Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-02-14
DEBATE IN THE SENATE
ON MR.. VAN BUREN'S NOMINATION.
REMARKS OF MIR. MILLER.

Mr.. President: | understood the honorable
Senator from Massachusetts, when he addressed
the Senate early in the debate. to say that he
intended to move to have the injunction Of Sc
crccy removed, with view that the public
might be informed as to the grounds upon which
this nomination had been opposed and supported
and, from the expression of opinion from those
around me- | have no doubt but that motion will
prevail The situation In which | stand in
lation TO the parties here, and at home, requires
me briefly TO assign my reasons for tho vote
shall give. | may be permitted to declare | have
the most perfect respect for this body, indivi-
duol!y and collectively The observations shall
make are to show to the public, the Senate, and
my constituents the ground on which stand
trust, if any thing escapes from me in the hurry
of debate savoring ofsever'ty on the conduct OF
the nominee, it will be considered as sprnging
from conscious sense Of what | owe myself
and The state III part represent,and mol az in the
slightest degree to implicase the feelings oS any
one here, much less TO Influence their opinions.
Thus called on 10 give vote on responsible &
delicate subject, it would have been desirable
that | should have had the same grounds TO rest
on with others who have embarked in the de-
bate, but | have rot this consolation Upon
this question ] AIN insulated, and have reasons
which have not rs yet been brought forward.
which are peculiar 20 myself | stand here
like one of the sons ef lshmacl; my hand is
against every one, and the hand Of every one
against nc.
The Senator from Miss. (Nr Poindextcr) said
on yesterday, Inc had heard, in his nbscncc.that n
motion had hecn introduced for specific inquiry
into the conduct of the nominee, during his
pcrintendencc Of the State Department, and
that this inquiry had been resisted by his irlcnds
Ard understood the member from Geo SIR.
i3orsyth) TO cay the Senator from Mississippi
was mlsiniOrmod as TO the course OF the friends
Of The nominee on these resolutions. Sir, ii vii
be reco'iectcd whcn this appointment first cam"
under consideration, that | suggested doubts
upon my mind in relation TO il. | supported ibc
motion TO rcf'r it to the Committee Of Fo7cigu
| Relations, desiring to shelter myself under The
authority ct that most respectable aud cIlght-
cncd committee, upon several points incidentally
| thrown cut, such as 20 the cause of the
| late dissolution Of the Cabinet; tho propricry
! of having resident Minister a. the Court ~
s.. James, when We had only a Charge d. At.
fairs from that Court hcro and the propri ty am
reasons orihc recall from that Court of our very
popular minister, sir McIane. It WIS then
! urged by Senator on my lett, (3Ir Kanc,) n
friend Of the nominee, that the reference shou!c
| take place and it was as2rtcd that the character
| oftho Senate required the investigation, after
| the suggestions thrown out by myself. | ccr-
! aaly DID not intend to put the character Of the
Senate in issue by any thing thrown out by
| ms: nor 90 | taiak it was so placed; but it j;
! eq31ly certain ! mean, and had the right, u
pa. tis character Of tins applicant f.r Office II