Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1844-01-18
MR.. RlVES' LETTER.

The high personal character of Senator Ryes
and the prominent position which he has occu pied
on the political chess board for many years, give
great interest and importance bis letter decsr-
ing his preference for Mir. Clay. Il presents a
conclusive and mastery argument to those who
opposed Mr.. Van Buren, in 1910, showing that all
the considerations which were then urged against
his election, still exist, and ought to defeat his
election, as they surely will.
We are very free to confess that we have been
sorely disappointed in the course which Mr.. Rives
has seen fit to pursue since the expulsion Of Mr..
Van Buren,. We have lsDented his sepai alton
from the Wing parry upon many Of the measures
which we have deemed of vital importance to the
country, and yet columns for the past three
years will bear witness, that in the equivocal
position which he ha, occupied during that time,
we have never assailed his honesty of purpose
Mr.. Rives has forfeited no pledge, express OF i'm
piled, so far as we are informed, and although we
had hoped for his earnest cooperation with the
Wing parry in the Senate, that hope was rather
based upon estimate of the msgnanimty of his
character and the strength of his capacious intel
ect, than upon the indication Of any change in the
political sentiments which had originally placed
him in opposition to the Wing party. He array
ed himself ag anst Van Bur en- because he believed,
as ne most ably demonstia ,ed, that his admins,
traton was shockingly and desperately corrupt,
because he regarded his public measures as time
serving expedients, not prompted by an honest or
patriotic heat, but conceived and urged for his
personal aggrandEemsnt, and tending to the GER
tain ruin Of the country. Holding such views as
these, although he could not conscientiously give
his sanction, 10 the measures proposed by the
Wing parry foe tho relief of the country, be was
driven into the advocacy Of Gen. Harrison as tho
chosen instrument Of the people for tho defeat of
Mr.. Van Buren,.
The Gaze stands now precisely as then. BY the
aid Of party machinery and in defiance Of ibs over
whelming majority which crushed him in iS40. Mr..
Van Buren, is again designated az the Democratic
Candidate. Mr.. Rives is bound by every conside-
ration of personal honor, OF constituency, and of
patriotism, 10 occupy now tho same ground, and to
WELD his splendid talents and HE influence sgains,
a return of the pronigacy and corruption which
marked the former reign of MIR. Van Buren,.
Still dissenting from some Of the measures which
the Wings deem essential to the good of the coun'
try he would doubtless prefer President who
agrees with him upon these measures, bst the peo-
pie have made the issue, and he must fight under the
ban ner of HARRY OF THE WEsT, or fold his arms
in inglorious ease while Loco Focoism 10 attacking
The vitality of the nation and the fund mental pIin-
cpes upon which rest the structure of the Cover
ment and the liberty of the people.
Mr.. Rive. is not the man to shrink from the re-
,ponsibili,y which such an issue devolves upon him
The cry of "uai,or,' and deserter," which Lo-
co Focoism, disappointed of his aid, rings in his
ears, have no tetrors for hin. He needs not their
bitter curses as he has not needed their coIhsn-
~ and persuasive aduation. but sets his eagle eye
upon the bright destiny of his country, and prrsues
his unerring aim with the proud conscientiousness
Of an honest purpose.