Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-04-30


relation to me as representative from
the same state, imposed an obligation
of duty to endeavor to have justice
done him. Il
Such was the common feeling OF
nearly the whole delegation, and it
have become more conspicuous in this
matter than my colleagues, owe it
chiefly to the malignity Of Mr.. Clay;
but there were other considerations,
uniting with those already mentioned,
to determine my conduct upon this oc-
casion. There was, in MIR Clay's card
a tone of menace, which he seemed to
have thought he could not make strong
enough for his purpose, without the
use of bullying epithets. The menace
embraced the whole Pennsylvania del
epation, and l had no doubt but it was
purposely written, not only to deter
them, but others, from pursuing the
freedom in their correspondence, OF
which Mr.. Clay has since complained
so heavily. Letters, says he, 'were is
sued from the mandatory at Wash
ineton, to come back, after performing
long journeys, for Washington con-
sumption He was attacked. by means
of these Washington letters, 'simulta.
neously, from Boston to Charleston
"A crisis appeared to have arisen in his
nublic life and he ISSUED his card!
The card was therefore intended, as Is
now acknowledged, for other letter
writer's than Mr.. Kremer, who were to
be deferred from writing by this new
species of political argument. Mr..
Kremer was to be the ostenslble target
| while the fire was intended Tor others !;
s to give his movement more impos-
ing and comprehensive effect, the Penn.
delegation was embraced in the menace
purposely made SO strong as to make
retraction seem impossible. In COM
plete confirmation of this impression,
as to the object of Mr.. Clay in inditing
his card, found, soon after my arrival
at the house, on the morning it first ap-.
peared, that his friends had required of
the Pennsylvania delegation, that unless
some one would avow the letter, ALL
must disavo,o it. The position was,
however, rejected by the delegation
generally, as it deserved TO be, and the
project was soon after abandoned.
This was the first disappointment Mr..
Clay met with in the expected effect
of his famous card, and his indigna-
ton was leveIled at those who he sup
posed most active in frustrating his
purpose. l claim no merit however
on this account. My colleagues re-
quired no prompting from me to resist
such demand. They could not but
see that such procedure would expose
the delegation to derision * contempt.
One member from the state had writ
ten letter offensive to the Speaker,who
determines to make the whole delega-
ton answerable for it-with vindlc-
tive threat of personal responsibility
unless the author dare unUeH himself
By the same rule, ifthe Pennsylvania
delegation had not been designated, he
might have extended the menace to
both houses Of congress. Such discl-
pline might do we'll for the govern
ment Of convicts, but could not be toll
Grated when attempted to be exercised
over the representatives OF the people
of the United States. Pennsylvania
had offended MIR. Clay by her united
vote for the hero of New Orleans. Her
position in the union, and her steady
character, gave her great power, which
Mr. Clay knew, from experiment, was
not easy to be controlled for his pur-
poses; therefore, whether he regarded
the past or the future, there were mo-
tives for man of his feelings and po-
litical habits to desire the prostration
of that power. Had he succeeded in
the attempt TO degrade her whole re-
presentation, as he wished and expect
ed, it would no doubt have contributed
to this object. Twill not insult your
virtue and intelligence by claiming
any favor for myself in resisting the
scheme of Mr.. Clay, thus to degrade
my native state. l have only done my
duty. Had done otherwise, | should
deserve your execration. MIR Kre-
mer never asked my ADVICE as 10 aVoW-
ing himself. He had made up his
mind before saw him, and did not at
tempt to conceal, for moment, that
he was the author of the letter, avow-
ing that he had written several others
of the same import to persons, all OF
whom he could not recollect.
AS Mr.. Clay and his friends had ex-
tended the menace to the whole dele
CATION, l should have felt some delieacy
in urging Mr.. Kremer to an avowal.
l had indeed little opportunity Of adj
vising him, for / do not recollect to
have seen him during the day preced-
ing the publication of his card. He
was absent from the house, l am conf
dent, for l well remember that enquiries
were made respecting him, and it was
said that he was very expertsin shoot
ing with a rifle, and had gone to try
new one which he had purchased the
dav before. On the following morning.