Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-05-05

cciebrateo CIVILIAN ROBERT TREAT fAiNEi
to represent that town, in the Convention Of
Massachusetts, which gave the sanction Of
Massachusetts, to tho Constitution. In this au-
gust and deliberative assembly. he gave still
further evidences Of his great mind, as well as
Of those attsinments which he has been al
lowed TO possess, amidst all the ratings of par
ty virulence, and the unnecessary warnings Of
the press
II is well known, that Massa chusetts, as well
Is Rhode Island, New York and Virginia,
and one or two other States, made objections
to the adoption Of the Constitution, by the
federal government; but az Mr.. KING was Of
himself assured, that its adoption could rlone
secure the establishment of the republic, he,
in connexion with Mr.. Hamilton and Mr.. Mad
ison, engaged in the endcavor Of doing away
those objections; and by the force Of his tai
ents, in conjunction with those Of his compan-
ions, he succeeded in gaining its adoption by
the States who were virulently, and certainly,
as facts have proved, unwisely opposed to it,
But though he and his coadwtors, were thus
engaged. Mr.. KING was still further, and
very wisely employed; and he struggled, ana
successfully foo. TO dispel the fears and dis
quctudes Of Massachusetts, State still agi-
tated by the consequences Of Shay's celebrated
rebellion.
In the year 1856 he was married to Miss
ALsop of the city of New-York, young La
dy Of respectable family; whose friends indu-
ced him to move to that city, which he affixed
upon as his place of future residence; and was
soon after, with Governor SCHUYLER, elected |
to represent that State in the Senate of the |
United States; and they were the first Scna-
tors that took their seats under the new Consti- |
tusion. Whilst there, Mr.. King succeeded in
acquiring the entire confidence Of the illustri-
Gus WARRINGTON, and was by him appointed,
with the advice and consent Of the Senate,
Minister Plenipotcntiary to the Court OF st. |
James; 10 which Court he repaired, and ad-
ministered our relations with the government
Of Great-Britain, TO the entire satisfaction Of
is country; and this he accomplished too, at
time, when diplomacy with that nation, so far
as we were concerned, was novelty, and at
a time, when the Court Of ST. James looked
upon us with the eye Of scorn and derision.
BIT though we were looked upon with an
unfavorable eye, such was the department Of
Mr. King such his manly independence and
dignity, that he secured the respect Of arro-
CANT Britain; and no foreigner lived on more
British government, than he did.
When Mr.. Jefferson came into Office, and
was about forming his administration, and APP
pointing ministers, such was. bis confidence in
Mr.. Kings patriotism and ability, that, al
though he was federalist, and opposed to the
then administration, he, Mr.. Jefferson, solicit
ed him to continue to represent US at the Court
Of St. James. With this Mr.. King complied.
and remained at London, until he had COM
pleted all the negotiations con6ded to his care;
when in the year 1905, he asked permission to
return to his native country, having been alb
sent for more than eight years, which was
granted.
In the year 1918, he was chosen by the
legislature Of New-York, 10 represent that |
State in the Senate of the United States, and |
whilst member Of that body, though party |
spirit ragged to an unusual degree, he MAIN
tanned that dignity which ever distinguished |
him, and through all the difficulties Of the
times, gave warm, an efficient and indepcn- !
dent support to the country. During the late
war, he gave his support to the Govern
ment, though opposed to the war, and throwing
aside his political predictions, united with his
friends and the friends Of his country, in making
an effort to bring the contest to a successful
and an honorable issue.
In taking stand like this, which, whilst il
proved him capable Of dissipating all of those
acrimonious party feelings, which too often
sgitate the bosom Of the statesman, and induce
him to oppose, for the sake Of opposing, also
proved him to be friend to his country, pa
triot, and good man, and he gained the respect
Of all parties, and secured tho admiration Of
his former political enemies. As much as this
was proved by the conduct of the Democratic
Legislature of New-York; who, whilst those
two great parties, the Fedcra,ists and the De-
moerats were at swords points, and looked up
on each other with malignant eye, elected
him to the United States Senate two successive
temrs.
In the year 1920, he was one Of the most
conspicuous members Of the United States