Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-08-23

Mn. SPEAKER SrEvENsoN.-An affidavit
of Mr.. Blair, respectable gentleman has re.
Gently been published declaring that MIR. Ste
venson had predicted. dissolution of tho Un-
ion lin the event of Mr.. Adams reelection.
Mt. s. has addressed letter to The editor of
the Richmond Enquirer containing flat deni-
al of this statement, and undertakes TO explain
the matter in his own way, which bye the bye,
imports almost exactly what is to be found in
tho affidavit. We however, give his cyplana
ton in his own words.
81 have no doubt that did, in the course
Of the conversation, express the opinion, 'that
the reelection Of Mr.. .Adams. under existing
circumstances, Was to be. deprecated and
deeply deplored, as a national calamity.
That such an event Dould, in my opinion.
go vcry far to impair tho confidence of the
american people in our free Institutions,
and that measures ,oould in alt probability,
ensue from his administration, and that Of
his successor, tDhich in time, might endan-
ger the peace and tranquility of the Un-
iOn.'"
Nowswe should be pleased for some person
to explain to US tho difference between what
| is here stated and prediction Of the dissolu-
| ton Of tho Union in case OF Mr.. Adams re-
election. 1t appears that it was so understood
by those who heard it and one gentleman has
made oath to it. Ic this wore the first instance
in which Mr.. Speaker Stevenson has been
compelled to explain himself for the purpose
Of removing an odium that has ttached TO
him for his conduct and language, we might
be induced to put charitable construction on
his words and think that he said more than he
meant. But hi. qubbling conduct since he
has been exalted TO tho speakers cha ir Of tho
House OF Representatives, in Congress--his
visible partialty exhibited in almost every act
Of his official duty, and his unfair interference
in the debate between Mr.. Burgess and NJ
Duffie last winter when the former was most
grossly attacked and abused by tho latter,
leave little room for conidence in his pro,esta-
tions and assertions 1t has become but too
| visible that the leaders Of the opposition having
despaired Of carrying the point by Argument,
persuasion, and even fllsohood, have resortod
| at las, to threats and menaces for the purpose
of soaring the people into the election of Gen
eral Jackson This system Of olec,ioncering
seems to have been generally adopted through
out tho Southern states, We have never had
| tho least faith in the manoeuvering Of NJ DUFF
| fie, Hamilton, and the other madcaps Of the
South, that they seriously intend a division OF
the Union, harbouring moro charity for THEN
sense and political knowledge which must
! teach them the utter impractibility Of the
| scheme. They certainly must be aware that
should they effect their independence, it would
be totally impossible for them to maintain j,
long, because their own negro slaves would
overpower them without the assistance of the
North, and in fow years establish an African
government on tho very spot where M'Dufis
now flourlshes forth his speeches. The whole
is nothing but mere fetch and Mr. Speaker
Stevenson and Gov. Giles are attempting il
possible, TO save Virginia BY the same lauds.
bio means.