The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-01-28


cmoIumsnss of government, thesn be neither
cooperation nor confidence. RI (0ssnt plain,
unsophisticated, agricultural people, who do not
look to this government for anything by way OF
support. They acquire an Independence by Gull
tvAting the earth. rhey do not look here for
laws to put money in their pockets, nor to the
federal treasury to supply their wants They
labor not only TO supply thems elves, but to aid
in maintaining here an efficient and economical
government; to manage affairs in which all the
States are concerned and | can vote for no
measure which is to take the public treasure to
sustain paper which sets itself up here as the
organ Of any particular party. will vote for
no measure which will place Az immense money
power in the hands OF metropolitan editors, and
thus add to their peculiar advantages for form.
ing pubic opinion in the next Presidential can
vass.
But, sir do not wish TO be misunderstood.
must ask the Indulgence Of the House Tor a
short time longer. Having been exceedingly
unwell all the morning, had not anticipated
this debate. Nothing would have induced me
to make single remark now, but that had
determined since the commencement OF the sea-.
sion, that upon the very earliest opportunity /
would be distinctly understood upon those great
questions which now so much agitate the public
mind In order that may not be misunder-
stood, | ask gentlemen TO attend to the re-
mark that am about TO make. When say |
want fair, free fight in the next Presidential
canvass, l mean that desire that the people
may have some hand in arranging the prelimi.
narles, and making the selection between the
individuals presented AZ candidates for office.
| am very far from objecting to a candidate be-
cause he is the nominee OF the Baltimore con-
nd 4 l. IL.
Iy recommend him TO my choice. Such an
expression of preference by that body would
demand and receive my respect II he should
be sound, true and capable, frank and honest in
the declaration of his republican doctrines, de
sirous for the repose Of the country, and the
faithful execution Of the laws, the fact of his
nomination would recommend him to my conf
dence, and secure my jealous support.
But, sir, the Baltimore convention might
make nomination of those who do not answer
this description - who do not possess these
qualifications; and will not support any such
nominees. No party ties shall induce me to
perform an act by which lose my self respect.
| am not Ignorant that all liberty--all that is
valuable in free governments-have been often
lost agreeably to the usages of parties, and in
due form of party discipline. An empty shadow
takes the place Of substance--the power trans
ferred to the few from the many, and the screws
of party discipline may be applied to crush all
who have independence to speak the honest con-
victions of their own hearts.
Should they nominate man who lodges
votes, and who is not to be found in his place
when vital questions are to be decided-who.e
letters. and communications require second
Daniel to interpret them-or, like the riddles OF
antiquity. give employment and reputation to
second Edepus for his skill in unraveIling the
mysteries which they contain; or, like the Del
phic oracle, which made response to certain
king who inquired whether he should 20 to
war with the Romans, in the following oracular
words: I" ibis, redibis, nunquamque pepibis"-
words admitting the double translation You
shall go, you shall return, you shall not perish"
Or" You shall GO, you shall not return, you
shall perish" The inquiring king took the first
interpretation-he went, he did not return he
persisted. Other followers Of the propounder,
OF oracles have in recent times renewed the ex-
perience of this ancient king-they interpreted
tor themselves--they went, and did return, but
sadly beaten in the struggle
The handwriting on the wall, and the dream
Of ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS were explained by the
prophet; but in these days we are without
prophets or priests. Experience must be our
instructor, and history our guide. desire
matter. of-fact man, whose heart delights in an
honest declaration of his opinions who will
leave plain men, like myself, in no doubt as to
his meaning No convention can have authority
to discharge candidate for the highest office in
the gift of the people for such frank and open
avowa of his views. Timi1ity and reserve pre-
supposes state of things which must create
distrust No honest politician breads the dis
closure OF the fixed convictions of his mind
There is captivating beauty about the boldness
of integrity. You see it in the fearlessness, in
the demeanOr even of child who has never
been depraved by deception. Conscious purity
of purpose desires no concealment. A triumph
of principle binds honest men together; but
woe to that party who are united only by the
system which derives its strength from the de-
sire of plumber. Should that convention give
us the man who does not require and would
scorn to have new version put on his declara
LONESOME who will not hesitate to declare that
he holds the republican doctrines of Mr. Jeffer-
son our acknowledged leader say Mr.. JEFF
ferson, because think it unwse to refresh our
selves ut the branch when we can come at the
spring. Besides, sir, Ne have had many muta
tons and interpretations in the creed since his
day. Although having the highest confidence
in the purity as well as the great ability Of Gen.
eral Jackson, | never adopted or approved Of
many of the doctrines of the proclamation |
adhered to him, however, and none feel II more
profound reverence for his services and his
memory than myself. would not abandon him,
rs some did with whom | agreed about every
thing but some doctrines of the procamation
and go over to party with whom disagreed
about everything, and the proclamation, too
Those who do SO, were placed in Il false position
The explanations of the Globe of that day,
and the conversations with Mr.. Richie, in some
measure softeHed the sternness of the text, but
itlett hazy fog in the atmosphere, which caused
small objects to loom in the distance. You
have experienced this, sir, doubtless, when in a
morning mist COW would seem to be as large
as an elephant. | prefer return to the clear
bright republican days of Mr.. Jefferson, for
whom General Jackson cherished the most pro-
found regard. We must return to that simple
unsophisticated rcpubicanism Of the pure and
palmy days Of our country, before the distribu-
ton of fifty millions of money, and whole en-
pirts Of land gave the means Of temptation and
corruption, and placed in the hands Of Congress
the control of jobs by which opulence may be
attained in a few months or year. To such