Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-04-07

Inc iOllOWlnS eAuACt vi icltcr, w LII
editor of the Rhode-Island American, is the
only probable account of the transaction it al
ludes to, that we have seen. The writer
pledges himself for the correctness of his
statement, and being known to the editor, we
feel disposed to credit it:
Extract of letter from Washington, TO the edi-
tor, dated March Is.
cit has occasioned me some regret,
to note the reports, and tie variations
of reports, respecting the late differen-
ces between Mr.. Webster and Mr..
Randolph. 1t is natural, that misun-
Outstanding between individuals like
these, should awaken general interest;
and especially that rumors of perso-
nal encounter should fix on them the
public eye, intent to mark the bearing
of the antagonists, and TO learn the is
sue. 1t is not surprising, therefore,
that contradictory statements have been
| circulated. 1t has been said, that no
challenge was sent. Anotherversion of
the story, admits the fact of the cha!-
lenge, and ascribes to the Intervention
OF mutual friends, final reconciliation.
Another variation still, attributes to Mr.
Webster the reply, that Mr.. Randolph's
character was not sufficiently pure to
entitle him to the privilege of a man OF
honor.
"These reports present the conduct OF
MIR. Webster in light, which his
friends cannot contemplate without
pain. An evasive answer to challenge
or necessity for the interposition OF
friends, does net comport with his elP'
waited character, nor with the moral
sense of the people of New-England.-
A manly and unequivocal reprobation
of the practice of dnelling. is the only
answer which Mr.. Webster Cen be sup
posed to give to challenge.
"The facts are, that CHALLENGE scos
sent to him by Mr.. Randolph, through
Mr.. Benton, of the Senate. No further
communication took place, till in a
short time, the challenge acns "ithdra,rn.
There was no interference of the friends
Of the parties, so far at least as Mr.
Webster was concerned. There was
no occasion for it. He, without doubt,
, regarded the challenge, as having been
prompted by feelings highly excited,
and further disordered by i'll health
He was persuaded, that on due rehec-
ton, the message would be recalled
The event proved, that his opinion was
correct one. The affair terminated
here. Mr.. Webster's conduct was
marked by forbearancc and delicacy,
which won for him, here, additional
honor and esteem, and which called
forth from Mr.. Benton, a particular
and unqualified expression of admira-
ton.
"I have thought, that it would give
you pleasure, to publish this explana-
ton. Ipledge myself that it is sub.
stantially correct. The character of
a man like Mr.. Webster, belongs to
the nation, as one of its fairest orna--
ments, and best safeguards. 1t should,
therefore, be anxiously protected. We
of the North, at least, may quote, in
reference to him, the lines, which Mr..
Percival, in his noble ode, has applied
to the President of the United States"
Ietthe heart of M,o-Engla,d cherish
His high and well earned fame,
Till a glow that cannot perish
Be gathered around his name"
The National Gazette gives the following
particulars of the late fire at Messrs. Gilpins'
paper mills, on the Brandywine:--
"The fire began about two o'clock,
soon after a considerable number Of
gentlemen had visited the mills, and in
creased so rapidly, as in less than two
hours TO consume the large old mill,
with almost all the stock and machine
ry it contained. A very powerful en-
CINE on the place was Immediately
used, and the promptest assistance was
given by the hose and engine compa-
MES, and large number of active citi-
zens from Wilmington. Owing to
this, and the day being wet, the adjoin-
ing buildings and the Upper Mills,
containing the valuable new machine
ry for making paper on the revolving
plan, were saved, but the loss altoge{h-
err must exceed 10000 dollars, as nei-
Their stock nor building was insured
Extreme precaution has always been ia
ken to prevent fire being used inside
the mills, and the doors of all the fur
naces open outside, through the wall;
the accident, therefore, is wholly unac-
countable, unless it arose from some
communication from the chimney to
the roof"
U. 8. SENATOR.
Ne,c- York, april Ain Assembly, on
Wednesday evening, Mr.. Cunningham
introduced seven resolutions, with a
long preamble, setting forth all that
had been done in reference to the
choice Of a Senator, and assigning rea-
sons why, "whatever be the worth and
capability Of the individual General
Tallmadge,) proposed by the resolu-
ton of the Senate" the assembly
i Al