Western Enquirer And Virginia Springs Gazette

THE VICE PRESIDENCY.

In another place in this paper we publish the letter of R. M. Johnson, the present Vice President of the United States, in reply to one written to him for the purpose of ascertaining, whether or not, he would be a candidate for re-election, or if elected whether he would be willing to serve a second term. He leaves the subject under the hands of the people. A writer in the Richmond Enquirer suggests the name of Andrew Stevenson, at present Minister to England, for this office. We subjoin the communication to the serious consideration of the Republican party.

THE VICE PRESIDENCY.

The impression appears to be very general, that the present Vice President of the United States will not be a candidate for re-election; and hence, friends of Col. Benton and those of Buchanan have recommended each to fill that office and entitled to the support of the Republicans of the nation. It has been stated in some of the public prints, that both of these gentlemen decline the Vice Presidency as a nomination.

Under these circumstances, I beg to call public attention to the distinguished man who now represents our country at the Court of Great Britain. The offices which Mr. Stevenson has filled have rendered him important services to his country, a reputation of which he may feel proud, or obscure he has not been. As a conspicuous member of the General Assembly of Virginia. Afterwards he was elected to Congress, and subsequently chosen into presiding officer of the House of Representatives. As a Speaker of that body he was remarkable for his intimate acquaintance with parliamentary rules, his promptness in applying them, his firmness in maintaining order, and his courtesy towards the members of the House. The writer has seen the Speakers of several legislative bodies, and never has he seen any presiding officer whose conduct was more manly, whose whole bearing was more dignified than Mr. Stevenson, while occupying the chair of the House of Representatives. His Republican principles, the ability and consistency with which he has sustained them, during a long public life and amidst the vicissitudes of party, entitle him to the confidence of the country while his accurate knowledge of parliamentary law qualifies him in an eminent manner for the discharge of those peculiar duties, which the Constitution has devolved upon the Vice President of the U. S.

Mr. Stevenson never occupied a larger space in the eyes of his countrymen, than at present. He is now our representative at the most important court in Europe. Probably no minister from our country to Great Britain has ever been so distinguished and popular as he is at this time.

In the present juncture of our political affairs, I think it highly important that the Republican party should select Mr. Stevenson as their candidate for the Vice Presidency. I acknowledge, that in calling attention to this gentleman I am not devoid of partiality or bias, because he was bred and born a Virginian: yet this circumstance in itself weighs but little in comparison with his abilities, his Republican principles, his qualifications for the office, and his devotion to the Union and the rights of the State.

MADISON.