Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-05-04


should rather wish TO see the man who would
not questions his testimony, Tor 1t has not been
long since whole committee OF the House
stood up in their places, IN succession, ana
pronounced his statement on matter OF fac.,
untrue. Did he not know too, when he charg-
ed Mr.. Adams of introducing tie bill to sus-
pend the writ Of Habeas Corpus, that that sin,
ifi, be. one, belonged to Mr. Giles (the bob-tail
politician, as he once called him) and President
Jefferson9
Because we happen to think it our duty as
good citizens to give the Administration OF the
country fair trial, to try it BY its measures,
and if we approve of them to support them,
this pure pattern of a liberal-minded gentle
man would infer, that we are vena, that we
are capable of laudng the Executive incum-
bents to the skies, and of libelIing those oppos-
ed to them fora dinner! Would. he think us
more honest and independent if we opposed the
Administration as he does, right or wrong!
But We imagine the secret is, that we happen
TO live in MIR. Clay's Dis.rict-that we know
that gentleman and approve Of his policy and
general principles. Surely our appreciation OF
that distinguished statesman, is not entitled TO
the less consideration, for being founded upon
an honest conviction that he has like a true pa
triot supported the true interests OF his coun-
try, regardless of consequences, and upon
personal knowledge of his private worth, his
integrity, and high sense of honor.
But who is John Randolph?-Why should
he be permitted to violate all established rules,
and to SANDER with impunity the best men IN
the nation? What we know OF his public lie
is briefly this lie made his debut IN Congress
in 'eS or 80 with considerable eClat, and at once
became favorie with the Democratic party,
then in minority. Has manner Of speaking,
his bold invectiye and pungent satire made him
useful in debate, in opposing the high-handed
measures Of John Adams Administration.
When Mr.. Jefferson came into power, few men,
as he has said himself, stood higher with the
governments bat not getting ofice-a foreign
embassy il was said he wanted-he soon quar-
relied with the Administration, and ere long de-
nounced Mr. Jefferson.-The ruth is, he had
acquired reputation for talents which he was
not able to sustain on the floor of the House, as
a supporter Of Administration, for he is utterly
incapable Of digesting or defending any system
of policy: and Mr. Jefferson had too little con-
fdence in his iudgmen, or principles to commit
any public trust to his management He grad
ually sunk in the estimation OF the whole par
",
ment of Judge Chase before the Senate; his fail
ure was so signal, and so Notifying to himself,
that he has never since been able 10 assume
place among any party. From that time TO this
he has been mere grumbietonian and snarl-
ing msanthrope SO entire was his abandon
ment of the democratic party, about this period,
that according to his own admission he some
times found himself in minority Of two
RI 4 ,nIo fptn
list" His opposition 10 Mr.. Jci1erson's and
Mr. Madison's Administrations at last became
so outrageous, that his constituents could not
stomach il; they sent another 10 Congress IN his
place. Relaxing little in his violence during
his retirement, though the malevolencc Of his
heart underwent no change, his constituents at
ter some time again took him into favour, and
retored him toe seat i'll Congress, though not
without a hard contest at the polls Since his
restoration he has been regarded as an object OF
compassion, or of contempt, and as mere cy-
pber with respect to all public business, until
during the present session he was accideh'a'y
chosen a senator The contest being between
Mr.. R. and Mr. Tucker, his nall brother, man
of different character and politics. the trends
of the latter withdrew his name, and icit MT
R. the sole candidate before the Legislature,
otherwise it is hardly probable that he would
have been chosen.
Now what has he done from first to last Tor
the good of the country? What measures has
he recommended? We know OF none. Ills
speeches during the present session induce US
to suspect that he is in his dotage, for they
have no relation whatever to the subjects OF dis
cussion. The reader could hardly suppose that
the speech from which we have made extracts
was on the Cumberland road appropriation
Although he addressed the Senate twice he
scarcely touched the subject, except to say that
he was opposed to the appropriation. be is
never checked by. the Chair, but is suffered
with perfect IMMUNITY Oh all occasions to m
dulge in scurrility and personalities, to string
anecdotes together, and to consume the time OF
the Senate which ought to be devoted TO the
despatch of public business, in mere story-te-
ling. or in yindictive, incoherent railing. Such
is John Randolph Of Roanoke.
From The Baltimore american.
IN the yerv nature Of all free institutions, eve
~ blessing NAV be converted into an abuse
The freedom Of the Press is blessing, but his
freedom may degenerate into licentiousness-
il may be made the organ Of panegyric and cen