Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-03-04
stae9n3c9co-
Correspondence ofthe Boston Courier.

WASHINGTON. Feb 10. 1881.
Dear Sr.-IIonor me for my almanac; fore
saw what every body said would happen. and |
told YOU tolook for warm weather about this time
Hostiities have now commenced. The IS thumb
has been bitten. and no body will bear the dis
grace, or the pain either. 1t is evident that the
friends of Mr.. Calhoun are no longer adJuncts
of the great Jackson party, and in all probablll-
~ they will hereafter be- found in opposition to
the administration of Mr.. Van Buren,. No act
of secession will be necessary. but II they are
not so already, parties will be distinctly marked
out before the close ofthe session.
Now suppose you will require the "occular
proef," and il is at hand. The most prominent as
well as most pertinent sign of a change of opln'
ion. is the motion made yesterday by MIR. TaZe-
well, of Virginia. to strike out of the general APP
preparation bill, the salary of Mr.. Rhlnd, the ne
eotiator of the treaty with the Sublime Porte
The objection of Mr.. Tazewell, was drawn from
tina, clause of the Constitution which provides
that all commissions shall expire unless con-
firmsd by the Senate during the session next
succeeding the appointment The continuation
of the argument is that, as Mr. Rhind's appoint
ment was never confirmed, he was not a legal
agent. and consequently is not entitled to the
compensation. 1t seems to be necessary lns
ference from this argument that Mr.. Rhind had
M authority to make the treaty. But the trea-
ty was made hv him, has been ratified, In part,
and is therefore the supreme law OF the land, y
although, according to Mr.. Tazewell, made by
an incompetent agent. Now it is to be presumed
that the honorable Senator knew rs much about
this matter when the treaty itself was before the
Senate, as he does at the present moment. Aud al
belt silent as an oyster at that time, yet he must
have perceived in his ''mind's eye" the same OBJ
lection to Mr.. Rhind's authority. This movement
therefore. not coming in the guise OF an after
thought, nor as a ray from any new light. fur
nishes the deduction that he was not then pre-
pdred to explain his views; and It IS very sui
icient excuse. for opinions upon public affairs
are delicate matters, especially when parties are
about changing
Probably NJ farewell was not then entirely
satisfied with the validity Of his proposition; and
perhaps subsequent events OF very great public I'M
1.-THE reelection OF the editor OF the e.
ecraph. for instance which required patriotic CO.
hesion in the party with which he has acted. or the
publication of sIr. Calhoun's pamphlet; or a va
rriety of considerations have confirmed HIM in
his opinion. had, believing, like an upright po-
iticlau, that it is never too late to do right. he
thus takes the first opportunity to protest against
the treaty, or the Ireafor, or rather 'he power
which made the latter, for not making 1T In the
proper way. Mr.. Tazewell observed that his
present objection was the same which he advanc-
ed on the Panama question, upon which we may
observe, that if he pursues it with as much per-
tnacitv virulence. and success, 1t is "a foresone
conclusion" that it will lead to more commend
able result.
An incidental debate furnished further evil
dence of spring thaw. or breaking up In me
party The learned Secretary ut War, such IS
the fate of genlug. will not escape unscathed.-
He lusts after contingencies. as 1t appears. and
no sum will satisfy his rapacity. Mr.. Hayne
gave notice. that he should be ingusitve about
tbe expenditure of this fund; and Mr. Tazewell
remarked that he should move 20 reduce the sup
niles. unless the explanations were satisfactory;
wherefore MIR. Secretary Eaton's appetite must