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Van Buren's methods had no such drastic discipline; yet his letter became the subject of much animadversion by the Clintonians, not so much because they disapproved the suggestion as because Van Buren wrote it.
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gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Alexander discusses the criticism faced by Van Buren, indicating the political tensions of the time.
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Perhaps, on the whole, nothing in Van Buren's official life showed greater political courage or discernment.
And what have I to lose by withdrawing and leaving the party unembarrassed?
This reckless claim amazed his friends as much as it aroused his enemies, and he at once became the object of most cutting reproaches.
It cared nothing for the Democratic party except as it contributed to its selfish ends.
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