Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-01-07

From the New York Courier and Enquirer.
PUBLIC MEETING.
CInims nf Er- President .lLOnroe.

dcd
On morton of Philip Hone Esq. His Honour the
Mayor called to preside Philip Hone and
Tnomas Hertell, Esqs. appointed Vice Presi-
dents; and Chas. a. Clinton and George d. Strong.
ESqs Secretaries.
Alter the call for the meeting had been read. Ma
thew & Patterson, Esq addressed the meeting
The gentleman said, that when he entered the room,
he had not intended to appear otherwise than as
mere spectator; his heart had. however, responded
TO the call when Sec said the gentleman "a
faithful servant Of the republic put forward his just
claims upon the country feel az a man. and as
American. and it gives HEARTFELT qualification TO
perceive that the sentiments of respectable
semblage as is here organised, correspond with
those feel. In early youth, Mr.. Monroe took part
public lite he continued IN the public service unto
III Old age-does it not. ask, bring blush into
your checks 10 see such man seeking from
pl';ance, and that too. which should be his as
claims has been admitted repeatedly, but justice too
long delayed. is justice denied. We all admire the
CHI, ucer of Mr.. Monroe-we enjoy the fruits of
his labors for the public good, and are therefore call
cd upon tn press his claims the attention of the
peoples representatives. We Owe this a matter
Of duty, and will hope that there is in the breast
Of every American sufficient sense of honor and
duty to support these claims"
The gentleman concluded by moving the first
solution, which was seconded s. carried unanimously.
Joseph Blunt, Esq. in rising to propose the second
resolution, spoke nearly as follows:
''At time when we hear every day the ds,ur-
bed state of so large part Of the old world, it is
of pure qualification to look upon our own
country bles it is with Increasing wealth population
and greatness. Must not look back with graft
tude to those who, by their efforts changed that
which they found Wilderness, into nation of free
and enlightened men, enjoying more happiness than
any other ccunry the world. If we look back
but hat Century We see our Country in the posses
sion of foreign enemy, our sD dyed with the blood
of ireanen struggling amidst almost overwhelming
difficulties, yet desparino of the of lib
erty. At that time, Mr. Monroe, the individual
whose is before you this evening, took part IN
the achievement which established country
nation, and gave her Liberty.
1.-THE gentleman here entered into an eloquent
detail of the public services of Mr.. Monroe
All ihese continued the gentleman, worthy
Of our remembrance, and of our gratitude; for all
these have contributed to raise our country to that
high rank which she now occupies When | look
upon the manner in which we have rewarded those
men to whom are deeply indebted, | own that |
blush TO think upon the character which NAV be
awarded US by after ages; Robert Morris who bv his
devotion saved the credit of the u. States was per-
mIlted to die in prison; Jefferson tho author the
declaration Of our rights was pern,itte to enjoy his
personal liberty only by the courtesy of his creditors;
and Monroe is Obliged to present his claims before
his country do consider, gentlemen, that we are |
bound to have deep regard for the character of
country, and as necessary to this end,
it is duty to press the claims of Mr.. Monroe |
upon the attention Of Congress. The gentleman
eoncluded by moving the second resolution which
was seconded and arried unanimously.
m.
said-this resolution Mr., Chairman, eu1anatcs from
meeting of singular character, from meeting in
which the agitation and the zeal of party has no place
Men of all parties united in support Of the OBJ
iect for which we assembled 1t is q meeting of
a character which thank my God is seldom called
together and sincerely hope that few meetings on
similar subject will be deemed necessary in this
country. We assembled to unite in requesting
Congress to decide upon petition in favor of claims
made BY public servant on the country which he
served phis petition was originally presented by
the citizens Of Abemare the county which gave him
brfh: this coGnty in which he is so Well Known has
I he most entire belief the Justice of his claims,
These claims have been presented by this cooHy and
in consequence of the great press Of busDess thew
have not vet been acted Upon; I cannor-I will moi
believe that if the subject brought before the
representatives OF the people, that there IS single
Individual amongst them, who could refuse to act
Upon it promptly. 1t may perhaps be asked wby as |
he claim is founded upon public service, it was not
pGrerrcd before this time? in answer, / will merely
shy that it was subject of very peculiar delicacy-l
he man who filled The neasure ofhis corntrv's piorv
never you'd, until adnonished by the weight of wears
of his necessities, make claim upon his country for
Chat which it owed him And gentleneH there is
sfutno ofmitations which can relieve the Ueopie
Of the United States from the debt they owe him.
Mr. Monroe has given proofs of thcsaos upright cha
ractcr, and he asks nothing in the way of indnlqeDce
he WisIes that bis claims should be scruinznd and
decided upoa according to justice only. have no
Intention to find fault With Congress for their pas
delay. | believe It has been caused by a press of
public business, bu: would now tell them that the
subject upon which assembled does not admit
Of delay; the man whose just claims we press is in
want and he is the brink of the grave; there is
time to be lost he will depart from among ss
would now asR this meeting for whom are they re-
.Iured to press this matterl Is it for an adventurer
whose fidelity cannot know! Is there aDy politi-
cal object in view which could excite the intern
prrate zeal of any ofus! No. We have no object
we have object in view, save to procure
instce for him who has served the public faithfully
Here STr. Price gave hasty, although an able
sketch of Mr. Monroes public life, and dwelt with
perspIcuity upon the deterioration which Mr. Non
roes private prosperity suffered by his attendance
20 the business of the people, Perhaps continued
the gentleman, may be asked. why Mr.. H. accented
Of the Offices which withdrew him from his private
property: the simple and the only answer is
because the people called him forth.--[ Loud An
Plause.
After 10 gears Of public life, he returned TO meet
private embarrassments, his family in Distress and
within year he has fell heavy domestic calamity
and ut the present time it is necessary for him to lake
up his residence amongst us, in this city Ought we
not to strive with Albemarle county in pfessipr
forward his claim? Independent of that respect for
justice. which should Influence all America in his
lavor, do we not owe it him. an act Of hosptality
TO endeavOuT to procure the 0ujdntou of his caions