New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-12-11
BANCROFT'S VAN buren,.
A misunderstood MAN.

Bancroft,
manuscripts, including letters and papers extend
inr 70 the end of Van Burcn's public career
From these and other sources prepared concise
record of the events of his life. The manuscript
was seen by Van Buren,, who pronounced IL, as
record Of facts relating to himself, authentic ana
truep There is indeed every reason why van
Buren should have been satisfied with the ac-
count for it travcrses almost every estimate OIL
his character and conduct made by ms cohteh-
poraries, and rchabilitates public man than whom
no other American has been the subject OF more
bitter censure and denunciation. Mr. bancroft
continues: " At the time of its preparation the
public mind was grievously agitated ny party
divisions on public affairs and on public men;
the manuscript therefore put aside Tor pup
LEGATION in times more favorable TO fairness OF
judgment on the character and career oil van
Buren, In my recent revision of the original
manuscript have made no change that could
affect Van Buren's approval of it as thoroughly
correct
The Martin Van Buren, depicted in these pages
is certainly not recognizable for the man who re-
tired from the Presidency so covered with odium
that even his best friends found it hard to defend
him Yet is easy TO perceive that very much
of the strong feeling against him was really not
based upon reason, but partook of that Dhno
passon with which the people have always oeen
won't TO assail whatever Government happens u
be in power at moment OF general disaster VI
depression Van Buren, was held Responsible ioi
the panic of 1897; an event for which ne was no
more accountable than the man in the moon III
regard TO other of the matters charged against
him. and particularly his attitude toward inc
ssverv issue a dispasslonate survey will scarcely
acouit him of the fault of time serving; put oe-
fore he is blamed for that, it is necessary to COM
with
Such q comparison at once demonstrates the 1act
that Van Buren was neither more nor less OF an
onnortunist than his peers. Concessions TO the
Sontb had been the prevailing fashion long before
no came upon the stage and continued long alter
be had left it, We may regret that he was not
more courageous, hut we shall seek vainly IN his
period for striking examples OF political hero'sW'
, The Van Ruren of Mr. BancrOfts memoir was
a man of strong convictions and one whose poilti-
cal conduct was dominated and controlled by
peculisry democratic prediction. From his hrst
entry into public life he busted himself IN guard
ing the general interests from the attacks OF all
kinds of self-seekers and mOnOpOsts When he
was first sent to the State Legislature an epidemic
of corporate expansion prevailed. ana preference
WIS given TO banking Everywhere efforts were
being made to secure charters for new banks, IN
situations which Van Buren, was then certainly
carious ventures. the dangers of which were sure
10 fall upon the public while the cmoiuments
would be absorbed by the projectors. lie was
grounded in finance we'll enough TO appreciate the
perjls of an inflated irredeemable currency and he
resolutely opposed all these applications for chart
prs It. was different with benefccnt schemes
of internal improvements such as canals. lie
was ready TO support all enterprises of that char
acter. provided they were surrounded by sui
fcient guarantees and safeguards. In the war OF
1872 Van Buren, vigorously supported the Adj
ministraton, and influential in holding New
York to a patriotic course which was bitterly OPP
posed in many quarters, the ground being taken
,hao the unnecessary and unjust. The
New York Federalists were fiercely hostile TO Mad
5son's policy and denounced him and il with equal
Sntemperance Van Buren,. whose wonderful skill
ms an organizer was by this time fully demon
strated, stood to his guns stoutly that in the
end he carried the State with him against what
had looked like an overwhelming opposition.
Imprisonment for debt at IAN early period drew
his attention and he labOred in the State Legis.
nature to procure the abolition of that barbarous
and senseless practice until his efforts were
crowned with success But his most important
service in relation TO the extension of the
suffrage Van Buren, was become the acllnOwl-
edged leader of the Democratic party of New
York They had trust in his fidelity TO principle
and his wisdom in conduct Not that the De-
mocracy OF New-York was then or at any future
time disposed to be particular about questions
of principle long as It's leaders gained victories
at the polls and distributed the offices after
wards with hberaty and judgment. At this
time the suffrage was restricted -" BY the con.
stitutional charter, formed in ~, all but free
holders and actual tenants disfranchised.
and the freeholders themselves were divided into
TWO classes. Those of twenty pounds-New- York
is. of fifty dollars, could vote
for representatives to the Assembly; Dat TO vote
for Governor or Senator required the possession
of an unencumbered freehold of the value of 90
pounds. that is. of $3.50. Van Buren, and his
friends proposed nothing less than TO transfer the
sovereignty of New.York from the freeholders TO
the inhabitants of the State. Having made up
his mind that the change ought to be made
he lost no time in urging it, and in preparing the
measures whereby it was to be effected con-
vention was called long and hot debate was
held, strong and determined resistance was en-.
countered and eventually overcome. and in spite
Of pessimst predictions the franchise was made
general and the results all that the warmest
advocates Of the measure anticipated.
Mr.. Bancroft gives careful account OF the
debates in the convention of 82l. Van Buren,
was among the most logical persuasive and
frequent speakers, and he worked like a beaver
as indeed he always did-for the success of the |
policy Of his party. In tho year, Van |
Buren, was sent to the United States Senate. At |
that time says Mr.. Bancroft. " the strict con- |
struction Of the Constitution was giving way TO
arbitrary interpretation the subject of internal
Improvements was the constant theme of political
discussion, and upon that question hinged the
politics iof the country. The opinion was openly
and formally avowed that it is unwise and
impolitic for the Government 10 hasten the pay
ment Of the public debt that any surplus in
the Treasury would he usefully employed
in the internal improvement OF the country
boo,n IN ,-ioId to this fnndeucv and Vast