Virginia Free Press

One of the most bare-faced mockeries of the day, is the proposed Convention of the office-holders, to be held in Baltimore on the 20th of May. Ask a thorough-going party man who he will support as President, and he will tell you, with true non-committal caution, he is for the nominee of the "Democratic" Convention at Baltimore. He will not come out at once, and say he is for Van Buren, although every candid and honest man in the community must admit that no one else is expected to be nominated by that Convention. Indeed, if any but Van Burenites shall be sent to that notable assembly, it will only be to keep up a show of diversity of opinion. The thing is already arranged; and if such of the good, honest Jackson men as are not transferable, and who are not prepared to go for Van at all hazards, will do themselves justice, they will give their suffrages to no man who hesitates to give his opinions on that point. Are you for Van Buren against the field? If you are—then go for the Baltimore Convention. Are you willing Andrew Jackson should name his successor? Then go for that Convention—because the President has distinctly intimated his preference in a letter to the Rev. James Gwin. His very disclaimer proves the bent of his inclination. He says he has "carefully abstained from an interference with the elective franchise," and yet he tells you "to send delegates fresh from the people to a General Convention," when he knows as well as he knows himself, that said convention is not expected to nominate any other than Mr. Van Buren. We are happy to meet daily with independent men, who, however much they may esteem the President, are ready to spurn his attempt at dictation. It is taxing their affection a little too much, when he expects them to be stock commodities, assignable at his pleasure. We give in this paper the masterly address of the Whig members of the General Assembly to the People of Virginia. It is from the pen of Chapman Johnson, Esq. It will be found calm, dignified, and argumentative document—free from the violent denunciation and slang which characterized the missile of the Van Buren party. Read it, fellow-citizens—read it. The time will be well spent. We are sorry we have not room for President Jackson's electioneering letter to the Rev. James Gwin, of Nashville. The innocent old gentleman began to fear the current in Tennessee was setting against his pet, and he could contain himself no longer. He is well aware that many will do his bidding, and make no better reason for supporting Van Buren than that he is for him. This letter was evidently written to rally the 'gild up'.