Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-03-17

teach him things Of which ne Is ighora"'
have mistaken their strength and character
I can point to some Of my constituents, now
within the walls of this 8ouse, VINO VIII me-.
the re ntleman in any honorable contest, pu'
him down, and triumph over MN. MS S"ae.'
upon the honest men whose cause l aa,p
here. is gross and foul calumny, ana ess.
II back upon its author. But, SIR, ai'houg" u'e
gentleman has mistaken his facts, there was
much engineering and dragooning in my DIS
,r;r,-not by Government, as the gentleman sup
noses. but by his own friends and fellow-iaoor'
ers in opposition. My district, and that ad-
Joining. represented by my friend who sits pear
me. (Col. SLOANE had TO withstand the com
bined and desperate efforts OF the gentleman
party. Scurrilous newspapers and pamphIets,
filed with the grossest libels, and written WIN
'preat bitterness, were sent in wagon loads a.
mong the people, TO- drill and dragon them 10
vote against my friend and myself. am glad
that nv friends hold upon the affections oil the
People was too strong to be shaken by such ef-
forts. As to myself, with much less merit, the
efforts of opposition failed Of this object: the
people chose TO retain me in their service
The elections are coming on in number OF The
States near to the gentleman's residence. lie
and his friends may want aid in carrying on
their operations TO defeat those who are friend
ly to the President and his Cabinet. He may
want some Of these publications again; they
will do any where-he can find them in great
abundance by sending for them. To cap the
climax of interference in Ohio elections, re-
uowned Captain, editor Of an opposition paper
in this District, is said TO have made touI
through the State, speaking scurrility against
every thing good and vrtuous, while he COM
bined his forces, aud issued orders tor the cam
paign. Yet let it be remembered, these are the
people who cry SO bitterly against interference
with elections. Good, honest souls, they never
interfere with them. The People are every
thing; their rights are sacred, The gentleman
has done the People represent grossinjusiice.
The gentleman from Tennessee, whose cias-
steal "reminiscences, so tragically exhibited to
the House, must have astonished everys one
who heard him, has taken occasion TO compare
himself. and those who acted with him, with
those who insinuated themselves into the con-
6dence Of the Ira jams, and introduced the
wooden horse, filled with few desperate adyen-
iurers, and other means of capturing the city.
will not complain Of the gentleman's compar-
isops; they are very striking: but will he main
tain that the sequel Of the description will pre-
serve the analogy still for her? Will he admit
that he and his party are doomed 10 overthrow
and total ruin, as were the Trajans?
Perhaps the gentleman may find more enter
tainmenr in piece Of modern history, with
which, regret to say, his mind does not seem
so well stored. 1t is an historical fact, that,
during the last Summer, the gentleman from
Tennessee was himself selected by the Secreta-
ry of War as an Examiner Of the emnently
scientific and classical school at West Point,
and was selected by that Board to preside over
their deliberations. hope no one will sup
pose the selection was an improper one. His
military proves, though unknown to fame, and
untold ip ssaGy was doubtless Ess9ras in !hs
enti6c attainmehts, if not generally known and
appreciated, have been abundantIy exhibited
here. His immaculate patriotism, and purity,
and single-mindedness, he has himself SO often,
aud with SO much self.satisfaction, proclaimed
to US, that who can doubt? We have his word
for it, and he is an honorable man: who dare
dispute it? He denources the Secretary Of War
as one of a corrupt Coalition, using his power
for corrupt purposes, to engineer men into Of
fee, TO secure their favor, and with comforting
benefits as the reward of ,reachery, or as brides
TO his opponents. II is wholly inadmssible to
suppose this Patriot sought his appointment
from this corrupt source. He was undoubtedly
selected on account OF his merit, without his
previous knowledge. In accepting the appoint
ment, let no one suppose he became corrupt, or
was bribed, or bought UP, orTewarded for any
treachery. No, Sir; he could only accept the
confidence of such an Administration, in Inc
full belief that his services were essentially ne.
cessary ia the cause Of the country; tina, he was
pre-eminently qualified to discharge the duty,
and that he was pure enough to be secure "a
gainst contamination. There is consolation in
the thought that, in such evil times, we have
one instance Of selection 10 Office from mer-
torious considerations, and an honest acceptance
Of governmental trus'. But be all this as it
may, he obtained the confidence Of the Secreta-
ry, received his appointment, discharged his
duties, and was well paid for it out Of the pub
lie Treasury. He has returned to his place
here, the patron who conferred upon him dis
tinction and confidence is not forgotten: Oh
no! but remembered to be the object Of attack,
TO be vili6ed, and held up TO the country as
treacherous to her cause, and to principle, and
10 be devoted, SO far as the senlleman's efforts
Can accomplish the object, to disgrace and des.
'ruction. The gentleman will not plunge
poinard into the bosom Of his benefactor, but
ne can unite in crusade against his reputation
/, l ne gentleman has deemed it right in him to
collect newspaper scraps on which to charge