Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-09-26
From the National Ltelhgenrer.

Lei us now examine the charge, as il stands
on the information of General Jackson, and on
the evidence of Mr.. Buchanan.
The charge has assumed every aspect from
daring assertion and bold denunciation-until
now it is rather insinuatcd than directly ex-
pressed
The charge first made nthe avowed au-
thority Of Gen. Jackson, was the letter Of Bev-
erly, which is in these words: "That Mr..
/" Elay's friends made proposition to his
=" friends, thar if they would promise for him,
" not to put Mr. Adams in the seat of Secreta
g ry Of s ate, Mr. Clay and his friends would,
"1n one hour, make him Gen. Jackson) Pres
" ident."
THIS accusation rests on the direct and un
qualified declaration of Gen. Jackson, made
deliberately, and in the presence of mary wit
ncsscs. 1t is given forth in the mos confident
tone, and in the most imposing manner, and
without the least explanation.--Who that
heard him, could doubt the truth of the decla-
ration? Who that read it could doubt that
such a proposition was advisedly submitted,
and as Indignantly rejected?
This avowal was thrown into the papers e,
grea, distance, and was circulated far and
wide, unexplained and uncontradicted by the
high authority from which it emanated. The
charge was distinct, certain and positive. II
did not purport to be differences and concla-
sions from loose conversations, imperfectly re-
mtmbercd The fact was placed beyond all
doubt, as well as cautiously guarded against
all detection. 1t referred neither TO time, place
nor person; it involved all the friends Of MIR.
Clay, and de6ed the power Of Investigation.
The accusation was denied, and the accuser
challenged; and now a. length specification
is furnished and the authority on which it rests
Let us with candor consider the va ious
parts of which the charge is composed--see
how far it is sustained by the evidence and
then make the application to the case, as it
stands before the public.
The General by not denying, has ta,illy &C
knowIedged, the statement made by Beverly.
Tha, is, he admits thath did make the precise
communication, which he has alleged, and
which he has now undertaken to make good.
He has justi6 d the charge upon the authority
of conversation with Mr. Buchanan, who is
made to use the precise phraseology OF Bever-
ly. The General says Mr.. Buchanan inform
ed him "that the friends ofMr. Clay stated, The
" West did not wish TO seperate from the
g West, and if would say, that in case was
" elec ted President, Mr.. Adams should not he
" continued Secretary of State, by complete
" union OF his friends they would put an end to
" the Presidential contest in one hour" The
statements arc precisely alike, and Mr. Buc.
hanan is confidently referred to, 10 establish
the truth of the declaration.
II is denied that any proposition was euer
made by Mr.. Clay, or any of his friends, to Ge>
neral Jackson or ary Of his friends; and here the
issue is rendered.
Mr.. Buchanan says, "I called upon General
: JAG kson solely as his friend, upon my ind,mdu
al responsibility, and not as The agent Of Mr.. Clan
or any other person." 81 never have been the
political friend of Mr.. Clay since he tee ame
; candidate for the Office Of President" Aeaio:
ne conception never once entered nv mind
tna' ne believed me to be the agent Of Mr..
Clay, or OF his friends, or ha, intended To
PROPOSE to him terms Of any kind from them,
or That he could suppose me capable of ex. |
pressing the opinion that il was right 10 fight !
such intrlguers with their own weapons"-
Again he says, "W en- the Editor of the Unit
ed States Telegraph, on the 18th of October
last, asked me BY letter for information on This
subject, promptly Informed him by the re.
turning mail, on the 10th of that month, tina: