Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-10-27
From The Missouri Republican.
TORCH LIGHTING. II.

to any other cause rather than TO their own Qe-
fciencies Hence we find general propensity
TO attribute unfairness 10 successful competitors.
Each candidate considers his own claims as pa
ramount 10 all Others, and his defeat as mis-
fortune, if not an injury. The disappointed are
united by what they deem their common Gala
mi,v, and, while they disagree In every thing
else. combine in a common cause against their
more fortunate competitor lfthey cannot who'll
" deprive him of the prize he has won, they
will at least, disturb him in its enloyment.-
This disposition shows itself in the pastimeS OF
boyhood, in the graver pursuits of ripper years,
and no where more copspicuously than IN con-
tests for political prelerment Most Of US have
witnessed, and many Of us, in our youth, have
Joined, the pro6lless contest Of boys for seat
behind passing carriage. We haze seen the
litile urchins putting forth all their energies,
each endeavoring to outstrip all the rest in the
race; but, no sooner is the contest determined,
and the victor in possession Of his prize, than
all the rest make common effort TO deprive
him Of the reward Of his tolls, by uniting in the
well-known crv of 'cut behind. The same
spirit, increased 10 a bitterness that curdles "the
milk of human kindness too often marks the
progress and result Of political contests--of
which the late Presidential election furnishes
la,nentable instance. Men of disappointed am
bitiun, full Of resentment for defeated hopes, and
an unhoIy desire of revenge, have combnsi
with the unrelenting personal enemies oil Their
successful rivals, and openly accuse some Of the
parest patriots and brightest ornaments OF the
nation with corruption"
The charge originated with Mr. Calhoun,
who directed his hopeful protege, M'Dufie, 10
make public assault, or cause it TO be done.
tho,, V<>f
the hee,ing character Of his own vaor, knew
thai ltwould not be relied on, it, peradvenlure,
he should have occasion for IT, in maintaining
the attitude it would become necessary TO as
sumo, wisely bethought him of the expedieni of
the monkey, who coveted certain chesnuts,
which nad been placed in the FIRE TO be roasted,
and DOT wishing burn his own fingers, cum
ningly made use Of the paw of Cat that lay
doing on the l3sarth. Accordingly Mr.. Nc
Dufir placed in the hands of the miserable
George Kremer, for publication, charge of
CORRUPTION against Mr. Clay. This Kremer
was, perhaps, the only creature then in Congress
that had not wit enough TO keep out OF the FIRE.
He was therefore easily persuaded to thrust his
person between that OK his instiga,or and dan
ger, and, thus far, he proves to be better de-
fence than "luteslring." The charge was pub
lished; MIR. Clay publicly denied it, and de-
nounced the author; Kremer avowed himself as
such, but unluckily no body believed him-the
tolerable decent English in which the accusa-
ton was made, was considered sufficient refu-
tation Of his claims, ana the public, by common
consen nj, designated the real authors. Mr.. Clay
being then Speaker of the House OF Represen-
ta,iyes, promptly demanded an investigation
Kremer not having received any instructions
for the government of his conduct in this un
foreseen Situation, and relying upon the resour-
ces of his principals, declared that he would
make the charges good; and committee oil
Investigation was elected by common consent
the facts on which the accusers relied aere al
lodged TO have transpired at Washington, and
then Of recent occurrence. The witnesses, il
any existed. might have been produced before
the comnitlee al any moment. The charges,
if true, might have been established then, If e.
yer; and d full investigation was expected by
the nation Kremer promised from time 10
time TO deveiope the particulars OF the alledged
corruption, and 10 maintain them by testimony.
AT length, however he filed formal plea to the
jurisdiction Of the committee, and refused to
proceed No doubt was entertained dt that
tire, nor is there yet, that Calhoun and Nc
Dufie were the managers Of the whole. and d.
recied Kremer IN every thing but his pledge TO
support his charges; aud this being out OF their
power, it was never their intention TO attempt
Ali impartial men al once acquitted Mr.. Clay,
and treated the charge, and the fahrlcators, as
unworthy serious considerations Even poor
Kreiner disc osered that hissnew FRIENDS had ia
ken advantage of his head long zeal Tor General
Jackson, % impose on his unSuspecting stupl-
dily, and make him The dupe OF their designs
He declared tina, he did not believe one word
OF the charges which he had become mstru-
mental in presenting TO the nation.
Nothing more was heard from, or openly at
tempted by Mr. Calhoun, and his party, IN re-
la,ion to the accusations against Mr.. Clay and
Mr. Adams, (for both are included,) until after
the union with Randolph, Van Buren,, Benton
and others, in that motley combination, which,
for want Of some political principle to give IT
name, is denominated the Opposition" The
charge has been renewed, and is reiterated
by every member OF the coalition, each ambi-
tious oteinploying the greatest variety of the
most opprobrious epithets; each vying with the