Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-07-02

and I have no doubt that you are their sole
ard exclusive author. They are of SO high
proof as not to admit of any other conclusion,
but that they have been snblimated IN the aiem-
bic Of opposition in the congress-, at their last
session. 1t would be hardly gpossible for men,
situated as the officers Of the meeting are, to
cherish at the onset of a canvass, such asperIty
and rancour, unexcited and rncalled tor. 10
you, then, I address myself, and shah speak
with a freedom the case ~jastiies, not forgetting
the respect due TO the public, to you, and TO
myself. You have laid down a broad ground OF
discussion, which | am perfectly willing to ira
verse. and let the issue he tried at the bar Of
public opinion. l wish not TO forget, that
have at one time acted with you, and entertain
ed for your talents and character, a respect and
confidence. | have been reluctantly compelled
to withdraw.
The meeting at Doylestown is denominated
democratic republication refer TO the Dimes
Of 1898 and wish 10 identify the policy OF the
present administration with that OF that day.
| apprehend you have referred to an era when
YOU were yet a beardiess youth, and of which
you speak only from report. was then in full
action, having used the elective franchise from
the lec,ion Of 1872. When MIR. M'Kean was
chosen Governor in 1899, | was elected TO the
house of representatives, when there was in tia
hesitaling majority of Iwo-At the SOM time
there was a federal majority III the senate. By
the exercise in plenitudc, Of what he was pleas
ed 10 style his prerogatives; M'kean lost so
much ground with the republicans, that IN 1905
they nominated Sind Snyder in opposition 10
him. Mr.. M'Kean then became the candidate
ola small section of The republicans, and ultl-
mately Of the f aeralists, and at an election, that
polled the votes IT the state generally, succeed
ed by a majority of about 5000. Then 1t was,
| think, you were first sent to the legislature,
where you still remained at the session OF 1907
g, when l was sent TO the Senate. You then
acted in undertaking concert with the federal
lists, who together composed exactly hall the
house. With these Hfederalists whom you now
say "Hagrantly attempted TO destroy the lloer'
ties of the press, and to violate the sacred prin-
ciples Of Jury trial; and continued so 10 act dur
ing tia, and the following session. | think
you then styled yourself OF the third party; bet.
ter known by the appelIation Of Guilds. In the
fall of 1908, another great election placed the
venerated patriot Simon Snyder in the exeeu-
tive chair Of the state, by a majority oil nearly
$4,000 votes, and gave the vote OF the state L"
his illustrious cnmpatriot, James Madison, Tor
that of the United States. During the two SEES.
sions of rs and 80, l had les intercourse with
you than with most of the federallsts, under an
impression, that if any thing, your feelings and
mine were more widely variant than theirs and
mine. The political character Of the state, un'
settled in 1905, was again defnitively settled ny
The decisive majority given TO MIR. Snyder
At the election, l understood you withdrew
your name from the Canvass, having grown
tired, as you expressed yourself, Of federal con-
~nexion. But l have no knowledge OF your act
ing with The republican marty much, up TO the
period ofsthe war; and | have ever beiieVed you
continued the opponent ofthe venera,ed Snyder,
up to the close Of his nine years memorable adj
ministration. In a correspondence you kindly
opened with me, in the session OF Congress OF
l8ll-l2, l became acquainted with your senti.
ments on the national affairs Of that crisis, and
had great pleasure in finding mine in accord
ance with yours. The late Mr.. Rodman, a most
intelligent, firm, and respectable man, then re-
presented this congres sional district, with Gen.
Brown and myself. Mr.. Rodman, by one Of
those chances, which have a controlling inAu.
ence over future life, became obstinately pacific,
and ceased to represent the feelings and wishes
Of his constituents. Public opinion became
turned 10 you as his successor, and it afforded
me then as much satisfaction 10 forward your
election, in hope Of promoting the public veal
as it.now occasions regret, 10 call up recollec-
tons which l cannot anticipate will give you
any pleasureable sensations. In congress it
wasa qualification TO think and act with you in
unrestrained confidence. 1t became convenient
to you, to accept the prothono,aryship ofBucks
county, from whence you were soon called 10
the secretaryship Of the commonwealth. Since
you left congress, we have had but little inter-
course, and Judging from the proceedings | an
noticing, our feelings and opinions have be-
come as discordant as they were in 1865.
The appetite, for the exercise of the preroga'
tive, and the undisguised contempt for The peo-
pie and their opinions, lost TO M'Kean the con.
6dence Of the republican party. Your attach
ment TO him seemed proportional to their
aversion. However harsh and arbitrary bis
course was, it was mild as morning light COM
pared with the whole course Of life, public and
private, Of your presidential candidate, Andrew
Jackson. Is a love for a strong executive, the
operative principle of attachment in both cases?
Gen. Jackson's "anxious disposition to main
tain the honor, and advance the interests of the
nation and the service" impelled him to disre.
gard the constitution and The supreme and sta.
49, ~ Il ~ ~ - IL -