The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1844-02-19
MIR WERsrER,sL LETTER.

merican people, MS candidate for the highest office
in their gift. The elevated view which MIR Webster
nkes, of the Office Of President Of the United States
and Of the highest of all duties that deyovo upon the
officer TO sustain tho constitutions aud not TO suffer
its foundations TO be weakened It's principles per-
vcrted by any foes, errors mistakes Of his own
will response in the feelings and desires of eve
ry true American. Mr. Webster, Of course, declines
the nominuon--not desiring that his should be
used for the purpose OF preventing harmony among
those whose general political opinions concur. ...
WAsHINGToN, Jan. 3, 1874.
Gentlemen II have received your letter, request
ing permission to present my name to the people,
n candidate Tor tho Office Of President of the United
States, subject 10 the future wise, deliberate action
of The Wing National Convention of 1914"
1t would 10 disengcnuous to withhold an expression
of the grateful feelings awakened by letter, contan-
ing such n request, very numerously signed, and
coming from among those who have known me thro'
lifo No one can be nsensibe to the distinction of
being regarded by any respectable number of his fell
low. citizens, among those from whom choice Of
President might be made, with honor and safety to
the country ..,..
The Office orPrcsident is an Office, the importance
of which cannot he too highly estimated. lie who
fills it, necessarily exercises great influence, not
~ all The domestic interests Of the country its for
cign relations, and The support ofits honor and char
ncter among the nations Of the earth, but that,
hch is of the very highest import TO the happiness
of the people, the naint Of the Constitution it.
SELF aud the prosperous conlinuaRce Of the Govern
ment under it. Our systems peculiar; and while
capnb'e, ns experience has shown of producing the
most favorable results, under wiso and cautious ad-
nnisration, they nre, nevertheless, exposed TO pecu
liar dangers. We havo six and twenty States, each
possessing within itself powers orgovernment limited
only by the Constitution OF the United States and
have general government, to which confided
high trusts, to he exercised for the benefit Of the
people Of all tho States II is obvious, that this
division Of powers, itself the result OF novel and
most dcicn,e political operation, be preserved
only by the exercise Of wisdom and pure patriotism.
The Constitution Of the United Stntes stands on
the basis Of the peoples choice. It must re-
main on tina, basis so long it remains Mt NIL. The
vcneraton and love, which entertained for il,
will be increased by every instance of wise, prudent,
impartial and parental administration. On the other
hand they will be diminished by every administration,
which shall cherish local divisions, devote itself 10
local interests seek to bend the influence of tho
Government to personal parzan purposes,
which shall forget tha, all patriotism il false and spu-
rnus which does look with equal eye the inter-
eyts ofthe whole country md all it's parts present
and to como. l hardly know what American
statesman should so much depreca,c, on his own
account, well account of his country, that
the Constitution of the United States now the glory
of country and the admiration Of the world should
become weakened in its foundations, perverted in tia
principles, r,llen and sunk in nntiops regard .,1
n nations hopes, by its foies, errors AMI mia.
takes. The Constitution wps mna. for Tho oo nd If
the county; this tho peorr..s know. Tts faithful ad-
nis'ra'on tina, good; this tho people know.
the people vii themselves defend it against all for
e'gn power, and all open force; and they will right
| fully hold TO just and solemn account, those to
| whose hands they commit il, and in whose hands /,
! shall be found TO be shorn Of single beam Of lis
honor,or deprived Of particle Of its capacity Tor use
fitness II was made for an honest people, and they
expect il to be honestly administered Al the
moment, is an object Of general respect confidence
and affection. Questions have arisen, however, and
nre likely to rise ngan, upon the extent Of its powers
or upon tho line which separates the functions OF The
General Government from those of tho State Govern
men's; and these questions will require, whenever
|
ton, prudence and inpartiality in the Head Of the
National Executive. Extreme counsels or extreme
opinions either side would DO very likely, if fol.
lowed or adopted to break up the well adjusted bal
ance oltle whole. And he who has tho greatest
confidence in his own Judgment, the strongest re-
lance on his own good (otune, may yet be well
dident of his ability to discharge the duties of this
trust in such manner as shall promote The public
prosperity, or advance his own reputation.
But gentlemen, while the office Of Presid ent is quite
too high to be sought by personal solicitation, or for
private ends and objects, is not to DO declined il
proffered BY the voluntary desire OF FREQ people
It's now more ,h'n thirty years aimee you and your
follow citizen of New Hampshire, assigned me part
In political affairs. Ny pubic conduct since ,ha,
period, is known My opinions on Tho great ques-
,ionsnow most interesting 10 the country are known
The constitutional principles have eudeavored 10
| maintain, are also known. II these principles and
these opinions, now not likely be materially chan
Ged, should recommend me to further marks Of pub
lac regard and confidence, should not withhold my
| self from compliance with the general will Bnt :,