The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1844-01-13
THE PAST, THE PRESENT, AND THE
FUTURE

brains having had time to cool, we resume the
consideration OF this subject.
For the first time in the history of our Gov
eminent, we have the spectacle presented OF an
ex-President, who was defeated in his efforts to
obtain reelection, asking to be again supported
for that high office. In the very teeth of his
affected respect aud Difference for the popular
will and popular intelligence, he asks the People
to review their decision, and iniimates, as a
reason, that "they were made drunk by songs,
clamer, cider and revelry," and therefore inca
pabIe Of pronouncing judciously upon his perso-
nal deserts or the merits OF his Administration.
Even John Adams, the reviled parent of the
Alien aud Sedition Laws-the impersonation Of
all that was odous of federalism, had too great
aregard for his own dignity and 100 high respect
for the popular judgment, ever to solicit re-
election when, like Mr.. Van Buren,, he was
elected from the Chief Magislracy.
We have already shown that Mr.. Van Buren,
can, in no event, expect an accession TO the
vote which he received in 1910. He is the same
person, his measures bear the same character,
and his advisers are the identical individuals
who were Indignantly condemned by an unpre-
cedented manifestation Of popular distaste. In
what respect, then, is the aspect Of The question
changed2 Unfortunately for the exPresident,
the only alteration is an augmented density OF
the cloud which obscured his prospects. There
is no glimmer of a new light TO umne his
path
Mems love Of political change is not an alb
stract love of novelty-it is the spirit OF pro-
gres, The habitually close observer Of the
masses, learns that there is little justice 10 the
imputation against them, Of fckleness, alleged
by the foes of Republican institutions. The
hope Of amelioration, OF amending their condi-
ton, is the spring Of all efforts to REFORM modi-
fy or over,urn system alter its auspices. 1t
is not merely passion, It is a convicIion-lhe
result Of calculation of chances which is more
dangerous to thwar or encounter. than even a
prejudice, for the latter may be removed by ar
gument or persuasion. Mr.. Van Buren, aud his
coadjulors err therefore, by inlefrng that in
stead Of being opposed, as they were in lS40,
they will now be aided by this deposition
The motive Of the popular enmity to him, has
lost none Of It's force by the lapse of time.
The aversion to han was fortified by too IN
tense conviction of the mischiefs of his admin
islratioa, ever 10 be abated by a mere supposed
appetite on the part Of the People for change.
The nation was then in the slough of despond"
II could not be in worse condition. Ii was
wise inference that change was desirable.
Circumstances are widely different now. IL de-
mands unusual or, dulily TO believe that the Peo-
pie are so soon saliated with their present pros
porous state, as to be DESTROYS Of returning TO
Ivan Buren, times"
The favorile remark Of Mr. Van Buren,, that
public feeling and opinion are like the waves Of
the ocean, and that they place parties alternately
in the trough Of the and upon the summit Of
the biIlow, is untrue MS an invariable and Deepen
dent even as general proposition, fori its force
point, upon its rationale. Proximity of events
is set down frequently as evidence that they
bear the relation of cause and effect when in
truth il is but the fruit Of chance. Subtle n0u-
ences, at times potent and irresistible, are IN
seen or passed over without consideration by
the superficial politician Erroneous judgments
and corresponding mistakes in partisan move
ments, are the consequences. Upon the pre-
sumption, then, stated above, which we deem
entirely admissible and susceptible of abundant
proof, that the masses are rmpeed much more
generally than is believed, by calm calculation
or in,uitve perception of the relative benefits and
evils to flow from their action, may Mr.. Van
Van Bureu's case not furnish one of The e,cep-
tons to the rule, which he, it is said, adluces
with such an air of Triumph
We are aware that his followers who disclose
their contempt for popular intelligence by their
and insanity Of ls40," will pay lit,le attention
TO our claim for the People Of something more
than blind impulse or mechanical agency. "Tor
popui, por DEL" upon their lips, i. but the wan
tjn's profession OF their own virtue Let them,
however, apply what terms they please TO the
movements OF lsi0-Iet them speculate, con-
lecture and theorze as they will--the fact re-
mains, that neither the history Of this nor any
other country, furnishes an instance of the re-
versal Of such popular verdict as that rendered
against him. Let him search the annals of the
past and CLEAN long array of anaogies-com-
pare his fortunes with those even Of the wisest
and best of men-t will all be in vain. He may
fancy his case proved-lbat injustice has at
times been done to The most illustriou, patriots
by Republican countries, but he will fail to show
that nation has ever recalled its judgment du.
ring The life Of The "vctm," when once so une
qulvocally formed and recorded. Forced resio.
ratons Of condemned dyna,ries, have occurred,
but their histories can supply him with little to