Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-05-16
[From the Washington Telegraph

IHE CASC VI MIX. JOttN ADAMS.
The Democratic Press, one Of the most highly
favored organs of the coalition, says:
sc The public will hear, with infinite surprise
THAT on Friday last, -nr. John adams, before the
c1mnittee of the House of Representatives. APP
puinted to inquire into the outrage committed on
HIS person by Russell Jarvis, was subjected to
cross examination of two hours and Il half by Duff
Green, affecting TO act as counsel, for jarvis
This is indeed Gaping the climax Of insult to the
people, by treating with contuney their public
agents" Binns.
A respect for the national legislature, before
whom the President has brought this subject and
an unwiingness to make that public, which is
strictly private affair, has hitherto restrained the
writer from any participation in the discussion Of
the principles involved in the messages of the Pre-
sidency. The attempts which made in the
presses devoted to the administration and the effort
destroy the influence of this press, by assai!ing
the editors, is his Justification.
II is true that Mr.. John Adams was cross. ex-
ahmed, before the committee, by Duff Green;
and il it shall hereafter appear that this young
sprg of american nobility, does not possess suf-
iicient stock OF common sense common reTGcity
TO last him Through cross-examination without
crossing his own testimony, then it will be seen,
why Mr.. Binns desires TO excite public sympathy,
in advance.
And why should not Mr.. John Adams be cross
examined? 1t is known that the British law al
lows all offenders TO meet their accusers face to
face, and assigns TO the worst the benefit OF coun-
sci. Is an insult TO the son of the Preside. t,
worse offence than murder? And yet the benefit
Of counsel has not been denied TO persons charged
with that ofence But Mr.. j. called in his part
ner and friend as his COUNSEL And why not do
so? Is he to be forbidden the privileges, common
10 all men, because he is the Editor OF the IeIe-
graph! for it will be seen that that was his sole
offence. The President, in message TO each
House of Congress, charged that his private Secrc-
tary had been way laid anu assaults and sugg 81
ed the propriety OF passing law for his piotec-
ti5n.
The truth of this case is, that the parents of Mr.
Jarvis having expressed wish 10 attend the draw
ing room, Mr.. Gorham, their immediate repre-
sentative in Congress, proposed 10 accompany
them. This polite proposition was not accepted
because they considered it respectful 10
their children, well 10 the President and his
lady, that they should DC accompanied by Mr.
ind Mrs. Jarvis. Young John Adams, and a Mr.
Stetsoi2, an Unitarian preacher, standing
together, and as the party WHO accompanied Mir.
Jarvis w..re passing them, Mrs. Jarvis going be-
fore John Adams said Us vas supposed in reply
70 an inter-, gatory OF who is that lady:'" the
wife of one RUSSELL Jarvis, and if lac knew in
what estimation he is held in this house he would
not show himself here" or words 10 that import.
The tone in which this was said caused the com
pany to retire in into an adjoining room; they I'M
mcdiatciy sent for l. heir carriage and left the
house.
Mr.. Jarvis addressed uote to Mr.. John Adams,
by friend asking an EXP, 'anaion. MIR, a. dcclar-
Cd his intention 10 he oyert 'urd, & refused 10 hold
any correspondence upon the subject. by reiu
sing ali explanation, Mir. John Adams aggravated
the insult. By refusing 10 hold any corresioh-
dence, he left MIR. Jarvis other alternative but
TO quietly submit 10 the insult, or TO place Mr.. ~
dams in position requiring that be sho nd demand
satisfaction which MIR. Jarvis held hims Ell ready
TO give. 1t is known i'll this city, that M e John
Adams Is seldom or ever seen, except on til IRE
sidents square, dashing through the stree, = IN
Ills gig like another Jebu, at the Capitol, Vs. Ncn
he bears message from the President
Without consulting any friend -on the subject,
nr. Jarvis resolved TO avail himself of the first
opportunity TO demand. personally an explanation
indgniy wOnld relieve him from the duty of
seeking further satisfaction.
MIR. Jarvis, as well every other editor of a
newspaper, residing at or visiting the city, is per-
mitied by rule Of the House aud the courtesy !
OF The Speaker, 10 enter the hall. While there |
Writing at lis desk, Mr. John Adams came in
MIR. Jarvis took seat the door, waited until
Mr.. Adams had delivered his message, and then
foHolcedhim out IF the House. When MIR A.
dams had nearly reached the centre of the Rotun
DO, which Is large covered way between the
two Houses, through which persons going from
one House 10 the other, or from ei6.ey House
70 The street, usually pass, MIR Jarvis overlook
him, and the following dialogue ensued:--Mr j
A." Mr.. Adams, ! believe, Sir"" Mr.. A. Yes
Sir."--Alr. }. Have you received note from,
ms' Mr.. a. "I have" MIR. J. " Have / re-
ceiyed your final answer" Mr.. A. "You|
have"
Whereupon Mr.. Jarvis caught Mr.. A. bv tbe
nose and pulled it. As soon as he recovered from
the surprise cccasioned by this salutauon, Mr. A.
raised his cane with both hands and aimed Low
which was avoided by sudden movement TO tho
tight, accompanied by blow from Mr. Jarvis
with his open hand on the face of Mr. The
latter recoiled hack pace, and hevng again rails
Cd his cane, was advancing or Mr. Jarvis, when
Mr. Dorsey, who had been also following Mr.
:spafns passed between them end separated them.
MIR. Jarvis, bowling, sa1d. you know ny name and
M % fin ne,