Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-02-01

editor of a journal in New York, friendly to the
pre sent administration ct the government. Tor
myself, do not doubt the verify OF his state
ment, and submit it. without comment, to those
who desire information on the matters to which II
relates.
Mr.. President, in addition to the unbroken cur
rent of testimony to which have already ad-
yerted, showing most clearly the foul means en-
pIoyed bv the late Secretary Of State, to appro-
pirate the name and well earned fame Of Gene
raj Jackson to the advancement OF his own am
bilious projects, and TO overthrow all who obstruc-
ed his path to political power, feel 1t TO be my
duty to give to the Senate the substance OF con-
versation which took place between the President
aud a1nembtr of his late cabinet, simultaneously
with its dissolution. Sir, the distinguished gen
tlenan who made the statement OF this interview,
is too far above suspicion to need .from me the
eulogy which his character, public and private,
so Justly merits. His election from station
which he did not seek, the duties OF which ne
discharged with so much credit to himself and
advantage to his country, Is melancholy evil
tence Of the frailty of political friendships when
assailed by the ruthless ntrgucs OF AN ambitious
aspirant But, Sir, the frOwns of delinquent
friend, clothed with the panopy OF power. are
impotent and harmless, when the intended victim
is protected by the mild radiance of virtue. and
the shield of imperishable honor. The Presl-
dent invited this gentleman to private audience,
for the purpose of making known to him the new
arrangements on which he had determined. He
commenced with an air of diplomatic caution,
and studied precision. :" Sir. submit to you
two letters. which have received from the Sc
cretary Of State, and the Secretary Of War, re-
signing their respective Offices, and ask for them
your consideration" "sir," replied the asto.
nished Secretary, 81 am plain man and your
friend Our intercourse has been of long dura
ton, and you know that diplomacy is no part Of
my character or yours: be SO good therefore, as
to tell me, frankly, what you intend, and what
you desire of me- Then, Sir, will inform
you that mean to re.organize nv cabinet. y
Very we'll, Sir, hope you will profit BY the
change. | have not been your friend for the
sake of office, and wish only to be informed
whether my conduct while in your cabinet was
satisfactory 10 you.'' :Sir,' said the Presi-
dent, &" l have no fault to find with you."-
:. With this assurance" said the Secretary, 81
am contented; but allow me to inquire who is to
be your Secretary of Slater" "Mr. Livingston"
was the reply .Who is to take the Treasury
DEPARTMENTS .Mr. McI.ane, now Minister
in England" Nv no will occupy the Navy De-
partmen,?" Mr. Woodbury." I" And pray,
Sir, who is to replace Mr.. McLane in England!"
Mr.. VAN buren," And so the conversation
ended"
The inference which is inseparable from these
disclosures, must be obvious to every man whose
mind is in search OF truth, and whose Judgment
is free from the 6: malign Influence" of preju-
dice.
The finger Of disciplined intrisuer is visible
in all the various efforts made to dismiss parti-
cular members of the cabinet, from an early Pc
rind alter the Inauguration of Gen. Jackson until
it was Effected in 1881. The object cannot be
mistaken; and at this day, the managers scarce
ly attempt to conceal their fixed purpose Of de-
signaling Mr. Van Buren, as the successor of the
present Chief Magistrate "nolens volens," as
they are pleased to to express it,. Sir, on what
data can we reconcile the prompt and unhestat-
ing answer, given by the President to each in
quiry relating to the individuals who were to
pose the new cabinet, other than prcconcetted
and explicit arrangement, formed on mature de-
liberation, and free and full consultation with
those whose political opinions he was accustomed
to take on all subjects of great and absorbing IN.
terest to the country. Is not the fact as distinct
" known to every one acquainted with the poll
teal movements at the seat of the National Go.
vernment, as any on record, that for more than
piSNcuh3 VI thC i3'S S"ohS,
no consultations were held. and but formal in
tercourse kept up between the President and
three of his constitutional adyiserss 1t can.
not, and, presume, will not be denied, that
the Secretary of State had so managed as to
occupy the first place in the confidence and atiec
tons Of the Chief Magistrate. The only ration.
al conclusion, therefore, to which | can bring
INV mind, after careful and impartial exam.
nation of this whole subject, is, that the Sc
cretary Of State, prior to his own voluntary re.
signation, had not only ascertained that general
sweep was to be made Of all those whose inlu-
ence he dreaded, and who could not be induced
=. to bend the knee to Baal,' but had organized
new cabinet, and IS though last not least" had
taken especial care to open an avenue, through
which he might with safety retreat. and plant
himself in situation still more commanding in
the public eye, and better calculated to acceler-
ate the consummation of his Interior purpose.
" Who is TO replace MIR. McLane in England"
" Mr.. Van Buren," Sir, the time at which this
declaration was made 10 very remarkable: it pre-.
coded the publication Of the modest diplomatic
letter OF resignation, in which the Secretary of