Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-03-16

it is probable, will be various in their
character, and in their tendency. So
far as internal dissentions may be likely
to weaken the momentum with which the
dominant party has hitherto proceeded in
course so threatening to all the great
interests Of the country, the effect viii
unquestonably be good. Still better
will it be, if this disclosure Of the pre-
dominance of merely personal and ambit-
Gus motives over all other considerations,
shall open the eyes of the community to-
the real character Of men, and the real
character of the times. On the other
hand, it certainly gives a still more for
midable appearance to the dangers which
threaten us, when we see what their OBJ
|jects are, unless we may hope at the
sane time that the public will see them
also, and take care for its own safety.
Their publications afford a striking ex-
ample indeed, of the nature of these OBJ
jects. There is not the smallest refer
ence in any of them, to any public prin-
ciple, or public measure. The general
welfare, the good of the country, constl-
tutional principle, political cxpediency,
these things, none of them, not one, is
that about which our men in high places
write letters: about which they express
solcitudc-about which they differ. Not
at all. General Jackson and Mr.. Cal
houn, choose to quarrel, and yet they put
their quarrel on grounds perfectly con-
sistent with the fullest appreciation, on
the part of Mr.. Calhoun, ofevery one of
Gen. Jackson's measures. The ruin of
political prospects is spoken OF, but they
are the political prospects of an individ-
ual, not the political prospects of the
country. The mcrcicss proscri ption for
opinion, which has stalked over the land;
the violation Of national faith to the In
dians; the mad project of a paper-money
Treasury Bank; the war on the Tariff;
the war on the Constitution; these are
not subjects which have drawn forth con-
trovcrsy-all is personal elimination and
recrimination.
And what spectacle does this con-
test exhibit? Who does not see. in what
an aspect Of disgrace it holds up the Gov
ernment of the country? What honest
man does not feel shame, as well as in
dignation, at the picture upon which the
whole world is here invited to look The
second officer of the Republic openly de-
cares that the first officer is "TIIE
VICTIM OF A POLITICAL IN
ITRIGUE." Is this fact credible in it
self; and is the witness entitled to belief?
On the other hand, the President charg-
tho hot
tude and duplicity. Here, again, is the
witness a good one? Shall we consider
the charge proved? We say nothing of
the language of Mr.. Crawford's letter;
but we earnestly put it to the whole A
merican People to say what they think
of this controversy between their two
highest public officers; and we put it to
them to say, too, not only what public
Honor but the public Safety also requires,
when the Vice President publicly de-
clares, to all the world, that the Presi-
dent ofthe United States, at the moment
when he is dischargng the highest func-
tions of his office, is not an independent
agent, but mere creature of others-thc
"Tictim Of political intrigue"
There remains, evidently, for the
friends Of the Constitution, administered
in its true spirit to stay the progress of
this administration, and to save the coun-
try from the effects Of its measures, but
one course. That course lies right
straight onward. They will turn neither
to the right hand nor to the left. They
are destined yet to save the country and
the Constitution. They are NATIONAL
REPUBLIcANs; they are friends ofUnion;
they are the great party of free Ameri-
cans, without doubt or question. lfthe
mere charm of a name were Withdrawn,
they are at this moment great majority
Of The Union. They will take courage
iromthese proofs ofdisaflcc and schism
among their opponents, and go forward
with more assured hopes of ultimate sue
cess. They have point of concentra-
ton. The public sentiment runs strong
| ly in direction towards one never charg-
ed with ingratitude; never yet guilty of
duplicity; never made, nor TO be made,
the victim of any political intrigue. Let
us beseech all friends ofthc Constitution,
all real lovers of their country,to awake,
look at the existing state of things seri-
ously, and then to their duty. 1t becomes
us to raise the alarm, not at pretended,
but real, portentous and eminent dangers.
1t becomes us earnestly to implore THE
PEOPLE to save themselves Let US
rally from the Union or the States, for the
Constitution, of American Liberty, as it
was while every man was yet free to
speak his opinion, and for the preserva-
ton ofthose great interests for which the
Government was established.