Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-11-27


pied ge that OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES would be Judged
ed, that there would be Gan opposition such as
was never before Witnessed" Such an oppo..,
sition has been organized, in which General !
Jackson participates, and reposes his hopes OIL
future election on the prohigate arts OF the CO.
alition. Mortified by the decision OF the inter,
ligence and patriotism, he seconds their appeal
to the passions and prejudices OF the na'ion.
In very few days after General Jackson had
publicly accorded TO the President the testl-
mony Of his confidence, we find his patriotism
Welding 10 his lust of power-hls principles re.
nounced to crafty his revenge-hls sense oil
iustice overcome by his passions and his mag
nanimity eyaporated by the warmth OF his re-
sentiment. 1t was due 10 the people OF the wes-
tern States, that they should be represented IN
the cabinet; they had given the most unequivo-
cal testimony Of their confidence in the princi-
ples. talents, and gritty Of Mr.. Clay, by pre-
ferring him to all Others for the Presidency, &
assuredly, no man in the West, or perhaps in
the nation, was better qualified for the office OF
Secretary of State. But these considerations
had no weight with General Jackson, and kick
ed the beam, when his supposed private injury
was put in the opposite scale. II cannot be ais
guised, that his vote against Mr.. Clay was die
tated by spirit of resentment which sabdued
every consideration Of public good, or respect
of public will If Mr.. Clay had voted for Gen
eral Jackson in the House OF Representatives,
it would undoubtedly have been otherwise; for,
after the reconciliation of the latter with Kan
doph, Cobb, and Benton, there can be no doubt
but that the former might alsoshave purchased
his good opinion, if he had deserted his duty
and given the lie to all he has hitherto said and
IL 49, Al ct
Clay have ever charged upon him, were even
conceded, (proved it cannot be,) he would lose
nothing by comparison with MIR Benton or
General Jackson, if one halt of what they have
alledsed ard published against each other, be
true. 1t may, therefore, we'll be supposed, that
he might have purchased the favor OF either, or
both, upon the same humiliating terms on which
they have become reconcied to each other. But
Mr.. Claws opinions of General Jackson's pre-
tensions are formed on facts established: ne a.
dooted them with deliberation, though not With
out reluctance-he maintains them with ener-
CIV, vel with candor and dignity. With him
"Drinciples are immutable;" he chooses not to
follow the example Of men, "changeabe as
weathercocks," though be has the assurance,
that he would thereby subdue the hostility Of
his most determined focs-Those who have
reason to fear the accusation of their enemies,
ought, perhaps, to purchase silence at any price
but Mr.. Clay's integrity, and elevation OF char
ac;er, secure him against all the arts OF his adj
versaries; he has, therefore, no adequate motive
to purchase exemption form their mlsreprcsen-
ta,ions.
We have seen that, before the late election,
most of those who now the leaders OF the
Opposition, p,ofessed political principles, as
we'll as personal predictions, of the most OPP
o,,l rkah In Tor
their reciprocal hatred Of each other, than con-
spicuous for their talents or virtues-tha, they
professed no feelings in common, but hatred
and envy of Mr.. Clay; some, because they had
felt him in debate-others, because OF his hum
BILE origin, and all, because his talents and pop
ularity rendered him conspicuous as candidate
for future promotion. 1t is, therefore, more
with view to produce his ruin, than against
the Chief Magistrate, they have united their
counsels and efforts
The Vice President, disdaining all respect to
public opinion, even proposed, that he and his
adherents would support the administration,
if the Secretary of State were dismissed
Thus their envy and hatred Of one man has pro-
duCed the most extraordinary coalition that
ever exisled--has reconciled Randolph, Van
Buren, and Cobb, to John c. Calhoun, their enc
my, and the reviler Of Crawford restored Jack
son, Calhoun and Benton, TO the favor of Ran
dolph, ard Of each other, and composed all their
differences. Randolph, Cobb and Benton, all
Of whom have denounced Gen. Jackson, for his
Unsuitable lust of arbitrary sway, his tyranncal
abuse of power, and his total ignorance, orcon-
tempt of the constitution and laws Of the land,
Che latter for fifteen years his revler, and once
the humble follower of Clay,) have, with the
rest, conceived sudden attachment for the Mi
itary Chef,ain, and formed compact of u.
Mon, league and confederation with him and
his friends, TO advance him to the Presidency,
and bring ruin and disgrace upon Mr.. Adams,
and especially Mr.. Clay at all hazards; and the
Chiefain, thus suddenly invested with wisdom
and moderation, as if determined to emulate the
treachery and baseness Of his new votares, and
qualify himself for their support, distinguishes
himself by the promptitude and facility with
which he renounces his animosities, forsakes
his principles, and attaches himself to his de-
clared enemies.
The means which they have employed in con-
Quoting theis hostility, ii must be admitted, are
perfectly consistent with the spirit in which it
was conceived. Mr.. Clay is charged with cor