Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-09-27
from the New-Jersey Patriot. I

We would not carry susplC ions OF the
purposes of the opposition, either in this state
or elsewhere, further than might be fairly war
ranted by facts. Bat it does appear that the
opposition in the Senate, and we take the liber-
ty of stating it as our opinion, formed not with
out means of knowledge, that an entire prostra-
zion OF the executive power OF the President,
and new habit OF business, in so far as the Sc
nate is connected with the House, was contem-
plated and agreed on and expected 10 have been
accomplished. We believe the Panama Cues
ton was made the point Of the principal attack
only because it was point on which the dis
cordant materials OF the party could most east
ly form their first and grand coalition Here
Mr.. Randolph and Mr.. Homes Mr.. Benton,
and Mr. Chandler could agree. Here therefore
they met and did agree, and if on this measure
they had been able to carry majority with
them, it might have been the suspicious fore
runner Of further union and OF similar coalition
in other cases-This, we believe, was the ground
of hope and reliance, and when steady majo-
rity should be found against the President the
Senate would have possessed effectualy the ex-
ecutive power We believe consc ientouslv,
that the intention and the hope was to establish
power which should dictate to the President,
and if the attempt had succeeded, those Sena-
tors would have substantially rescued the pow
err Of nomination from the President, Of those
whom they themselves had not previously no
minated 10 tie President; in short, to speak our
fears plainly, there was purpose OF establish
ing an Oligarchy which should possess and ex-
ercise the effective power of the Government.
Thus far this end has not been attained; we
trust it will not be, but we see no evidence ola
better disposition among those who compose
the opposition in Congress With regard to
the opposition which has been organised in
New-Jersey, l will observe that it does not ap-
appear 10 me 10 be formidable either as to num-
bers or consequence, or that there is any settled
purpose among the large majority Of them, ex
cept as they are ambitious to receive the smiles
and caresses, or TO avoid the frowns of a few
ambitious men who are behind the scenes, max
ing arrangements to break down the Govern
ment. 1t appears, however, to be generally UNI
derstood, that the authors of this violent oppo-
sition which has already produced much con-
fusion in our State affairs, are persons whose
political sins and general character have excIud-
ed them, heretofore, from any participation in
public affairs, and that the greater the change
and wider the departure from the present state
vi Sood oPqer ana correct principles, the great
err is their chance of becoming important,
and OF having it in their power to reward
those who have betrayed their best friends, and
furnished the reputation ofthe State. We have
felt it to be duty to speak out this occasion,
and to tell the people Of New-Jersey what is ho-
nestly thought. That the opposition will final
ly be defeated, we doubt not. 1t finds little OF
no sympathy in public sentiment. But that its
tendency is to embarrass the proceedings Of
Government, to delay the public business, and
TO disgrace the nation, are propositions which
are difficult either to disprove or to deny