Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-12-31
Rtrtpseu osuU gea 1)6W.

iHE IRIAL.-The impeachment and trla of Judg
Peck, forms so far, the only prominent incident of tn
present session of Congress. Interesting at leas
from the talents of those engaged in conducting II
the reader may like to see what is thought of som
OF the actors in the by those who witnessed
McDute's denunciat;on of the fooleries of the com
mon law, and of constructive contempts, s represen
ed to have been of the most vehement and demolisll
ing description, and it is lesson which we mean t,
publish for the especial benefit of of our Judges
From The .Ne,o York .3ge.
''The trial of Judge Peck, before the Uni'e'
States Senate. sirting Court of Impeachment
commenced yesterday. The charge against INN is
in substance, tyranny and oppression in office
"Mr M 'DUFFIE. on behalf of the managers O
the House of representatives, opened He occupied
the Court, yesterday nearly three hours and day
about the same period Il is not my intention to
give you sketch of his speech, nor TO hazard an,
opinion on the case. But confess you that have
against what is termed the common iato and have
frequently felt indignant at the hauteur, insoIence
and tyranny. which have witnessed IN our Courts
OF Justice. On these points, Mr. WDufie was truly
eloquent: and no less sound than elounent Never
have heard the freedom of the press and the riobts
of the citizen, so logically and frcibly sustained
as on the present occasion. Tn discussing this
branch of the subject M .Ar Du6e evinced an en-.
thusiasm and warmth which characteristics our Sou
therB brethren. While arguing the abstract cues
ton OF the of Court and the sanctity of IFS
Judge, he enchanted the attention of all within the
sound of his voice. His views and sentiments were
in such perfect accordance with nv own. that WINS
enraptured. and can only speak of them IN language
of panegyrc.
s'When he commenced examining the libe
against the Judge. and which the cause of the
alledged unwarranable exercise of power did moi
think him so happy. He was, however very cloa,
and lucid and evinced discriminating mind Per.
sonal'y, towards Judge Peck he was unnecessa ri 10
harsh, bordering coarseness; and this is
to b. regretted he circumstances of The case did
not require, and therefore could not Justify if But
1t is due to Mr. WDuffe to say that the ardor and
zeal which he exhibited. complet ely identified
him with the case, that he seemed to feel it as his
and so feeling, it is probable momentarv i'm.
pulse hurried him into expressions. which under diff
ferent sensations, would have been softeaed and as
think, would have been acceptable to his a,,-
diters.
'Mr. M'DUEFIE is South Carolinian Appa-
rsntly. about ferry five years of age. Dark complex
ion: Prominent features OF The middle stature
rather slender frame Large Romo"- An abun-
Sisoo ef black hai-, CLOSELY and sleefy
bead As an orator, his ganner is n"t very good He
has rather too much action, and that not of the
graceful kind. He has bad habit, which might be
easily corrected of taking up from the table before
him, his pocket handkerchief and then throwing il
down with apparent vehemence.
"Hs voice musical; but he has such perfec
command of it, and he emphasizes chasev, that he
is agreeable speaker When he ses
branch point in his subject. he is coltn and
deliberate. His utterance audible and distinct. As
he advances he becomes and animal ed and then
it is, that from the FIRE of his and the enthusiasm
which he evinces you mperceptibly participate his
feelings. and pass unheeded that portion of his man,
s,er, which consider eXceptionable. He deals ber-
ally in epithe and nvective. and is extremely
tic. He is perfectly free from embarrassment hest
fancy. He has rhetorical fourishes, rather flor
have never heard him before) in this speech none
was attempted He is, undoubtedly great man
and his talents wond do honor to any deliberative
assembly earth.
"Mr .WD6fe is ofthe main pillars of the pre-
administration; and is the personal and political
friend of the Vice President
From the Pennsyzraaia Inquirer
''WAsHINGToN Dec. a.
senlsmen The employed to day in the exami
nation Of Mr. Lawless instance the in,peacment
Judge Peck took place. and is presume the princpa
He appears very u,eligeu, man and as understand
is very accomplished scholar and lingus he delivers his
testimony With great camness c,esrness and precision Brow
beating the strong qualification
for the Judge conduct the with grea. decorm)
produces effect on his evidence or his manner of giving IL
beyond that of COMMUNICATING for moment, emphasis to hi:
tone and stenness to his glance Yesterday he seemed hold
all the ingenuity opponents at bay and maintained his
selfpossesson exceleny To ay the questions of tie
sci Of Judge Peck somewhat direct language
and their bearing permit much scope for ingenuity They
for facts and he appears willing only give them refcren-
which, however strong IN court Of he
deemed proof befne legal tribunal judge Peck attends We
~ closely every part of the proceedings and readily
himself aid his counsel whenever in his discretion
Considers important himself He have very
clear analytic mind and his Of expressing mse
lucid and orcible s musical and distinct and
has much felicity dsentansling which bear his
from perpexity attempted nv those
who aborpg convict bim to involve them. If
sure Of skill in physosno;3y, would unhositatiGziy
pronounce him to be hater rather than perpeator yan
His deeanor and tone strongly proposes
hun his favor; and perhaps may ascrba
bic this preposseon much as to any knowledge Of the
merits ofe that the general opinion in favor of his
acduial There is, be sure weight To be a.
tachsd the circumstances that there about eighty
hard hanging the result Of this Impeachment and
the conviction Of the Judge would have the effect creating
excitement in the State Of Missouri Of the novel
dangerous character What have said the prcposcssin
qualifications of Judge Peck, may be received without preiu
I9wless wen
tenn, much from his personal his mental accomplish
mcnts. But believing that he been dealt with SINUS
flee cruelty which the law contemplated canno
countenance his feelings have with his hscr
ton aud hence he may have been hurried into vvh
he has now pursued ard which he must tn
cod.
"N1r Writ preserves all the blanduess Of manner that he
nightly OF couDtenance and that harmony Of onc for which
is justly celebTated and think the of my
observation hrs week that he viii Of this witt
another feather IN his plume il is very uncertain hov lon
Che trial NAV last MIR Lawlcs is the only witness vet ean
- ,ooil ff.aft &c