The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1844-01-26
From he Richmond Wig.
MR. RlyES.

was written 10 a personal and political friend
IN Hanover; but another gentleman hav-
ing learned, in conversation with MI
Rlyes, that he had written such letter,
a full expression OF his views
on the subject OF the Presidential Election,
has obtained copy OF the letter, WIN
permission to have it publIsbed--as the
hes, means of satisfying all enqulrers, ana
removing all doubts, as 10 the course Mr.
Riyes will pursue in the approaching
contest.
WASHINGTON, Jan. lst, lS4i.
Nv Dear Sir-lt seems TO be now de-
finillvely settled, that the country Is TO be
called upon to retract the solemn decision
pronounced by it in 1910, upon the de-
merits of Mr.. Van Buren's Administration,
and to restore him to power, without
solitary atonement for the past, or pledge
of amendment for the future. The indi-
cations which have been given here, since
the assembling OF Congress, are too sig
uiticaut to be misunderstood. The Gun
yention at Baltimore, will have nothing to
do but to register and proclaim the edict
Of the Caucus IN the Capitol.
la this state of things, are We, who have
so 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 &C
ton, to stand aside with folded arms, and
10 shrink INTO an inglorous, 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 the recognised
arbtrament o. 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.
tenn, BY fresh Infusion into II, OF the ele-
mon,s Of popular health and virtue, in
which no good citizen, unless under cir
cumstances Of very peculiar character,
can properly refuse to take u part, and to
the extent Of his influence and example, a
decided and efficient part. When the vas,
moral and political influence Of the Office,
as well as lis direct attributes OF positive
and controlling power, are considered, II
can never be a matter OF indifference, oil
even Of an equal balance Of counteryalllng
motives OF preference or objection, who
shall ill it. There is always a choice
and though the making of that choice, may
sometimes be embarrassed by conflicting
considerations, arising out Of want 0
entire coincidence of opinion with eithe
Of the opposing candidates, it 10 only TN
more incumbent on us 10 determine on
preference with care and elaboration, &C
cordng TO the best lights Of our under
standings; and when once conscienciousl,
formed, tearlessly and unhesltatingly t,
act II out.
In the approaching Presidential contest
then, We ought not and cannot be neutral
and if, as every thing now indicates is t,
be the case, that contest shall be between
Mr.. Van Buren, and Mr.. Clay, have a
little hesitation in saying that there is bu
one line of action by which We can acqu
ourselves Of the full measure Of our duty
10 the country-and tina, is, waving al
minor considerations, TO give manly an,
determined support TO Mr.. Clay IN prefer
ence to Mr.. Van Buren,. For myself,
can conceive 0t no gtvdtvi rui.n,ty ~ tht
'nauon, or deeper dlscredit TO tho oaoe'
and worry name Of popular government
than the reelection Of Mr.. Van Burci
would be, after the signal and ogerwhelm
iug malorlty By which he was so recent,
deposed from power, upon the fullest can
vass OF his measures, policy and conduct
The host of vlndctiye passions While
follow IN The train OF restored government
the crowds Of hungry retainers, pleadln
the merit Of past services, who press for
ward to claim the reward Of their fidelity
or indemnity for sacrifices and losses in
CURED IN the common cause.-the infatu
a'ed and pertlnacious attachment TO an
clcni abuses-the arbitrary and self-wille,
habits nuItufed IN tho former possession
OF powcr-the commitment to lavoritc bu
pernlcious schemes Of policy, have all con
Cured 10 give a sort OF proyerbla curren
~ w VIC tt4tluI N vi q IEltDIdttu IIlElIsi
statesman aud historian, that the worst ant
most dangerous of all revolutions is a Re
storalion.' That all these evils would b,
realized 10 the widest extent, and in then
mos, unmitigated virulence in the rcstora
ton Of Mr.. Van Buren,, rome can doubt
who have been attentive observers 0f the
selfish and vicious system Of party policy
exemplIfed in the creed and conduct OF
himself and bis friends, or who have not
forgotten that memorable motto of party
rapaclty, so boldly embIazoncd on the
shields Of his chosen followers, which, in
procIalmlng "to the victors belong the
spolls of victory" shlmeIessly pointed to
the offices and public trusts Of the coun-
try, as the rish(ul plumber Of political
warfare
But to return to The remark | have al.
ready nude. Could any thing inflict a
deeper wound on the cause of Republican
institutions, than such spectacle Of leyity
and instability, on the part Of the constlt.
uent body, as would be exhibited in the re.