Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1832-06-14
WHOLE NO. 115.

Of the revolution, would assert that they
did not shed their blood in contending
against the British tyranny, to transfer to
the American Congress the most uDde-
fined and despotic power ever claimed
by either House Of the English Parlia-~
ment; that ofiryiig and punisAing for con-
st'Tcfire contempts committed beyond The
pale Of its deliberations; that ours was
go, ernInent of written constitutions and
laws-that no line in the constitution, or
letter Of any law, authorised either branch
Of Congress TO assume jurisdiction over
offences belonging to the courts and ju-
ries; that the Sednion law itself, as il had
the sanction Of all the departments Of
government, had the semblance of right
TIC 'untenance il, but that the authority
recently assumed to punish for offences
analogous TO those provided for in that
law, had not even the color Of legisla-
tive net to sanction it, and was exercised
in derogation OF the genius Of our Gov
ernmcnt that If tolerated in its s1Daff be-
ginnings, it would make great encroach-
mcnts in the end; that no people could
submit 10 il for a length Of time, without
being prepared for the shackles which It
would certainly impose; that he was sure.
free American citizens could not consent
to principles which the subjects Of the
French monarchy had successfully resist
ed, although enforced by the influence
of the Prime Minster-that they knew
too well that the word PRERoGArIvE
couid not be found ,cittm tile Eds q f1ke
Constitution 81.
: The earnest manner in which the Pre-
sident expresses his opinions upon deep
iy interesting topics, especially upon po-
liical questions involving the liberties
and rights OF his fellow citizens, gives a
prctext To note-takers of his fire-side re-
marks, to impute violence and i'll temper
to his conversation. There never was a
more unjust imputation. There is indeed
peculiar boldness Of thought and ener-
gy of expression, in the Presidents con-
versation when discussing subjects Ofan-
imating ;nterest-but no man can mis-
take the generous enthusiasm which inn
parts emphasis to his tones, and an elo-
quent vehemence to his language, for
passion or i'll temper. On the contrary,
the mind of every listener catches the
natural warmth of his feelings, and it ia
only when some cold, calculating politi-
cal spy retircs among his friends and
gives garbled expressions to party malig-
nifty to work upon, that they are enabled
to torture his conversation tomean some
thing violent and improper. In the repe-
htion OF what has been uttered, the easy
courtesy with which he passes from sub
jects which rouse the enthusiasm Of his
character to those of light and cheerful
cast, is iost-insulated expressions are
given, and discolorcd by added circum-
stances-and Jesuitical inferences are
then employed to draw alarming threats
from The expression Of opinions support
ing the legal rights Of the citizen, against
usurped authority.
These men commit new outrage, by
invading the familiar and private conver-
sations in which the President unbosoms
himself to those whom he supposes to be
his friends, for the purpose Of dragging
him into the strife which they originate in
the House. We have direct injormation,
assuring us that Messrs. Mercer and
coddrige solicited betrayal ofwhat fell
from the President, in the unguarded
hours of social intercourse, as the basis
ofthe Congressional proceedings we have
noticed. We ask, what right has Con-
gress to institute an inquisition into the
private thoughts of the Chief Magistrates
They have none. The movers in this
affair knew they had none: nor did they
intend injury. They sought in it only a
to give the name Of Con-
gressional proceeding to the false and foul
inuendoes, which they have embodied in
the shape Of resolutions. The persons,
therefore, to whom we have referred,
must stand responsible for this attempt,
aud will be forever branded by public ap-
probation, unless they adduce some evi-
lence to sustain the black destinations
with which they attempted to charge the
journals OF the House.
The Eaiics, sc. Of the above are not
,urs, hut copied as we find them.-Na-
ionaI LsieAigencer.