The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1827-08-09

vocs.ion. svoting against him as Presi-
dent Of the United States, ! gave hlm no
just cause Of offence. exercised nomore
than my indisputable privilege, as on sub
sequent occasion, of which have never
complained, he exercised his in voting a
gsinst me for Secretary Of State. Had
voted for him, must have gone counter to
every fixed principle ofmy public life, be-
lieyed him incompetent, and his election
fIaught with danger. At this early period
of the Republic, keeping steadily in view
the dangers which had overturned every
other free State, believed it TO be essen
tial to the lasting preservation OF our iiber-
ties, that man devoid Of civil talents, and
Offering no norecommendatlons but one found.
ed on military service, should not be Sc.
lected to administer the Government. |
believe so yet, and ! shall consider the
days OF The Commonwe eaith numbered,
when an opposite principle is established.
! believed. and still believe, that now, when
our institutions are in comparative infancy,
is the time TO establish the great principle,
that military qualifications alone Is not a
sufficient title to the Presidency. Ii we
start right, we may run a long race ofliber-
ty, happiness, and glory. If we stumble
in setting out we shall fall as others have
fallen before US, all without even claim to
the regrets or synpathies Of mankind.
have never done Gen. Jackson, know
ingly, any Injustice. have taken pleasure.
on every proper occasion, to bestow on him
meritcd praise for the glorious issue Of tho
battle Of New Orleans. No American cit
izen enjoyed higher satisfaction than did
with the event. | heard it for the FIRST
time on the Boulevards Of Paris; and ca
gerly perused the details Of the actions,
with the anxious hope that ! should find
that the gallant militia ofmy own State had
avenged, on the banks Of the Mississippi,
the blood which they had so freely split on
the disastrous field Of Raisin. That hope
was not then gratiied; and although | had
the modification to read the official state
ment. that they had ingloriously fed,
was nevertheless thankful for the success
Of the arms Of my country, and felt CRATE
ful TO him who had most contributed to
the ever memorable victory. This con-
cession is not now made for the purpose Of
concliatng the favor or mitigating the
wrath Of Gen. Jackson. He has erected
an impossible barrier between us, and
would scorn to accept any favor of his
hands. l thank my God that He has en-
dowed me with soul incapable of appre
hension from the anger Of any being but
himself
have as your Representative, freely
examined, and in my deliberate judgment,
Justly condemned the conduct Of Gen.
Jackson in some Of our Indian wars. be
lieved, and yet believe him, to have tram
pied upon the Constitution Of his country.
and to have violated the principles Of hu
manity. Entertaining these opinions, did
not and could not vote for him.
owe you, my friends and fellow-citi-
zens, many apologies for this long inter
ruption ofthe festivities ofthe day. hope
that my desire to vindcate their honored
object, and to satisfy you that he is not al
together unworthy fthem, will be deemed
sufficient.