The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1844-01-19
UNAVAILIBILITY.

UNAVAILIBILITY.
Men who aspire TO the Chief Magistracy 0!
great Republic, should possess such nleec-
lual and moral qualifications as TO win the admi-
ration Of the country or, when extraordinary
abilities cannot be claimed, they should, at al
events, be enabled TO refer back TO some act o
their lives, which merits nations gratitude.
What are the distinguishing tIaits Of Mr.
Van Buren's mind? Is he distinguished fol-
profound learning, acknowledged craftsmanship
surprising eloquence patriotic adherence to, anc
comprehensive knowledge of, the Constitution
Such terms Of distinction are not coupled with
his name either by his own countrymen, or the
citizens OF any other nation of the civilized
world. He possesses one distinguishing trait
OF intellect, we admit but it is one that is con-
sidered by many rather notorious than common
dable-the magical power of controlling the
deliberations OF caucusses But we doubt
whether this trait will be an object Of pride to
the historian of his country. We doubt whether
1t can elevate his country in the estimation of
the world.
What great act has Mr. Van Buren, ever per
formed? We solemnly declare that we can re-
member no particular achievement which should
elicit the admiration of the People, none that
can constitute prominent feature in our his
tory. The extra session of Congress convened
oy him, was an extraordinary &C, il Is true but
nothing OF Importance was accomplished by it,.
The Sub Treasury was novelty, il must be ad-
mitted; but 1t was immediately repudiated by
the People, and his friends have ceased 10 call
for its resuscitation
We would not be unjus, to Mr.. Van Buren,,
or any other man. We are willing to admit tina,
ne Is honest in the ordinary dealings of life with
his fellow-men, and that he is gentleman pos
sessed of excellent intellectual abilities both
natural and acquired. He was undoubtedly
qualified to discharge the duties of Minister Pie
niPoteniiary at the Court of ST. James's, and it
was justly deemed that great injustice was done
him when he was rejected But he was con-
soed for his sufferinss, rewarded for his loss
amply rewarded-by having the Presidency be-
slowed on HIM. We are not aware that his re-
lection can be termed even negatire merit
but If 1t were positive and very great one,
we should think the Presidency for four years
was suhlclent compensation. We are quite
sure IT did not entile him 10 the service of the
Republican party for twelve years, TO the exclu-
sion of dozen distinguished statesmen. Of
equal, If not superior merits, and paramount
claims.
Enough of the past We have often declared
our belief that Mr.. Van Buren, was the least
available leader for the future. We will not
withhold our reasons; and we declare that il is
IN no malignant spirit that we express them.
The prestige OF success was with him in 1910,
and yet he was beaten. The entire patronage
OF the Government was in his hands, and be
was overthrown. In 1914 he would be uniyer-
sally regarded with the doubt and apprehension
naturally attending defeated candidate; and
his CHIEF friends have certainly, by their unjust
and illiberal course towards the President. for
feited all claim TO any aid which friendly Al
ministraion might properly extend Under his
Administration the Conservative schism took
place. The Conservatives, therefore while
they might and probably woulI, unite on anv
other Democratic candidate, could hardly sun
port the man who was so obnoxious as to drive
them from the party. They could never expect
to be forgiven by him after the defeat they caused
him in 1910.
The friends of Calhoun Cass, Johnson. Bu
chanans and Tyler, believe that the contes, with
Mr.. Van Buren, the candidate, would NOT he
simply struggle for the election Of one man
but for dynasty, which would exclude them all
for twelve, perhaps twenty years. Hence, 10
support Mr.. Van Buren,, would beto oppose them
selves and his success would effectusllv bias,
the prospects of them all Under these circum
stances, can 1t be expected that they will unite
zealously IN his behaf7 Can they evince zeal
in his cause when his success would be their
defeat-and his defeat their success7