The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1831-03-03
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,,
Feb. 7lh.
MIVLNTER TO RUSSL4.

s1k.tfl LII Il " ~
DEBATE on the general appropriation
bill, the amendment Of Mr.. Stanberry to
strike from the bill the appropriation Of
$4,000 for the salary OF the Minister to
Russia, being under consideration. Mr..
Burgess, having concluded his second
speech.
Mr.CAmsRELENa rose in reply. thank
NV friend from Virgins Mr.. AlexanderJ
for his courtesy in yielding me the floor:
for there is nothing SO disagreeable. Mr..
Speaker, as slumbering on these little ami
n,oslties. ! desire no lamp to barb my ar
rows or polish my weapons--no nightly
errands Of the Imagination to the common
place reservoir Of antiquity--Bo pleader's
brief to prompt me in replying to the gen.
tlemsn from Rhode Island. i ccngvstu
late him, sir, thnt after three weeks hard
study days severe and laborious
rhetoric, and with the fatiguing aid ofcopi.,
GUS notes, no has at last discharged his
FIRE. congratulate tho House that its
farming anticipations are ovor. More than
three weeks since, sir, the belligerent her.
aids abroad trumphantly announced TO the
world that the holy cause Of calumny would
be vindicated here, and that dreadful
vengeance awaited all, who bad dared 10
rebuke tive were threatened, sir, with
volcanic thundess-with red lightnings
and streams Of liquid 6re. We havs wit
nossed this long anticipated eruption, sir--
the danger is past--the planets still roll on
calmly in their eternal circles; even the
erratic stranger on our horizon .pursues
uumoyed his fiery course heaven beprais'
ed, sir, we all still live and breathe.
As the storm is over, sir. allow me in re.
plying TO the gentleman from Rhode Is,
land, to notice briefly two points Of gra
YER character. II is the unquestionable
right and duty Of every member of this
House to serutnize most severely every
appropriation, and TO examine most thor
ough,s every principle and measure ofthis
administration. But, sir, gentlemen must
pardon me for so widely discriminating be :
tween a dignified contest for principle and
a mere personal war against individuals
occupying distinguished public stations. |
cannot persuade myself to believe that
there is any party ia this House, or in this
country, who would seriously desire to es-
tablish the extraordinary policy and prin-
ciples involved 10 the motion under consid-
GRAFTON. I cannot believe that there is any
ceut,eman in nthis House, or out Of it, who
has Just regard for his eourtry's honor
who would deny to aey American Minis
ter abroad, the, privilege Of temporary alb
sence from his diplomatic station, wher
his hoslth or any other sufficient cause
should render it necessary. But surely
sir, no gentleman can seriously dispute Tho
right of a Minister to leave the court e
which he may have been assigned. when
ne acts, as in tho case Of Mr. Randolph
under the express authority Of the, Execu
tive. 1 may, perhaps, carry my notions o
national dignity little too far, sir; but
should contend that with or without sucl
authority, such discretion vas sbsclnse.l
necessary., 1 should lament, indeed, sir
IL by adopting narrow views OF public pol
icy, we should deny to our Ministers q
broad, q courtesy which is demanded from
& Us ty considerations OF honor and human
ay. I trust, that however violent may b
ths .charscter lcf our internal wars, th
widest phrenzy ofpsr'y excitement viii
never drive us into measures so humilia
Nng 70 our Ministers, degrading 10 our d
ploma,ic character. aRd so etfectusliy cal
culs,ed 20 lessen the dignity OF our cour
cry IN ,he eyes Of the world. Bot. cir,
shall not waste the time Of the House b
Eravely ssguing any -ueh questions. Tn
s. not contest for principles or sny kim
The ssn-uiusry current Of this debaI
tnanifests too clearly it's aim and chsrscte
.-Gsnuemea may shh and eysde the que