Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-06-08

administration attempts p'oi1HIip w 'o"N" ~
ark of the constitution, or wickedIy to abuse the
powers which have been committed to his hands:
and that this convention considers to be its duty
10 explicitly declare its warm admiration of the
spirit of those proceedings. and its entire coinci
dence with the tone of the resolutions which were
adopted at that meeting.
The convention then proceeded to ballot Tor
two delegates to the National Convention to meet
in Baltimore in December next, corresponding to
the two senators in congress.
On counting the ballots, it appeared that Am
brose Spencer and Stephen Van Rensselaer, wee
chosen.
JUICE SPENCER then rose and stated that he
felt gratiGed at the honor conferred OH him; that
lie accepted of the appointment and would attend
the convention provided circumstances Perlnitted.
Judge S. then addressed the convention Tor about
halt an hour, in which he eloquently pourtrayed
the conduct of the present administration. ne
commenced by giving review OF the state OF al
fairs as connected with the history OF the pres'-
Dental contests in shs state, and the matters as
soc,ated Herewith. from 1924 to this time. De
failing the corrupt means which had been used
in 1854 to defeat the passage of the electoral law,
and particularizng the absurdities and 1Dconsis-
tences of those who at that time opposed such
law and then who vi6ed Gen. j. and who sub
seauentIy eulogized and supported him, though
they had previously declared that he was an an
tirepublican. tyrant and murderer. Judge S
admitted that in 1924, he had been carried away
by sense of feeling aud gratitude, and that he
was rather inclined in favor OF Jackson. particu-
larly as having no vote. (being, III common with
the people of this state, dsfranchised he had.not
given that full examination OF the merits OF the
then candidates, which he bad since done, and
which he would probably then have done, provid.
ed he had the power Of voting for the chief Ma
gistrate.
He then spoke of the course pursued lmmedl-
atelv after the election of Mr.. Adams. in con
demning him. in limine. before he had performed
any act. He stated that he had never seen Mr.
Adams till 1929. but he had observed his acts.
aud he would not hesitate TO say that the OPPOSE
ton to him had proceeded from factious motives.
Ii was announced that under the administration
Of Gen. Jackson, there was to be Reform and
correction of the abuse of the government. But
the people had been gulled ard deceived by iris
CRY. In the motives which impelled his election
no regard was paid to the public wea' by those
who so violently urged it: those who had but a
short time before condemned Jackson as totally
unworthy to hold any civil Office.
Judge S. said that Gen. Jackson had never
laid down single public principle which was to
be the rule of his conduct that he had not vioat-
ed lie then referred to his letters TO President
Monroe in which he had advised him to crush the
| "monster party" as being destructive TO the in
terests OF the country, To his letter to Dr. Cole
man on the subject Of the tariff. To his letter
Of resignation of his place as L. s. Senator adj
dres sed to the legislature of Tennessee; i'll which
he condemned the pratice of selecting members
of congress to fii any public offices, except ju-
dietary ones, as dangerous TO the Liberties OF our
! land. Judge S. then reverted to his subsequent
conduct to show Jackson's Inconsistency.
! Judge S. said he would not detract from the
military achievements of JacksolT but history
was vet to perform its Office, and he believed that
many of the aurels which now decorated him
would be pIucked from his brow.
lie then spoke of his violation OF courtesy IN
not calling on Mr. Adams when he (Jackson)
first arrived at Washington in 1929, to take up
on himself the duties Of the governments: back
door influence had caused MIN to be guilty Of this
violent indignity.
Judge S. then spoke of the course pursued by
Mr.. Adams in respect TO appointments to and re-
movals from Office Mr.. A. had not removed any
man on mere political grounds Judge S. said
he had then in his eve man who had held high
and responsible office. through which passed mo-
new to large amount. Mr.. a. had been solicit
ed to remove him, from political considerations.
But ne had asked s.has he done his duty thank
fully?" The answer was in the affirmative
His reply was Then | will not remove him
lie is worthy and capable; and that is all that
ask" we presume Judge S. had reference to
Jonathan Thompson, the late collector of N.
York.
Judge S. said he had evidence that Gen. Jack
son had said before his arrival at Washington.
that he did not intend to remove any officer unless
for malconduct. But '.committee of removals
had prevailed on him TO fals,fy his word. Judge
S. challenged any to show him single officer.
opposed to him politically, except perhaps some
one whose place was not worth S20a year, who
had not been removed. or who. if appointed BY
him, had not been his supporter,
A system of vile prescription had been pursu
ed bv Gen. Jackson. Men grew in wears had been
displaced, and green and noisy disiurbers of the
public peace had been appointed in their place
The venerable Melville, one of those patriots who
had destroyed the tea in Boston. had been hurl-
ed from Office. A vile course had also been fol-
lowed, in charging with populations officers when