VI NluulCllNC puoolOhS WIN
follow in the train Of restored Cover
ments--the crowds OF hungry retainer
pleading the merit Of past services, wi
press forward TO claim the reward OF the
fidelity or indemnity for sacrifices and 70
ses incurred in the common cause--tl
infatuated and pertinacious attachme
to ancient abuses--the arbitrary ana sci
wiled habits nurtured in the former Pc
session of power--the commitment 70 I
vorite but pernicious schemes OF pollc
have all concurred to give sort q pr
verbal currency to the remark Of reel
brated English statesman and hlstorla
that the worst and most dangerous Of q
revolutions is Restoration That .
these evils would be realized TO the wide
extent, and the most unmitlgated virl
lence, in the restoration of Mr., Van p
rem, none can doubt who have been ATTIC
tive observers Of the selfish and ylclo
--
AM Eoy in his History OF James ]