Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1825-06-14

patriot or consistent politician, to lend
his aid in raising General Jackson to the
Chiel Magislracy OF the Union. That
officer having already, in his estimation,
deliberately violated the constitution OF
his country, he could not, without pros
tituting to unworthy purposes his privi-
lege as an elector, take any part in be-
slowing on him power, by which he
might perpetrate higher abuses.
These remarks we make in cXculpa-
ton OF Mr., Clay from the charges of
corruption which have been preferred
against him, not with a view to attach
blame to General Jackson. On the con-
irary, we have always been the advocate
OF bis energetic conduct as a command
ing officer in the South and West. To
that energy, directed by his sagacity and
/ judgment, so pre- inently suited to the
then existing crisis, we have always at
tributed his safety and success. Had he
acted otherwise than as he did, disasters
would have befallen both him and his
country. Success, at least, would have
been less certain and less complete.
Were the nation again at war, to no other
chieftan now existing would we so
cheeriully entrust the direction of her
arms. But we repeat, that great mill
,ary leader is not OF necessity great CT
vii magistrate. Moreuu declared that
he himself had no talent fer POLITICAL
| RUE
VIII it be said that Mr.. Clay, as the
consistent advocate of continued sys-
TEN OF internal improvement, ought MOI
TO have given his vote 10 Mr.. Adams,
the avowed patron offoreign commerce
An extract from that statesman's inau-
gural address, will expose the falacy OF
this reasoning I" 1t is" said the Presi-
dent Elect, in the address alluded to
that (internai IMPROVEMENT from
which am convinced that the unobrn
millions oil our posterity, who are in tn
ture ages 10 people this continent, will
derive their most fervid gratitude 10 the
founders OF the Union; thar in which
the benefcent action OF its government
will be most deeply felt and acknow-
lodged" That such were the senti-
ments of Mr.. Adams, Mr.. Clay must
have bad previously abundant opporlu-
mites TO learn.
In answer 10 our observations on Ge-
neral Jackson's defective education, IN
affairs of State, shall we be told thai
/ without any specific preparatory disci.
| pine, General Washington filled the
chair OF President with unrIvalied splen-
dor, and discharged its duties with une-
qnaled effect?
We reply that this is true only in part.
Although MOI ex ensively educated IN
carly lie, General Washing on was all
experienced and highly practical states
man. He was, Tor many years, mem
Der OF The colonial legislature OF Virgil
MA, and IN matters OF moment, although
not an orator, always took lead in that
enlightened body. In the first revolu-
tionary Congress that assembled i'll PHI
ladelphia, he was also delegate from
his native state; and by one OF the ables,
and most Judicious observers OF the day,
! was pronounced, in sagacity and Judg-
menl, pre-eminent over his colleagues.
Hu. although not deeply imbued with
school-iearning in his early days, the va
rlety and compass OF his acquired know
ledge, aud the elegance, tiexibllly, and
polish OF his style, clearly evlnce, thai
IN The midst Of his more active employ
nents, he found leisure to cultivate his
mind, and improve his taste, by exten-
sive reading aud profound study. The
excellent library which he is known 10
have possessed, testifies TO the same Ell
feet.
Al all events, in relation to the Presl-
dency, General Washington is no, to be
compared with any other man. Such
was his pre-eminence, that, IN the words
OF the euiogist OF Chatham, she stood
alone" Giro umslances rcndeled bis
election essential. The char may al
most be said to have been made tor him.
Certainly, 7vhen made, the 7oortd expect,
cd him TO sit III II. 10 thai effect, ms
friends and those OF free government,
both IN Europe and AnerIca, impress
slvely lmpor ,uned him. Had he dec lin.
ed, it is doubtful whether The present te-
deralive compact could have gone into
HutibSb1utN u'd ouSSSSShb' OPS'"'o''
His name and character hallowed the
constitution, and gave 1t weight, before
Its praci,csl eXcellencies were known.
Shall we be told that General Jack
son vas the second choice oil MIR. Ciay's
constr uents; and that, therefore, he
ought to have given him his support
| We reply, that admitting, the right to