The Whig standard. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1843-1844, 1844-01-25

I From the Richmond Wing

to q personal and political friend in Hanover but
another gentleman, having learned in CONVEX
sation with Mr.. Rives that he had written such
letter, containing full expression of HE views
on the subject of the Presidential election, has
obtained copy Of the letter, with permission to
have it published, as the best means Of satisfying
ell inquiries and removing all doubts as to the
course Mr.. Rives will pursue in the approaching
! contest:
WASHINGTON, Jan. l, 1874.
Nh Dear Sir: It seems to be defnitively
settled that the country is to be called upon
to retract the solemn decision pronounced by It
in 1910 upon the dement's of Mr.. Van Buren's
administrations and to restore him to power, With
ont a SOLITARY atonement for the past pledge Of
amendment for the future. The indications which
have been given here, since the assembling OF
Congress-, are too significant to be misunderstood
The Convention at Baltimore will have nothing
to do but to register and proclaim the edct OF the
caucus in the Capitol
In this state Of things, are we, who have SO
aften testified in the face of the world our deep
ond earnest convictions Of the fatal and demoral-
izing tendencies of Mr.. Van Buren's whole sys-
TEN of political action, to stand aside with folded
arms, and to shrink into an inglorous, | had al
most SAID, reasonable neutrality, because Of some
differences of opinion on questions OF public poll
icy from Mr.. Clay, which a wise spirit OF modera-
ton, and the recognised arbitrament OF the public
will, are daily narrowing in magnitude and ex-
tent? hunbly think not.
The election Of Chief Magistrate Of the nation
is one Of those vital processes provided by the
Constitution of the country for the periodical re-
generation Of our system by a fresh infusion into
It of the elements of popular health and virtue, in
which no good citizen, unless under circumstan-
ces of very peculiar character, can properly re-
fuse to take part, and, to the extent OF his nfu-
ence and example, decided and efficient part.
When the vast moral and political influence OF
the Office as well as its direct attributes of posi-
tive and controlling power, are considered, it can
never be a matter Of indifference, or even of an
equal balance of countervailing motives of pre-
ference or objection, who shall fill it. There is
always a choice; and though the making OF that
CT DICE may sometimes be embarrassed by con-
f1icting considerations, arising out of a want OF
entire coincidence Of opinion with either OF the
opposing candidates, it is only the more incum-
bent on us to determine our preference with care
and deIberation, according to the best lights OF
our understandings; and, when once conscien-
tiously formed fearlessly and unhesitatingly to
act it out.
In the approaching Presidential contest, then,
we ought not and cannot be neutral; and if, as
everything 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 con-
siderationa, to give manly and determined sup
port to Mr.. Clay in preference to Mr.. Van Buren,.
For myself can conceive Of no greater calamity
to the nation or deeper dscredit to the cause and
very name of popular government, than the re-
election of Mr.. Van Buren, would be, after the
signal and overwhelming majority by which he
was SO recently deposed from power, upon the
fullest canvass Of his measures, policy, and con-
duct.
The host of vindictive passions which follow
in the train of restored Governments-the crowds
of hungry retaners, pleading the merit Of past
services, who press forward to claim the reward
of their fidelity, or indemnity for sacrifices and
losses incurred in the common cause.-The ntat-
uated and pertnacious attachment to ancient
abuses-the arbitrary and self-wlled habits nur-
tured in the former possession of power-the
commitment to favorte but pernicious schemes of
policy, have all concurred to give sort of pro-
verbal currency to the remark of a celebrated
English statesman and historian, that the worst
and most dangerous Of all revolutions is resto-
ration.* That all these evils would be realized
to the widest extent, and in their most unmtlga-
ted virulence, in the restoration Of Mr. Van Bu
rem none can doubt who have been attentive OBJ
servers of the selfish and vtious system OF party
policy exemplified in the creed and conduct of
himself and his friends, or who have not forgotten
that memorable motto of party rapacity, So boldly
emblazoned on the shields Of his chosen follow
ers, which, in proclaiming "to the victors belong
the spos of victory" shamelessly pointed to the
offices and public trusts of the country as the
rightful plumber of political warfare.
But, to return to the remark | have already
made. Could any thing inflct deeper wound
on the cause of republican institutions than such
spectacle of levty and instability on the part of
the constituent body as would be exhibited in the
restoration of Mr.. Van Buren,, after the over
whelmng condemnation of his administration pro-
nounccd bythe almost unanimous electoral voice
Of the country but three short years ago! Would
it not render popular government itself "by-
word and taunt' among the nations? In l84O
the American people, upon the fullest and most
deliberate hearing Of both sides Of the political
controversies the friends as well as of the OPP
ponents of Mr.. Van Buren--recorded their votes
against HIM by such majority as never before
signazed the retreat of any minister from power,