Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-03-30

80 Nu ,.f. n matter OF regret and aston
i",' mat TINS debate should have taken
such turn had the honor 10 bc with Tho
gentleman rom New York, (NIr. King. on the
Coi'iiniece To whom thee amendments to the
constitution were referred. / had till then
s'iiic ooaots whether, at this time il was proper
10 act upon Them But then had the connie
nance ana support of that honorable gentlemen.
'ui wen knew and appreciated his expert
ence ana wisdom. As he was ono ,,f .b,s, ,,h
framed that instrument, and l,rcw tho ,;r,rs
MOVIES vi i,is associates adopted him. in some
| measure: rs my Mentor. The amendment which
mas oeen inc subject of his aniula,lyerson was
| asreed IN III committee, with great unanimity ::
ana by nonc with more cordialty and zeal than
ny that gentleman. But though he has seen
III 10 change his opinion, have not. However
may respect him, cannot consent ia he lcd
| about in this way. For the reasons WHICH bo
mas deemed proper to offer to the Senate, I, as
enc, feel mortified and humbled. Never before.
except once, and that by the same honorable
member, has The election, which now apitates
tie pnS.c, been introduced into our delibera-
ions. Tins Senate should be, and, until now
thaniS God, 1T mas been Gbooe popular excite
,iieii'. AM IRON what source does it come !,
F" no sf'S the Pernicious example. Ono whose
age afa experience point him out as a model
CIR, assure tlat honorable gcntlemas, that
nave no need of his advice, nor will submit TO
me olcti'sGl OF any Senator here, 10 direct me
IN my private or individual conduct Until |
snail DC arraigncd as the Constitution prescribcs
Shall not condesccnd 10 account TO any, or all
the members of this Senate, for INV acts ont
cern.
The irst use OF the word g Ctiucusn here. in
ueoatc, regret to say, was from that gentle
man. lie has been pleased to arraien before
the Senate certain members of this, and the
o'''ef House, because they saw fit to meet and
recommend a candidate TO the people for Presi-
aeht OF Tue L Iited States. And, by this act
he affects to believe that the Constitutions has
been SD violated, that Inc would not amend it
at all. Sir, pardon me when say that this is an
idle dream. 49,
Tie seems to apprehond that the time will
come, when the President and Heads of Depart
ments viii participate in such a Convention
Sir, there Is no danger of that. When the
members OF the Executive Department shall
cohoine toappont successor for the President
the people will PIT do,Un the combination. No.
sir; when these gentlemen attempt this, it will
not be by a 2'u'tic meeting. Secret engines will
DE put IN operahon-2'ricdte agents will be en-
Ployed, and means will be used tchich shu, The
light.
A public meeting has been held to recommend
TO the People to unite and keep the election in
their own hands. AT this the hon. gentleman
takes umbrage and alarn-he condemns this
w F.
lection may be made by the House of Repre-
sentatives. He seems to think, that any meet
ing or any opertions of individuals to prevent il
Is todeieat the provisions ofthe Constitution, This
from representative fthe largest state in the I'm
ION, Is very frank and very disntcrested. Sir, it
would be Illuminating TO give the proper answer
TO all this-a regard TO the dignity ofthe Senate
torbids the just rctort. But we may be allowed
to say, that, when the Representative act with
open doors, and expose their views and motives
to the world, tho Peoples rights are safe, the
danger hes IN secret CONTRIBUTIONS in compacts to
divide and distract--in private meetings to pre-
vent public meetings.
1t Is here that bargains may be made and
management and intrigue be practiced with
success. L, Sir, am proud in the reflection, that
see have acted openly and aboveboar1. We
have united as fndicidssals, TO recommend can
didatc TO the people. / hold myself accounta- |
bic, for this, 10 member Of this Senate how
ever respectable. For this act, am RESPONSE
bic oniyfo NY consCiencemy country, &my God
1t is'a source of consolation and confidence
that this course has been sanctioned bv constant
usage, and the appreciation and support of the
most distinguished patriots and statesmen. And
in what instance have the rights of the people
been infriDgct, their liberties impaired or the
constitution violated: DO YOU perceive it in the
prosperity, happiness, and independence, which
every where surround Won?
Sir, t:e people of the United States are high
minded, Independent, and intelligent Repubi-
caas. They understand their own rights, and
| trust, know ho!v to preserve them. Ifthey see
cause, they will disregard, and disapprove, our
recommendation. When, in my opinion need
it, will consent to be advised, and even cate
ciiSed, by any Senator: and by none sooner than
he honorable, member from New-Yer But,
of this, must take the liberty of being my own
Judge. Upon my individual conduct, beyond
these walls, | will not be compelled to submit to
any tribunal other than those which | have
named. l need not add, am of age to act for
myself
Mr.. Lowric, of Pennsylvania said, it was
with sensation of pain, that lac observed the
situation in which the Senate was, at this mo-
ment, placed. Instead of considering, with
calm delberatio1, the amendments to the Con-
stiution, submitted by the different members,
and especially the ono which had received the
sanction of the Committee of the body, the SEN
ate is involved, by the remarks of the gentleman
from NcwY oriS. iAls. hmg,) in the discussion of
the proprlety of Il Congressional Caucus. Sir
said Rir. il. the Gentlon,&n has expressed him
self, iii strong terms, against this measure; and
if he has not alarmed others, he has sewn that
he is himself alarmed az tho results which arc
likely 70 Pillow But, sir /, for one, will notice
forced into q discussion OF this measure, on the
Goor %fthc Senate. Notwithstanding the great
respect have for the gentleman from II e7y- Y orB
50 improper 90 consid er his remarks, that, on
this point, | will not even answer him. But |
although choose to be silent. / beg tue gentle |
man TO be assured that il not because see any
thing difficult to answer.