Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-01-15
CONGRESS.

port Ot Government Tor Tue year ioo'.
The question being on the motion OF Mt sian
berry to amend the clause apPropriauhs saiaries
to foreign ministers, by striking out me Word
Russia, and substituting As for 81, 600 dollars;
Mr.. Carson made some observations, and read
some extracts from the Message OF the PRESIDENT
to show that the mover of the proposed amend
ment had misunderstood the language OF the Ere
sident, and the conduct and situation oil Mr. Ran
dolph. He spoke of the motion as covert attack
on the President.
Mr. S,anberry reminded the House OF the causes
If comnlaint which had been urged against the
I.te Administration We had heard much at
that period. Of constructive journeys, and this
topic drew forth abundant vituperation from the
opponents of that Administration. Was he Mr..
ST. correct in stating that this gentleman had not
resided at the Court of Russia! w as he correct
in stating that he would not reside there! 1t was
we'll known that he could not reside In that Gil
mate in the winter, or indeed at any other season.
The residence of MIR. Randolph, therefore must
be deemed a constructive residence. 1t 1t was
necessary to have minister to Russia, it must be
necessary that he should reside there to attend
to our interests 1t was insinuated that by his mo.
ton, he had made covert blow 1.-THE President.
He asked if it was aiming covert blow to make
the President adhere to the principles which
broupht him into power. He was sure that II the
honorable gentlen an himself, were now on this
floor, he would take the same course which he
himself had now taken, under similar clrcum-
stances; for he had often listened with delight to
TO that individual when complaining OF similar
abuses under former Administration.
Mr.. Archer then rose. aud stated that, bad ne
been in his seat when this motion was yesterday
made, he should have been prepared to make the
explanation which he felt himself now bound to
submit TO the House.; and which would probably
be expected from him, on account of the situation
hich he occupied in this House. What, he ask
ed, was the real purpOrt OF this motion! 1t was
to suspend the whole of our diplomatic relations
with Russia; and that this House, to whom that
particular function has not been contlded, should
take it OH itself to say in this collateral and indl-
rect mode, that there should be an interruption
of our diplomatic relations with the hrst power IN
the world, power which has given greater de-
monsiratons of regard to the United States, than
any other nation, could not for a moment be JUS
titled by any precedent or sound principle. tie
could not therefore, be expected to furnish an ar
gument against proposition standing on such
aground as he had stated.
Mr. A. then proceeded to take view OF the
various imputations which had been cast against
MIR. Randolph. and the President for making this
appointment, through the public newspapers. lie
dwelt on the distinguished talents OF MrRandolph;
his distinguished services, and his especial claim
on the Administration, in consequence OF his be-
| ing Virginian, and member OF the party by
which the present Administration had been plac-
ed in power. Tie considered the selection of an
individual to III "a diplomatic station to be en-
tirey at the discretion of the Executive; and if
even this were question for the House,
thus he deemed to be ar improper time for its
discussion. lie inquired if the House ought to
take up floating imputations, from the public
newspapers. and on this Information found Its
determination that we should have no further d.
plomatic relations with the Court OF Russia
He supposed that even if the Executive had
made mistake in the selection OF this indlvldu-
al, it was not one of that character which merit
ed all the iraputation which had been cast upon
him. A public servant. distinguished for his great
talents and long services, had voluntarily retir-
ed from public life, and surrendered his seat III
this House; and could any act be more honora-
Bile than the rewarding of such man in such
situation, BY one who came into power by the
vote of that party to which this gentleman be-
longed? Nothing he affirmed, could be more
nroDcr than that the President should seize the
opportunity of giving to the gentleman what he
had not asked, but what he emnently deserved.
Was it selection unworthy of the President?-
Was it not one which the dominant party in this
country had right to expect-what the individu,
al himself had right to expect. although he had
not asked for it? :,
He further stated tina: it had been imputed
against the President that Mr.. Randolph had been
selected. because he would have nothing to do at
the Court of Russia-that there were no dpo-
matte functions there to be executed He MIR.
Al was in situation to speak knowingly on
this subject; and he could assure the House that
business of great Importance to the United States
has been conhded to our minister.
He had, therefore. not only something to
do, but something of great Importance
although he deemed it to be but justice to Mr..
Randolph to say that it was not of character to
demand his immediate action. True, like all
other duties of our public functionaries, the SOON
err his duties wese attended to, the better But
the business committed to Mr.. Randolph could
not suffer detriment from delay.
1t had also been made ground of charge,
that the minister had assumed the privilege to
exercise discretion as to the direction of his time
and the situation of his residence. He replied
to this, that Mr.. Randolph had only used pri-
| rnrHe I IN m nv ha