Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-12-01
PROVIDENCE.
ZEE LEGISLATURE.

The debate in the Legislature Of Tennes-
see, on the subject of Mr.. Browns famous re-
solutions, took a wide range, and was distin-
guished Tor its warmth and violence; and in
some instances it was marked with a degree of
eloquence, which is not often surpassed.
The resolutions were opposed by Mr.. Brad
ford a very promising legislator, the Hon.
John Williams, formerly Of the United States
senate. the Hon. Adam Huntsnan, a gentle
man distinguished for his f~irnness, Mr.. Gar
Eett, an old fashioned republican, and Mr.. Bra
dy. On the other hand, they were supported
by almost every member ofthe House and SEN
ate;- and the opposition members though few.
did not hesitate to express freely and fully their
sentiments. Although the debate waxed cx-
ceedingly warm and acrimonious, we believe
no dirks were drawn or pistols presented, as
might have been expected.
That our readers may have somo idea Of the
affair, we make an occasional extract from the
several speeches, that were delivered.
Mr.. Bradford, in his reply 20 the arguments
of Mr.. Rucker, after having disposed of him,
alluded to the mover Of the resolutions. r..
Brown, in the following severe, and significant,
yet ingenious manner.
"The gentleman from Rutherford, (Mr.
Rucker,) following the example of the gentle
man from Giles in his great zeal and ANNA
ton, for he certainly gave us what might be
called a Uarm speech, asserted that there
Were individuals IN this State, who, although
they sometimes fought under Jackson %coiors,
were nevertheless, in reality, administration
men. But, at the same time, he was kind
enough to say, that he had no illusions to gen.
tlemen Of this floor. The assertion may be
true, Mr.. Speaker, as far as | know but anoth-
or position, l know is equally correct, that ne
have individuals in our State who, destitute Of
substantial merit themselves, are obliged, in
order to become conspicuous, to seize upon
some pOpuIar excitement, and hoist themselves
into office upon IT; and many there are, who
have seized upon the presidential election 10
efIe CT thier objects. The mere creatures OF Je-
perish excitement, when that excitement which
gave them birth passes away, they will neces-
sarily return to that state Of nothingness from
,ohich they emerged, neglected and contemn-
ed by the pise and the just. Aud l too, Mr..
Speaker, with as much sincerity, no doubt, as
the gentleman feels. can assert that l have no
illusions TO any member on this floor. As one
ofthem said, so say !, with equal truth. God
| forbid thai I should allude To any gentleman
now present."
Mr.. Brown, in his reply to Mr.. Williams
took occasion TO r tort upon MIR. Bradford, ant
thus delivered himself:
1T is not enough for gentlemen to cry out.
! we used to be for Crawford. hey must pres.
ent stronger evidence than this, that they are
the disciples of Jefferson. Who are they
for noiD? The question reminds me Of a re-
| mark submitted by the gentleman from Bedford
| which I feel bound to notice: That many men
in this State, not having merit of their own, to
rise upon, make ardent professions of attach
ment 10 jackson, which they do not feel. This
is no doubt true, Of some Of the friends not on
ly of Jackson, but Of Clay and Adams. But,
sir, is this worse, than for men whilst canvass
ing before the people, to pretend to be for
jackson, and thereby get into Office, and then
turn round and do him all tho injury in their
tpower! Or in other words, is il worse than TO
| sail under the Jackson flag in tho presence of
the people. and SO soon as they get out oftheir
| sight, display the broad peDnant of Of Adams
and Clayl The gentleman dlsclaimed {" all al
Iusions" to me in his remarks; | assure him
,oifh equal sincerity. that make the same
disclaimer as to him."
Although the two Legislators, thus passed
hot words, they passed no I" hot shot," and
| after having debated to their hearts content
| yielded the floor to other speakers. = But before
Mr.. Bradford closed, be boldly denied the ex.
istcnce ola corrupt bargain between }r. Adams
and Tr. Clay, and happily alluded, in the fol.
lowing manner, to the extraordinary union and
political compact, between General Jackson,
! and MIR. Senator Thomas H. Benton.
81 warn gentlemen against hasty conclu-
sions. They again say, that the reconciliation,
| of Mr.. Clay to Mr. Adams, and his voting for
| him is evidence of corruption. WouId they in
sinuate by this, that # individuals once become
| unfncndly, that no reconciliation should take
| place between them! That where a difference
of opinion existed, in relation 10 certain mat
tiers OF fact, or otherwise, it is impossible for
satisfactory explanations to be made between
| the parties difierrng' And II tins was done,
would I be evidence Of corruption' | woGld ask
them TO pause before they come to such IN in
considerable and unreasonable conclusion. Let
them remember that some of the most devoted
! friends of General Jackson, were former
ly his b;tterest foes. Even, sir the dlst,n-
culshed senator in Congress from Missouri.
(Mr. Benton whom many OF US know, and
who, wherever known, is recognized as a high
minded and an honorable statesman, and whom
we now sec the Jealous advocate Of General
Jackson's cause, was once arraycd againsi
him, not only in violent denunciatiens publish
| ed to the world, but in scenes ola much more
serious character IN mortal combat. Many
years passed away, and yet the same bitter
ness Of feeling, yea, SIR, the same bitterness 81
feeling existed between them. Tncy went in
10 the Senate Of the Unned States Joes--they
came OFT friends. Are there any here who will