Eastern times., 1853-10-27

days of that eminent man is not to be cOntro
verted, and so there were at still earlier
period, when the federalists nominated anC
supported Aaron Burr, who had previously
been one of the leading men of the demo
cratic party. Perhaps some connection may
be traced between the existing controversy
and those of each of these periods, but the
connection, if any, is SO remote as hardly tC
come within the scope of brief communica-
ton. But the editor of the Courant is sadly
deficient in correct information, when he says,
Clinton was never considered as strictly
belonging to the democratic party Ia the
New York, during the whole Of the admins
tratiOn of Jefferson and the first term of Mr..
Madison, no man in that state was more strong
ly identified with the democratic party than
De Witt Clinton. The democrats of New
York, with great unanimity made him their
candidate for the presidency in 1912, but after
the denomination Of Mr.. Madison by the Ma
tional Caucus, the party became divided, and
from that time forward, Mr.. Clinton lost posi-
sion with his party. He was often, and al
ways when candidate, elected governor, be-
cause he never fully identified himself with the
federalists, though they generally supported
him, and there were many democrats, who al
ways gave him their votes. Hence, though
governor, the legislature was often and almost
always democratic.
Mr.. Van Buren, was leading anti-ClntOn-
ian and Bucktail as the radical democrats of
that day were called; and in the memorable
contest of 1924 was prominent supporter Of
Crawford. Other democrats like Peter B.
Porter and Samuel Young were for Clay,
while others, with the great body of the feder-
aists, were for Mr.. Adams. Gov. Clinton
was offered the English Mission by Mr.. Ad-
ans, but declined the appointment, and both
he and Mr.. Van Buren, after having been
alenated in politics for years became support
ers of Gen. Jackson. But Clinton died before
the presidential election in 1928, while filling
the office of governor. Mr.. Van Buren, was
nominated and elected TO succeed him.
The editor of the Courant says, that 'as a
means of acquiring and preserving his ascen-
dcncy in every county, Van Burea inveuted
the Safety Fund Bank System &c. This
system was adopted by The legislature Of New
York while Mr. Van Eurcn was governor,
aud was alluded 10 in his message as preferable
10 the old system by giving security TO the bill
holder There had been several failures Of
banks about that period by which the public
had been greatly defrauded, and this, it was
anticipated, would prove a safeguard 10 the
community. To great extent it accomplished
the purpose designed. But the editor Of the
Courant shOnld know, when attempting to en-
Tighten the public, and especially when assum-
ing to correct others, that Mr.. Van Buren, was
not the inventor or author Of the Safety Fund
Bank System. The me rit Of that measure be-
longs 10 Joshua Foreman, an eminent CllntOni-
an, who originated and designed it.
These are matters Of "a by-gone period, but
in alluding to them it is well to adhere to
the facts. The cant and misrepresentation
generated in the animOsities Of those DAYS
should not, when the causes which produced
them cease 10 exist, be repeated at the ex-
pense Of truth. Parties in New York have on
various occasions had intestine struggles,
which have been marked with extreme asperi-
ty. In no State, perhaps, has there been ex-
hibiled greater personal bitterness, intolerance,
and prescription, or more acrimony Of feeling.
To it Hamilton, the brilliant leader Of the fed
eralists, paid the forfeit of his life when he
disdained TO unite with his political friends in
supporting his old antagonist Burr. To divi-
sons among the democrats and perhaps an er-
TOR on his own part, Clinton owed his failure
in reaching the Presidency. More recent d.
visions have inundated others, and their pres
ent controversy will probably eventuate ih the
pros,ratOn of some Of the best inelects in
the State. The contentious of this day are con-
fined TO neither party, for there is as fierce a
hate, as unforgiving animosty between the
Seward and Fillmore factions as exists among
the democracy.
Those of US who are in other States can
look on the battle that is raging with compar-
ative composure, and may learn prof table les
sons from that experience"