Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-08-04

u The Lynchburg Vrginian passes most Sc
we're philippe upon the late conduct of Gov.
Branch. 1t says:
s'We can find terms in the English lanpuaoe
expressive enough to convey our idea of Mr.
Branch's character. There is something so con-
tenPtlbe, IN his conduct spanie-like servility
so uespicable; abandonment of all prir CHILE so
fragrant; of selfrespect so humiliatina: that
we are astonished he has not dsgustod his own
warmest friends, beyond endurance. In April last,
Gov Branch declared, in substance, that the Pres
ident had required him to do that which rs a man
of honor, he could not do" and vet, now we are.
told, he has "done nothing that cannot he foroiv
en-; nothing for which he should abandon him. -
Why, what are Gov. Branchs ideas of honor and
the obligations which it imposes7 IF a proposes to
b. to unite in a conspiracy to rob or murder a mu
tpal nelghbor, would not be devoid of all claim
to the respect of the community, if refusing 10 par
ticiPate in the nefarious scheme, he yet continued
TO associate with A? And does not the same .rule
apply In qualified sense to man who continues
TO support and applaud him who has required him
TO do that which honor forbade?
"Agaip-In April last, Gov. Branch declared
that Gen. Jackson had been "gradually discarding
from his counsel and friendship his old and long
tried supporters and throwing himself into the arms
OF persons whose cod-hearted selfishness and arti
fees were played off upon him for true and faith
fnl services" And yet we are told, that he
has done nothing improper, which did not result
from his peculiar stuation." -. Why, Beaucliarnp,
the renowned Kentucky assassin, might have plea
ded the same argument in Justification of his bloody
crlme and might all the villains of all the world.
We care not, if il be admitted that Gen. Jackson
IS as honest can be--"as pure as ice
and as chaste as sDow"-yet, If nc be guilty of the
acts charged against him by Gov. Branch he is too
weak and ignorant to be ontruelcd with the reins OF
| power master Of the human passions has Justly
said, That "fear berays like treason" the inference
! from which is that we had as we'll entrust the
| command of army to a traitor as a coward:
! and no might have added. that ignorance works
| frequently the same refuta es dishonesty, and
that therefore the people should TO sooner
| cntrust their destinies TO fool or mailman thrn
to a villain. Whether Gen. Jackeon deserves 81.
Their ofthese appellations, it is our business ov
10 enquire; but Gov Branch's ia guage leads ire
sistibly to the conclusion that nc go agardcd him
! How is t. then, at nc has now the cTrontery 10
say that the President has done nothing for which
/ his friends should abandon him2 Out upon such
craven caitih-such white -liyoyed rencgsdo!"
| We wish we could feel at liberty to say word
in the Governors defence, for, wbatover wo had
thought of hirn a politician, wo had not ceased
to respect him man. But we confess oui
ingenuity (Which tho Globe scoms to adn1ire) car
discover no apology or oxtenuotjon; unless indeec
seat in Congress is to be considered Of such va
rue, that to attain it, regeneration is ustidablc
and political dishonesty, oxcusable; md Ia posse
suchsbeang virtue, chat all faint and uncleannes.
in the means, arc purified By the success.