The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1844-01-19
UNAVAILIBILITY.

UNAyAILIBILITY.
Men who aspire 10 the Chief Magstracy o.
great Republic, should possess such intellec
rusl and moral qualifications as TO win the ADM
ration Of the country or, when extraordinary
abilities cannot be claimed, they should, at al
events, be enabled to refer back TO some act Of
their lives, which merits nations gratitude.
What are the distinguishing uaits of Mr.
Van Buren's mind Is he distinguished fol
profound earning, acknowledged craftsmanship
surprising eloquence, patriotic adherence to, and
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 trai, will be an object Of pride to
the historian Of his country. We doubt whether
il can elevate his country in the estimation of
the world.
What great act has Mr.. Van Buren, ever per-
tormed2 We solemnIy declare that we can re-
member no particular achievement, which should
elicit the admiraton Of the People, none that
can constitute prominent feature in our his
tory. The extra session Of Congress convened
BY him. was an extraordinary act i, i, true bu,
nothing of importance was accomplished BY it,
The Sub Treasury was novelty, il must be ad
United; but IT was Immediately repudiated BY
the People, and his friends have ceased 10 call
for its resuscitation.
We would not be unjus' 10 Mr.. Van Buren,
or any other man. We are willing to admit that
he is honest in the ordinary dealings OF life with
his fellow 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
nipotenliary al the Court of ST. James's, and il
was justly deemed that great injustice was done
him when he was rejected. But he was con-
soed for his sufierings, rewarded for his loss
amply rewarded-by having the Presidency be-
slowed on him. We are not aware tina, his re.
lection can be termed even a negafire merit
but II 1t were positive and very great one,
we should think the Presidency for four years
was sufficient compensation. We are quite
sure 1t did not entite him TO the service of the
Republican party for twelve years, TO the eYclu-
sion OF dozen distinguished statesmen, oil
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 far ha t,f,,
withhold our reasons and we declare that it i.
in no malignant spirit that we express them
The prestige Of success was with him in 1910
and yet he was beaten. The entire patropag,
Of the Government was in his hands, and b,
was overthrown. In 1874 he would be uniyer
sally regarded with the doubt and apprehension
naturally attending defeated candidate; and
his chief friends have certainly, by their unjus
and illiberal course towards the President, for
feited all claim to any aid which friendly Ad
ministralion might properly extend. Under hi,
Administration the Conservative schism tool
place. The Conservatives, thercfo Will.
they might, and probably woulI, unite on any
other Democratic candidate, could hardly sun.
port the man who was so obnoxious as to drive
them from the patty They could never erpec,
TO be forgiven by him after the defeat they causes
him in 1910.
The friends of Calhoun, Csss, Johnson. Bu.
chanan, aud Tyler, believe that the contest with
Mr.. Van Buren, as the candidate, would NOT be
simply struggle for the election of one man
hut for dynasty, which would exclude them al
for twelve, perhaps twenty years. Hence, to
support Mr.. Van Buren,, ,eouid be 10 oppose then,
selves and his success would efIectuallv bla .,
the prospects of them all Under these circum.
stances, can 1t be expected that they will unit,
zeslousIy in his behalf7 Can they eynce z.,
IN his cause, when his success would be Their
def.at-snd his defeat their success