Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1827-08-17
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whom IT Is purpose to oppose is often the
wee oil men. Let us however Judge by safer and |
more just laws OF construction, aud more bccom- !
ing the high character of all.
In the absence OF every thing like po-itive proof
which 10 admitted by the Opposition in this case,
they have recourse to circunstantai proof in the
construction of which maintain that IT is a vio-
laiion Of all rule OF Interpretation and of MOI al
right to recnr to supposed corrupt motives and
views To explain that, which may be equally we'll
explained 10y obvious and known fair on-s. AS
representative in Congress at the time of the
late PRESIDENTIAL Election, Mr.. Clay was obliged
TO vote he was in effect limited TO choice be-
tween Mr. Adams and General Jackson, for the
condition OF MIR. CIawfori's health, at that time,
put him out OF the question with all who were
not previously pledged. Between Mr.. Adams and
uenerai jackson there was entire good UNDER
standing; but between neither of them and MIR.
Ciay, DID there exist any preposse-sion-inleed
there something more betv cen General Jack
son and Mr.. Clay, that the ordinary feelings be
Tween rival candidates.
During the late canvass for electors of Presi-
silent and Vice Presidcat, exception was taken by
Mt Clay TO ihc construction and facts given in
correspondence between Mr.. Adams and Mr. Rus
81 IN relation to events that trsnspred on the
Mission TO Client; ye. the contest which grew out
ci th.s between MIR. Adams end Mr.. CLAY was
not oil nature to interrupt their accustomed inter
course aud asst citation. But the stand taken BY
MIR. Clay IN the year 1919 against General Jack
sons conduct, just after the Seminole war, time
when no man on earth expected that the General
would ever be held up as candidate for the Pre-
sidential Chair, wa ola much bafsher and more
serious character; and we have every reason TO
believe, produced from that day an entire aIiena-
. 'lon between them, and implanted in the
General the most impscable resentment Mr.
Clay, on that occasion, arraigned the conduct of
GENERAL Jack-on, in the strongest and most fear.
iess terms, and with an ability rarely eQuaed by
sny man, seldom surpassed by himself. This he
uid I'D the discharge of his congressional duty
when the gems of Gen Jackson's glory were fresh
sparkling around his brow. Some Years after this
when Mr. Clay is called opon by the Constitution
VIVID other members OF the House of Represen.a-
tives to- make q choice between Mr. Adams &
Cen Jackson of President of ;he United States.
ne prefers and votes for Mr.. Adams. MIR. Claw
Influence in the House was long known and had
oeen considered greater than that of any other,
Inemoer-an intiuence derived from his p!endd :
bIties, his long standing member, his en-
gasins department towards every body, and hi
acie and satisfactory discharge of the Office of
Speaker. 1t was doubtful who would be elected
by the House Mr. Clay being known to advocate
Mar. Adams election, and Mr. Adams being elect.
ed on the first ballot, it was Immediately imputed
20 Mr.. Clay's influence, and il was then most I'M
worihly and unwarrantsby asserted by some
who were smartins under disappointment, that this
result was owing TO corrupt understanding be-
e.ccn them. Wfren Mr. Adams, in forming his
cabinet nominated Mr.. Clay as Secretary of State
aud the Senate" advised aud consented to it, then
the story was rounded of, and il was agreed bv
The Opposition that the appointment of Secretary OF
State should be considered the "a wages of sin -
- his imputins to majority of the Senate of the
United States, who were present throughout the
whole transaction aud who were intimately con-
verEant with all the circumstances, a deliberate e
participation in the corruption by d" advising and
concerning" 10 the nomination and large'poftion
OF that majority too are now OF the present OPP
position.
II the speech Of Mr.. Clay in 1919. arraieniuq
Gen. Jackson's conduct, is referred to, il is be-
lieved That no unparalleled wnuld ever sun.
pose after that, that he could have been induced
~ vote for General Jackson as the Chief Magis-
trate OF the country. Nor is there any fair grounds
20 believe that be supported Mr.. Adams from
personal motives of any sort, but from a convc-
ton, such as influences ourselves, that he was
obviously and decidedly the best qualified man. and
a. such, be was compelled by duty to vote for
him.
AS little do we believe that Mr. Adams nomi-
nrted Mr.. Clay to the Senate as Secretary of
State from personal attachment or obligation; but
knowing no man in this country bad passed thro'
a more brilliant public for the last twenty
years than MIR. Clay, in which he had acquired
great popularity and evinced a Statesman like
sblity that classed him in the foremost rank of
American Statesmen, it is fair to conclude, that
Mr. Adams was governed by the established re
putation OF Mr. Clay and the public sentiment to-
wards him, and that he very properly desired both
end lus're TO bis administration. 1t was not ne
cessary for Mr. Clay TO have bargain or Under
standing with any of them--he was conscions
and the world knew full well, that vybicbsoever
candidate he supported, il be succeeded, would
call him 10 the station of Secretary of State as a
tribute 10 his merit, and powerful aid to the
Administration.
Had MIR. Clay been an ordinary or suba,ern ,lan
'Sho could have been managed, and who had been
t,ius elevated TO station for which he was unfit
then iniesi there might have been some PLAUSIBLE
~ IN the story OF 90 bargain" Bat if his conceded
distinction "a Statesman iustifiIbIy commanded
che appointment, we ought TO disirus, both the tes
ronnS aud tie conjecture that implied The belief NJ
stipulated reward. We disdain oil such suppns;
tfous imputaiions to accomplish ends -and Win
this plain narrative OF facts the conec,ora
AVID grstuitons positions of the Opposition.
Next, MIR. AdaUIs's appointments TO Office arc
harshly cenaIfed to bring him into di-rerute Oo
this point, 10 delicate In its nature, many reasons
either with morbid or with a wounded seDslyIirv
whilst comparatively few agree in any particular
an selecting citizen for any public station many
hopes will be frustrated, and the disapponted mar
ties and their friends VIII be apt to indulge in repu-
Giatfng the choice, aud enlisting the FEELINGS of
kheTs ia their behalf In extended empire like on,
o'n, where numerous appointments are 10 be made
IN different parts Of il, Chief Magistrate mus, me-
cesssry often rely much upoa the judgment and in
formation OF o'hers and it Is equally certain, that
no man can give uhiversal sati>facon in appoints
ments We do not pretend to say that we ,vonl5
hASs recommended, or that we approve of all the
appointments OF the PTesident-hut ,ge yery much
doubt, whether apy OF the gentlemen who have bssn
held oil 49, candidates would have made more tia,
"a a should have appfnvst--arJ a.. 49,. -