Excerpt from The American Review, Vol. 1: A Whig Journal of Politics, Literature, Art, and Science; January, 1845

The advent of Mr. Van Buren did not at first materially change the situation of parties. He commenced his admin istration with a formal declaration of his principles-at his inauguration. It was really void of meaning except as to one point, and in regard to that he was pe culiarly unfortunate. He undertook in advance to veto any law that the Na tional Legislature in its wisdom might enact in reference to'a particular subject. The design of this was obvious, and its impropriety equally so. We speak 'of this without any reference to the merits of that question, in itself considered, and merely as to the promise of the Presi dent in advance of legislative action. It conciliated no interests, and displeased if it did not'disgust all right-thinking men. All that any party could require of the President was to see that the laws were faithfully administered, and the Constitution of the country observed in all the departments under his control. The caution which he had displayed through life seemed to have deserted him at the very moment when it was most needed. Sagacity and shrewdness were the great characteristics of the man. Never to commit himself upon any great measure so far as to preclude the possibility of advocating either side of the question, unless the popularity Of the measure was certain, appears to have been his settled rule. Always plausible, always circumspect and wary, feeling his way by inches, and appearing to fol low rather than to lead in the track of popular sentiment, Mr. Van Buren had become the first political tactician of the day. There were no commanding traits in his character at all calculated to en list the popular enthusiasm in his sup port; but possessing decided abilities, great experience, and an intuitive appre ciation of character, he was always look ed up to as a safe pilot by those who were ambitious of distinction and power in po litical life. No man could foil an en emy or deceive a friend with' a better grace; and he had the art to do this in such a manner as to he himself, not nu suspected, but unconvicted. The blew fell, but the hand was invisible. Mr. Van Buren was a lawyer by profession, and attained a high standing at the bar.

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