Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-07-16
TO BE Continued
OLD SORES

1t is sometimes difficult to account for the
personal hostility manifested by one indvidu-
al towards another, to whom he happens to
be politically opposed. We are much decej-
we'd, however, if political rancour is not both
generated and fostered by personal antipathy :,
in nine cases out Of ten, where an acquain-
tance and long intercourse had subsisted be-
tween the parties. Words spoken in the heat
Of debate, conveying censure or a sneer,-
and opposite opinions defended with warmth
approa ching almost to violence, - (Which would
be forgotten and forgiven by generous minds,
apt themselves to be led into similar errors by
the mpetuosity of feeling,) are apt to leave
behind in the breasts of VAN, conceitod and
malignant men sting which never ceases to
rankle and tester, until favourable opportu-
nifty presents itself for retaliation. Mr.. Clay
has unfortunately raised up many enemies of
this character Disdaining conceament, he
has at all times, and on all occasions, express
sed his own sentiments boldly and decisivcly,
and frequently. dsgusted at the timidty of
his opponents, who dreaded 10 march one
pace out OF the beaten track, he has ridicued
their idle fears, aud made them vince under
his cutting sarcasms.
Among the individuals to whom this remark
will apply, are Mr.. Hugh Nelson and Genera! !!
Alexander Smyth, Of Virginia, and Gen. Sam
uel Smith, now U. S. Senator from Mary
land, The latter gentleman is much more
obnoxious to censurc, however, for the course
he has thought fit to pursue, with regard to
the great question now pending before the
American people than the two former. The
District represented in Congress by Gen. A.
Smyth, and the county from which Mr.. Hugh
Nelson is delegate to the Virginia Legisa-
| ture are known to be against the Administra.
| ton; and those gentlemen, therefore, are only
exemplifying the beautiful and unerring test of
| republication, lately broa ched by the Rich
mond Enquirer, by always going with the
majority. Gen. Smith, IF Maryland, how
| ever, has not only opposed the sentiments of
the very body by which he was elected, but
| his election itself was secured by pitiful
piece of duplicity. Aware, as he was, that
| the administration party outnumoered by a
considerable majority, their opponents in the
! Maryland Legislature, while the election was
| pending Gen. Smith preserved most profound
silence as to his political preferences. En-
quiries were made of his friends, but while no
I positively sat STA ctory answers we're given.
| such remarks were made as were calculated
| TO convey the impression that the General
| would support the administration; and he was
consequently elected. This produced won
derful efiect-no less than that Of unloosing
his tongue. The dumb spake-and his first
words were a violent anathema against the
! administration! An honorable man would
not have permitted himself to be elected un-
| der such circumstances; and if he had been
! elected without connivanco or intrigue On his
! part, seeing that he should misrepresent his
constituents, an honest man would have resig
! ned If he had been teachablo, he might
have learnt an excellent lesson on this head,
by reference to the example Of John Q. Adams
| in 1907.
But to return from this DEPRESSION. These
three gentlemen are now taking revenge OF
Mr.. Clay, by lending their names to faction
| as multifarious and as self destructive in its
| composition, as il is base and malicious iu
purpose, for tho slight estimation in which Mr.
Clay, Of yore, hold their stock Of political
| knowledge. IL 10 certainly Q most noble ro-
venge, especially when We rscolloc. how losg
J it has been brewing.
The stand taken by Mr.. Clay in favor Of the
recognition Of the independence Of the South
American States, as early as 1918, will long
be remembered, as ractcristic Of the daring
! Of the man, and as evidence Of the deep inter
est ho has always felt and displayed whenever
questions touching the liberties Of the human
race have been brought into discussion. -
Whether or not Mr.. Clay was in advance Of
public opinion, in tho agitation Of this ques-
ton, il is most certain that he was far in adj
vance Of the views Of the then national execu-
tive, and Of Congress, and his policy was, OF
coure, not sanctioned. Two yeats alter