Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1844-02-23
Mr. " ebster's I.eiter,

The letter Of Mr.. Webster which fol-
lows, will be read evsry where with
the interest which. in the minds OF all
men, however personally disposed to-
wards the author of it, must attach 10
his opinions upon public affairs For
ourselves, we find Mr. Webster where
we wished and expected 10 find him,
ready to sacrifice all lesser considera-
lons 10 the great object Of the public
good, and 10 the success OF the cause
which he believes TO be identified with
it. Such were his sentiments in the
last great contest for the ascendency Of
correct principles; and such, we now
know from himself, what we never
doubted, will be his course in the con-
test which lies before us.--Nat. Int.
WASHINGTON, January 3, 1874.
Gentlemen: have received your let
ter, requesting permission TO present
my name 10 The people as candidate
forthe office Of President of the United
States, subject 10 the future wise, deli
berale action Of the Wing National
Convention OF 1874
1t would be dlslngenuous TO withhold
an expression Of the gralefu feelings
awakened by letter. containing such Il
request, so very numerousIy signed,
and coming from among those who have
known me through lie, No one can
be InsenslbIe 10 the distinction Of being
regarded, by any respectable number OF
his fellow citizens, as among those from
whom choice OF President might be
made, with honor and safety 10 the
country.
The office OF President ian office tho
importance OF which cannot be TOO
highly estimated lie who fills il, ne
Cessarly exercises a great Influence
not only on all the domestic interests o
the country, on its foreign relations
and The support OF its honor and cha.
raCtar en0og the nations Of the earth
but on that which is of the very highes
import TO the happiness Of the people
the maintenance Of the Constitution
itself, and the prosperous continuance
OF the Government under it. Our sys
TENS are peculiar; and while capable, a,
experience has shown, Of producing
the most favorable results, under wise
and cautious administration, they are
nevertheless, exposed to peculiar dan.
gers. We have six and twenty States
each possessing within itself powers o
government, limited only by the Con.
stlulion Of The United States; and W,
have General Government, to which
are con6ded high trusts. 10 be exercised
for the benefit Of the people OF all lh
STATES. Ii Is obvious that this division
OF powers, itself the result oil move
and most delicate political operation
can be preserved only by tho exercis
Of wisdom and pure patriotism Tn
Constitution oI the United States stand
on the basis Of the peoples choice. |
must remain on that basis, so long as
remains at all The veneraIlon an
love winch are entertained Tor it, vii
be increased by every instance of WISE
prudent, impartial aud parental admin
lslralion. On The other hand, the
will be diminished by every admins
tration, which shall cherish local divi
sions, devote Itself to local interest
seek 10 bend the influence of the Go,
eminent TO personal or partisan purpos
es, or which shall forget that all pa
rioism is false and spurious, which doe
not look with equal eye TO the interes
of the whole country. and all its part
present and 70 come | hardly know
what an American statesman should {
much deprecals, on his own account,
we'll az on account Of his country. Q
that the Constitution OF tho Unite
Sales, now the glory Of our counlr
and tbs admiration Of the world, shou
become weakened 10 its foundation
perverted in lis principles, or fallen an
sunk in nations regard and a nation
hopes. by his own loIies, errors, {
mistakes.
The Constitution was made for ii
good OF the country; this The peop
know. lis faith lul administration prc
notes tha, good; this the people kDo,
The people will themselves defend
against ali foreign power, and all ope
force, and they will right(uly hold to
jUsl and solemn account those 10 who.
hands hey commit it, and in who
hands il shall be found TO be shorn Of
single beam Of its honor or deprived
a apatticle OF its capacity for usolulnes
II was made for an honest people, OF
they expect it to ba honestly admin
tered. Al the prestn. moment, it is 1
object OF general respect, confidence a.
affection.
t,,.osuons have arisen, however, al
ore likely to arise again, upon the e,
(, nntYPTs OF npnu iha ,