Berkeley and Jefferson intelligencer. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va.) 1802-1810, 1806-05-30
FROM THE REPERToRT:
,coMMuNIcATicN.

THE speeches OF Mr.. ]. Randolph
have attracted an uncommon share ofshe
public attention, but not more than they
will be found on careful examination to
deserve. All that 10 correct in them has
not only the recommendation of piquan-
cy and smartness, but Of novelty. In
deed he is frequently most piquant when
he is most unsound. Who could have
expected sound politics from Virginia
democratic leader from the prosecutor
otiudges, from the demolisher Of the ju-
diciaI department., of the constitution,
from the mover Of such an amendment
as might startle Abraham Bishops pro.
Higacy, or flash some forboding fears in
to Parson Leland and the committee Of
addresses, who were laden with the great
cheese? Even the Jaeobins have here
tofore often allowed that Mr.. Randolph
was ultra revolutionary. He outran his
party inthe race Of confusion. ..,,. Pc. =.
One ofthe early sallies th,t marked his
matches audacity and unbridled intern
perance of spirit was his letter to Presi-
dent Adams, about the insult the n,ajes-
~ Of the people had suffered in his per-
son from certain officers Of the army, who
at the play house treated him little too
much in the style ofiberty and equality.
He called the officers " raggamuf6us"
because they were engaged in the ho-
nourable service Of their country. He
opposed all measures Of any spirit D.
gainst France in 1893, at q time when
even Gallatin was, found to yield to the
palpable necessity ofresisting France. ,
If MIR. Randolph then had any patrio-
tism, his own headstrong passions and
those Of his state appear to have. extin-
guishedit. His education, IN which {.
very thing seems to denote he was .
spoiled child, his youth and inexperience
when he acted this strange part ID con-
gress, and perhaps too the overlooking
ardour of his zeal for Mr.. Jefersons
party afford all the excuses our candour
EN- frame for his conduct.
How he acted on the momentous bu-
siness Of the "occluSion" Of the Missis-
siPpf by Spain, whether he was then as
tame as he was before towards France,
and how he voted and spoke nthe shame
full event of,hat dispute m the payment
Of tribute to France, are matters Of i'm
portance to his reputation, and Of na-
ture easily to be aseertained, but they are
not now distinctly reeollected. If he
could then approve the payment Of 6f.
teen millions Of dollars for the exercise
OF our undoubted treaty right to the ma
vigation Of the Mississippi, We do not
see why he should now burst out into
such strain Of vehement indignation,
because our country is destined second
time to submit to infamy and tribute.
Mr.. Randolph should know that when
honoor, public or private Is concerned,
Cen'est que le premier pas qui coute.
1he hrst time q man submits to be spit
uponsshe Is cankered and blackened TO
the marrow-the second injury of that
sort may be wiped off with pocket hand
7kerehisf. After he had assisted Mr..
Jefferson to place America in the pillory
and had seen herrepubIiean forehead 4.
noinied and glistening with rotten eggs,
Stldb BtC now
deciaim so loudly about our innocence
and honour, when Talleyrand win be
eontent, with prison fees and the costs of
prosecution. We shall be allowed to
wear our ears, upon sharing our purses
with the republican emperor Of the
French. .~.~.--'-~1... --.
These are topics in reference to the,
public conduct Of Mr.. Randolph, that
= claim and in future viii command atten-
lion.
A better remembered exploit of this
gentleman is his prosecution Of Judge
Chase. Th. violent spirit with which
he proceeded, seemed to evince that there
was nothing in jacobiniism that would
give any shock to his principles. nor in
democratic innovation that could awaken
his fears. $50 :.
When therefore the mystery Of iniqui.
~ was acted, which at length 81 votes
- 4 l.