Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-04-05

IN hut for the reason that several
friends have invited attention to it.
Fnouph has been said to shew what is
INV opinion of it; but, being on the sub
iect Of "private opinions" I shall give
The substance of some, which the &C.
neral expressed to me, on the morning
of the 9th February, the day on which
the president was chosen, that were "a
like honorable TO himself, as they may
be useful to others. Though ! had fire.
ouently seen and conversed with him,
during the last, and then present ses-
sion ofcongress, and always with much
freedom on his part, and real respect
on mine-and, notwithstanding we had
spent many hours together, he never
before had referred to the presidential
question. He seemed resolved to avoid
it, and it was not proper in me TO press
it upon him: but now he spoke OF the
elections made by the people, and of
that about to be made by the house OF
representatives, with great deal OF
frankness and feeling. With the form
,er he expressed himself gratifed-the
poll that had been made for him was
honorable, and he was thankful for
the con6den which the people had
reposed-he could never forget it: but
there was no assumption of merit in
himself that he deserved-it was the
peoples own business, and they had
done as they pleased. He then express
ed himself after the following manner:
He had no doubt but that large por-
ton of the citizens would be satisfied
with the choice about to be made, and
he seemed to think it most probable
that it would devolve on Mr.. Adams.
He further observed, that many, in his
opinion, were unpleasantly situated,
seeing that they were compelled to act
either against Mr.. Adams or himself
but that this was a matter Of small i'm
portance compared with an adherence
to the provisions Of the constitution,
and the prompt and harmonious cleo
ton of president, which now belong
ed to the representatives of the states.
1t was well, he said, that persons should
differ in opinion, that truth might
be more certainly ascertained-but he
added, with that earnestness and force,
which is peculiar to him, zee should al.
,cays rccollect that, in maintaining our
o,cn opinions, ,Ce naturally grant the right
TO Others of supporting theirs, or lose every
prelension to rspu6kcanism and he
further remarked, it was matter of
small moment to the people who was
their president, provided he admins
tered the government rightfully.
Opinions like these were familiar to
gen. Jackson. No doubt, circum-
stanced as he was, he desired to be E.
lected-and who would not! but it
would not be an easy thing to make one
believe that either he or Mr.. Adams
could have descended to any act Of
meanness or dirty intrigue, to have
obtained that most honorable station.
His whole conduct. after the election,
was stamped with magnanimity as
distinguished, as the moderation of his
successful competitor has been remark
able: and those who ought to be the
best acqu ainted with the facts, certain
ly believe that there is great deal of
good feeling existing between the par
ties just named. They were eompeti-
tors, rivals, if you please, but not enc.
mics.
The time has nearly arrived, when a
dispassionate history Of the late cleo
ton may be written, with hope that
the various circumstances attending it,
from first to last, will be dispassionate-
X considered; and, believing that !
have some knowledge of the principles
which influenced many things that
happened, as well as of the events that
occurred, it is my design to review the
whole business at large-with an as
surance.that / shall be able to convince,
at least myself, that, however individu.
ais may have been disappointed, the
people Of the United States have much
reason to congratulate themselves on
the peaceful efficiency of their constitu-
ton. And it is high time that vitu-
peration should stop. The election is
over-the principles on which it was
and decided, are legitimate
subjects for discussion-but the calling
Of hard names can only produce injury
at home, and lessen our -espectability
abroad.
Let US not wantonly depreciate the
character Of our great men. Their re-
putation is national property. Kings |
may make MOBILES as fast as they please
"a dozen at batch; but such men as
Messrs. Adams, Jackson, Clay, Craw-
ford and Calhoun, cum muitus aiiis, arc
not to be made by Kings! We may
approve or disapprove of either ofthem
for the Presidency, or any other parti-
cular Office; but they are an honor to
their country, and every good man is
bound to defend them so far as he can,
with the superior duty |
which he owes to the republic. Let all |
such be closely watched-let their con-
duct be carefully examined; but let us