Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-04-18

might and probably would have been excused
and Mr. Adams relieved from the odium and res
ponSbitty attached TO his Disregard 90 the voice of
his State. But Mr.. Clay had no sooner riven the
vote, than he takes refuge in the strong holds of
power, and armed with executive patronage and
influence, attempts 10 triumph over the violated
Will di has country. And MIR. Adams, by putting
these arms into his hands TO contend with his soy.
ereign, Identified himself with his act, and must a.
bide iiiS fate. Yes, sir, Mr.. Adams is harboring
| and protecting diSobedient servant. | have al.
ready shewn, that from the year 1914, until short
~ before the Presidential election, there had ex-
isted much political, bordering personal hostility
between Mr. Clay and Mr.. Adams. Mr.. CLAY was
| a leading and influential member from the west,
upon whom Mr.. Adains's election essentially de-
pended. He votes FOR Mr. Adams against the in
structions of his State land they instantly get into
CLOSE otiica! hug, to the establishment of the nation
such course, so unexpected, was well calculated
| 10 awaken suspicion of something wrong or unfair
! some management or juggling i'll the election.
~ Is not only necessary fora public man to 10 right
ou he ought so 10 act, not 10 expose his motives
| 10 imputa;ion Doubt suspicion Of the integrity
o! political man Of high Standing as OF female
virtue, is equal 20 full proof. The bond of union
9etween public man and the people, is conf
| dence. Wien that is shaken the tic Is dissolved
Gentlemen Of the bar, who discuss this question
forget that they not in a court Of justice but
u'at we are examining political transactions and
'na' IN such an inquiry the people not hound by
the technical rules of evidence in cases of life an.
whereas III political trials, doubt of purity pro-
duces conviction, far regards the political re-
! Iation between the accused and the community If
sir' Adams and Mr.. Clay, by imprudcnce and in
oiscreuon, by strange and mysterious coalition
atho free from the guilt OF corruption have OK
posed themselves 10 the suspicion of having bv
management or political intrigue deprived the peo-
pie OF Chief Magistrate, 10 advance their selfish
o2lects OF ambition; if disrust Of their purity and
pctriousin has taken the place of confidence their
cram to continuance in power is gone; and it is not
only the right but the duty OF the nation to sulsti-
tute others in whom they have confidence.
mr. Speaker, this proceeding is novel and un-
precedeuted, and has been forced upon us bv the
character OF the resolution proposed on the part of
inc majority IL expresses indignation at the
charges against Mr.. Adams and Clay aud declares
them to be false upon an examination of all the
facts and evidence adduccd; but IL does not sion
nere 1t pronounces the authors and supporters of
these charges malicious sianderers and that they
nave been brought forward to elevate General
jackson TO the Presidency. The proposition is not
so much 4 measure of defence as OF attack and
must De considered the foundation of this nves-
CATION, and the consequent waste OF time and mo-
ney But for the int oluction OF this measure no
member oil the minority would have called on this
senate 70 take jurisdiction of the matter which be-
longs TO the nation and of which they have long
since taken cog nizance. But for this resolution
no motion would have been made 10 send for per-
sons and papers. When forced into this contest
determined, whatever inclination may be sup
INS~N " V consider
legal rules or the powers of judicial tribunals APP
picahle to this body, in this inquiry; but 10 be 90.
verned by sound discretion, and the rules of
propricty did not intend TO search the private
pockets or bureaus of any man. for the private or
confidential letters OF Mr.. CLAY. If those who
nave received them, think from their nature and
character That as gentlemen they are bound to
withhoid them from the public eye, will not in
'eflere. " hen, therefore, MFR. Blair was called,
ana Ia written protest intended to be entered
on the Journals, he assumed that ground was res
ponded to by several prominent members Of the
majority, That they would not compel him TO vio-
ld'e confidential correspondence, and when it
would have appeared from The journals f a motion
to commit had been made, that it's object was 10
coerce the production of MIR. Claws private letters
mad no hesitation in moving to discharge hins-
Now ST. do no. feel authorized from MIR. Blar's
reIuSai 10 he sworn 10 draw any inference as 70
the contents OF the letters alluded TO.
Mr. Speaker, feel no concern on my own ac-
count about TIE charge OF malicious SANDER made
N the resolution against those who have assaed
hessTS. Adams and Clay. II is notorious that
many Of the good people of this country believe
ulefe was something wrong in the last Presiden-
uai election, and that it attended with de-
gree OF management and intrigue that demands
popular rcprcbation. Among the number of those
VINO nave spoken OF the transaction in strong and
decisive language, there are no doubt many of
my warm friends. l considered it my duty 10 the
friends OF Gen. Jackson; to my personal AMI poll
ucdl friends, and to the right of this people, TO ex-
OF
public measures and the conduct of public men TO
resist this attempt TO brand them with the often.
slVe epiuiets contained in the resolution. Whe-
Their the charges OF bargain, sale and corruption
are true or not 10 the full extent contemplated by
inc resolution, ielt called on 10 sheW, that there
was IN the character and circumstances of the last
Presidential election, strong probable cause to ex
cite popular discomfort and Indignation After
Mr. Clay had used his friends, not to elect him.
out 10 prevent the election of western President
ana IN defiance OF the most solemn and respectful
request OF this STATE he eInbrac ed 2 eastern can
dIdate whom he bad taught the people TO believe
unworthy OF theiI confidence; aud received from
nm the hrst honor in his gift Inc ought to have
expected burst Of public indignation; and if he
did NOT he calculated too much the subsorvien-
cy OF tlls people TO bis will. Whether the cleo
tIon oil President shall bo matter of arrangement
with few mon III Congress or shall cnauaic l,o,n
the WI! Of the great body OF the people i'm this ex
tensiye Republic, IS question OF magnitude upon
winch public sentiment viii be expressed at the
next Presidential election. The right Of choice
hrmncss and zeal.
The insinuation contained in the resolution that
the friends oil General Jackson RELY upon SANDER
TO elevate him to the Presidency, is most unjust &
llliberal. How did he oJtain ninety.nine votes AZ
the last election Was itby sIandefinr- ofl,er con,
didates' No ir, the vote he received was t'e
grateful tribute OF free people for his uniform in
tcg1ty aud patriotism, and distinguished public
services.
Mr.. Speaker, have exhausted myself and fear
nave tired the patience OF the Senate have
cndcaVOred To treat this gu beet and all tbe cir
umsances connected with il, with fairness and
candor; and am conscious that have not. and
hat would not, knowingly, do even Mr.. CLAY
injustice. Our members " hO voted Glr MIR A.
dams, TO serve W.. Clay, may have believed they
were right; but their conduct cannot be justified
aud ought 10 be marked by the decided condem.
nation Of thc ueOpic.