Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1844-01-26
A LETTER FROM MR.. RIvEs.

liam G.. Kives, as will be seen from ITS face
was written to personal friend in Hanover
but another gentleman, having learned in
a conversation with Mr.. Rives that he had
written such letter, containing full ex.
preston Of his views on the subject Of the
Presidential election, has obtained a copy Of
the letter, with permission to have it pub
lished, as the best means of satisfying all in
quiries and removing all doubts as to the
course Mr. Riyes will pursue in the APP
preaching contest
WASHINGTON, Jan. !, 1874.
NV Dear Sir,--It seems to be now def
nitely settled that the country is TO be called
upon to retract the solemn decision pro-
nounced by it in 1910 upon the dement's of
MIR. Van Burens administration and TO re-
store him to power, without solitary atone
ment for the past or pledge of amendment
for the future. The indications which have
been given here, since the assembling of
Congress, are too significant to be misun-
derstood. The Convention at Baltimore
will have nothing to do but to register and
proclaim the edict Of the caucus in the Cap
itol
nthis 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 demoraIizing tendencies of Mr. Van
Buren's whole system of political action, to
stand aside with folded arms, and to shrink
into an inglorous, had almost said, trea-
sonabIe neutrality, because Of some differ
ences Of opinion on questions of public pol
icy from Mr. Clay, which a wise spirit Of
moderation, and the recognised arbltra-
ment 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 pr o.
vded by the Constitution Of the country 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 circumstances of a
very peculiar character, can properly refuse
to take part, and, to the extent Of his influ-
ence and example, a decided and efficient
part. When the vast moral and political
influence of the office, as well as its direct
attributes Of positive and controlling power,
are considered, it can never be matter of
indifference, or even of an equal balance of
counteryalling motives of preference or OBJ
lection, who shall fill it. There is always a
choice; and though the making of that
choice may sometimes be embarrassed by
conflicting considerations, arising out Of a
want of entire coincidence of opinion with
either Of the opposing candidates, it is only
the more incumbent on US to determine our
preference with care and deiberation, ac-
cording to the best lights Of our understand
ings; and, when once conscientiously form
ed, fearlessiy aud unhestatingty TO act it
out.
In the approaching Presidential contest,
then, we ought not and cannot be neu-
trail and it. as every thing now indicates
is TO be the case, that contest shall be
between Mr.. Van Buren, and Mr.. Clay,
] have as little hesitation in saying that
there is but one line of action by
which we can acquit ourselves of the full
measure Of our duty to the country and that
is, waving all minor considerations, to give
a manly and determined support TO Mr..
Clay in preference to Mr.. Van Buren,. For
myself, can conceive of no greater calami-
ty to the nation, or deeper discredt 10 the
cause and very name of popular govern
meni, than the reelection of Mr.. Van Blu
rem would be, after the signal and over
whclming majority by which he was so re-
Gently deposed from power. upon the fullest
canvass of his measures, policy and con-
duct
The host Of yindictive passions which
follow in the train of restored Governments
the crowds of hungry retainers, pleading
the merit of past services, who press for
ward to claim the reward Of their fidelity or
indemnity for sacrifices and losses incurred
in the common cause.-the infatuated and
pertinacious attachment to ancient abuses
the arbitrary and self-willed habits nurtured
in the former possession of power-the
commitment to favorite but pernicious
schemes of policy, have all concurred to
give sort of proverbial currency to the re-
mark of celebrated English statesman and
historian, that the worst and most danger
Gus of all rcuoiuti0n is a restofation.*-
That all these evils would be realized to the
widest extent, and in their most unmtigat-
ed vrulence, in the restoration of Mr.. Van
Buren,, none can doubt who have been at
tentiye observers of the selfish and vicious
system of party policy exemplihed in the
creed and conduct of himself and his
friends, or who have not forgotten the MEM
OraDle motto OF parry IaPdcliy, So poiuly
embIasoned on the shields of his chosen fol-
lowers. which, in proclaiming ito the VIC
tors belong the spoiIs of victory shameless
ly pointed to the Offices and public trusts of
the country as the rlghtiul plumber of poit-
ical warfare.
But, to return to the remark have al
ready made. Could any thing nfict a
deeper wound on the cause Of republican in
situations than such a spectacle of levity
and instability on the part Of the constituent