Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1832-02-09
rEBiTE ~ THE SENATE ON
MIR. VAN BUREN'S NOMINATION.
REMARKS or MIR. CHAMBERS,
Of .Hovgi0im

II of.HUgi0m.
Il Mr.. CHAMBERS said thcie were few oc-
raSlons which could occasion with him a
more painful struggle between personal
inclination and oiiicial obligations, than
the one on which he was now called to
act. With the nominee, said Mr.. e..
have for years enjoyed personal and So
cial relations that have left impressions
which II would crafty me to indulge by
an expression of their kindcst recOllec-
tiun; and this consideration, with the fact
OF his frequent elevation to offices of high
honor and dignity, and his distinguished
position IN relation to the political parties
IN the country, will connect with the sub
lcct an interest rarely occasioned by the
II ninaton of an individual to office
The office itself to which he is nominated
is one SO intimately affecting the peculiar
duties and responsibilities of the Execu-
tive Magistrate by whom we are invited
10 confirm the appointment, as to require
on the part "i the Senate peculiar de-
gree of indulgence. Regarding u diplo-
matte iunctionary as the confidential or
gan of the President, as selected with
previous knowledge of the particular du-
ties to be performed by him, and with ref
crcncc tphiS especial fitness for those du-
ties, IT l. undoubtedly proper that the Ex-
ccutlve will, in regard to the agent should
not be controlled but from the most un-
yielding obstacles: to oppose it for light
causes would lessen the weight OF his re-
sponslbility and greatly increase our own
L To reject the nomination of Minister at
home or abroad, can, in my view, be de-
icnslblc only upon the strong grounds of
'princi pie, having direct and immediate
reference to considerations OF a public
nature.
Il In the deliberate counsel and advice
| which the Constitution requires us to give
to the President there is no proper place
! for the exercise of personal favor or i'll
| will, for party prejudice or partlaIlty.--
! Sir, as one of the humblcst members Of
this body, can tcarlessly appeal 10 my
| course here on all former occasions, and
10 the course of those with whom | usu-
ally act, with the most entire confidence
that it will cvincc liberal charity to-
ware. the officers nominated, and a mag
nanin us surrender of personal and po-
lilical pre- udiccs on the altar of the pub
lie good, and usi regard to the prerog-
aiivcs of the President.
/ With these opinions. Mr.. President, it
! is scarcely necessary to affirm, that in the
! vote which | shall give on this occasion,
| have obeycd no other impulse than that
! of my Judgment; but il will be permitted
l Il a. a.
icctcd Si.Cerity that my personal incli-
nations have reluctantly Witnessed, and
would gladly reverse the sentence which
IL high sense of official duty will compel
me to record, with deep and abiding
conviction OF It's iustncss. am altogeth-
cr aware Of the danger to which my vote
may expose me from the malignant viru-
Icncc OF those who, themselves inscnsi-
! hlc To the honest and honorable feeling
| which subducs the petty passions of
contracted and iactious partiZan, are on
| all occa> ions inclined to attribute the con
! duct of others to the narrow minded, ,pOli-
ley which governs themselves. Sir, |
i should be an unialthiul servant Of my
State, trcachcrous to the high trust which
/
! the courage necessary to protect the in
tcrcSts conlidcd to my guardianship, if
! apprchcnsions like these could for mo-
mcnt divert me from the path to which
duty points. Ii would have afforded mo
great qualification TO have listened to
some more able advocate of the nations
honor, and to have been able To repose
my vote on the causes more satisiactorl-
" assigned by another. But the ques-
ton is about to he taken, and ! will not
consent to allow an occasion to pass, with
out raising my feeble voice to redeem
the tarnlshrd reputation of my country.
II other Senators accord with my opinion,
1t is essential, sir, that the vote of rcjoc-
ton shall go forth associated with tho
reasons which influence it, Yes, sir tho
honor and the dignity of thls nation has
and ] think 1t dcmonsirablc the here
totore unsulllcd diplomatic character of
the American Republic has been stain
cd, its lofty pride has been Inundated
unncc CO ssarly ,wantonly humbled-by tho
man who is now proposed as its guardian,
aud protector, and advocate; and as an
American Senator, ] am not content bare
" TO put upon HIM the seal Of freprobation
IN secret session of this body. No, sir,
let the American Govcrnmcnt-lct tho
American people, proud of their national
honor, know that no ruthless hand shall
dcsecrate IT with impunlty; aud let for