Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-12-16
From The Pittsburgh Statesman.

IRON me fattS0uTSH OtQiSSWUD
Mr.. EDrroR-I have little leisure, even if
had the disposition, to engage iE political dis
cussions, but happening this morning to take
up The last number OF the Mercury, which
found lying on a neighbeuring store-keeper's
counter, found in ii an eulogium on the char
acter and qualifications Of SAMUEL D. INGHAM,
"A Citizen" This piece contains so large
nv own certain knowledge, that cannot let it
pass over unnoticed.
Mr. highlands political career is better known
in the Western part Of Pennsylvania, than the
writer in the Mercury appears to think. Al
though the lapse Of twenty years has removed
no small portion of the distinguished men OF
1905; and although the complexion Of the two
great political parties has been considerably
altered, we have among US yet some Of the men
who may be fearlessly appealed to TOR the true
character of Mr.. Ingham If my memory serves
me, Mr.. Ingham was elected to the house OF
representatives Of this state in 1904 or 1906
He was elected as democrat, but it was soon
discovered that he was one Of those politicians,
(of whom we have ever had, and perhaps ever
shall have, 100 many) who neither think nor
care about what is right, or best calculted to
promote the public interest, but what is most
erpedient as relates TO themselves. Acting up
on these principles, or rather upon no principles
at all-Mr. lngham vacillated like pendulum
between the TWO great political parties, who
were for the last three years Of the administra-
ton Of Governor Mexican, pretty equally divi-
ded. There were at that time, few others IN
the legislature, who followed the same course,
and their vaccillating conduct upon political
questions obtained for them by universal con-
r H1IiyO
squad" | forget which, designation which
was bestowed upon this little corps of political
Janissaries, by Francis Mcclure, at that time
member of the legislature, and now one of the
associate Judges of Allegheny county. By this
name they were known and designated by all
parties.
The administration Of Mr. Jefferson was then
at the height of its popularity, and whenever
question touching on, or in appreciation of, the
measures OF the general government was under
discussion, Mr.. lngham always deserted his fed.
eral friends, S acted with the democi ats This
he well knew was necessary to preserve his
standing with the democrats at home. If the
journals OF the house of representatives be ex-
amined, it will be found that Mr.. Ingham vo-
ted with the federaists, and to please that par
ty, for the most high toned measures, and OPP
posed most Of the important political measures
proposed by The republicans, with the exception
above mentioned. But when the time arrived 10
select candidate for governor to succeed MIR.
MKean, Mr.. Ingham's political duplicity, and
his capacity for low cunning was fully disclo-
sed He knew that every attempt 10 defeat the
republicans, if they were united, would be abor-
tive. TO "divide and conquer" was his max
i'm, and for that purpose he met in caucus,
light after night, in the senate chamber, in the
r (,uhn m lprI 1afn her
set) associated with Charles w Hare, Charles
Smith, Joseph Hemphill and the other federal
leaders-These were high minded and honor
able men, and refused to coalesce with petty
faction, who had deserted the democratic par
,y, and only wished federal aid to promote their
own ambitious and mercenary views, and thus
the negotiation was broken off All those facts
were published in the papers OF the day, by
means Of private letters from Lancaster as any
one who will turn to the files of the newspa-
pers of that time will find. But although the
federallsts refused to coalesce with them, MIR.
Ingham and his faction were not discouraged;
they persevered while CLEAN of hope remain
ed. They formally, and with the pompous dis
play of strength & confidence nominated Judge
Spayd for governor. The result is well known,
an6 will long be remembered. The iederasts,
like honest and consistent polite ians adhered
10 Mr. Ross: Simon Snyder was elected COVER
nor, and Judge Spayd received five thousand
votes, the whole strength of Mr.. lngham and
his faction.
And this is the man, yes, the very same Sa
muel D lngham, that is to be palmed upon the
people of Pennsylvania by MIR. Snowden, and
his writer's as uniform, consistent, and anwa
sering democrat, and as such, is to be called
by the republican members of the legislature,
to the Senate of the United States. What l
have stated are all facts, susceptible of proofin
court of justice, and these facts are we'll known
TO the west, to Judge Mcclure, already named,
in Nh. Alshouse Of Weslmoreland, Wilson
Smith of Erie, Abner Lacock Of Beaver, Jacob
Mechling of Butler, Christian Tarr of Fayette,
and others, and to many persons in the east
But let US follow MIR. Ingham little further.
1t is not true, as stated in the "Mercury," that
Mr.. Ingham was in Congress when war was de-
clared, and made speech in favor of the dec
laration. He never was celebrated for speech
making. His talents are of another kind. He
is a political juggler, that turks behind the
scenes, pulls the wires, and works the puppets,
unseen. His talents are never exerted bu, to
do mischief, and at such work, it must be &C
4 L., |. Lo