Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-02-02
DEBATE IN THE. SENATE
On Mr.. VAN BrRENs NonriNArroy.
REMARKS OF MIR. CHAMBERS

Mr.. CHAMBERS said there were few &C.
| ca.ions which could occasion with him more
p iuiul struggle between personal inclination
aud ctficial obligations, than the one on which
he was now called to act. With the nominee
slid Mr.. c. have for years enjoy ed personal
and social relations that have left impressions
which it would crafty me 10 indulge by an cx-
preston of their klndest recol' eel ion, and This
consideration, with the fact of his frequent elr
walton to Offices Of high honor and dignity, and
his Distinguished position in relation 10 the po-
tical parties in the country, Will connect with
the subject an interest rarely occasioncd by tie
nomination Of an individual to Office The of.
flee itself 10 which he is nominated is one so in
timately affecting the peculiar duties and respon-
sibilites of The Executive Magistrate by whom
we are invited to confirm the appointment, as to
require on The part of the Senate peculiar de-
gree of indulgence. Regarding diplomatic
functonary as the confidential organ of the
President, as selected with previous know
ledge the particular duties to be performed
by him, and with reference TO his especial fit.
ness for those duties, it is undoubtedly proper
that the Executive 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 responsibility and
greatly increase our own. TO reject the nomi.
nation of Minister at home or abroad, can, in
my view, be dcfeDsible only upon the strong
grounds Of principle, having direct and imno-
dlatn reference to considerations Of public ma
turT.
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 per
sonal favor or III viii, for party prejudice or
p1rtiality. Sir, as one Of the humblcs members
ofthis body, can fearlessly appeal to my cour.e
here on all former occasions, and to the course
Of those with whom usually act, with the most
entire confidence that it viii ev;ncc a liberal
charity toward nc officers nominated. and
m1ruanlmous surrender Of p, rSonai and political
prcjudices on the altar OF the public good, and
just regard to The PrcTogativcs IF the Pest
dent
with these opinions, MIR. President, it is
scarcely necessary 10 affirm, that in the vote
Which shall give on this occasion, have obey
ed 10 other impulse than that Of my judgment;
but u VII be permitted me TO assert, as | do
wyh the most unaffected sincerity. that NV Der
S'ual incDations have reluctantly witnessed.
and would gladly reverse the sentence which
high sense of official duty VIII compel nc to re-
cord, with deep and abiding conviction of its
business | am altogether aware of the dancer
10 which my vote may expose me- from Tie mallc.
uart yirucncc ofthose who, themselves irsensible
to the honest and honoraj L. f cling Hhch sutdrcs
tie petty passions of contracted and factious
pcrliZan, are on all occasions inclined to airri-
3uiC the conduct Of others TO the narrow-rrind-
cd policy which governs themselves. Sir,
sHoIld be- an u1f5ithfuIserYant ofmy State, reach
eroUs 10 the high trust which / am charged to
execute, and destitute Of the courage necessary