Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 182?-183?, 1832-02-10
DEBATE IN THE SENATE,
ON MIR. VAN BUREN's NOMINATION.
REMARKS OF Mn CHAMBERs


Mr.. CHAMBERS said there were few oc-
casion which could cause with him more
painful struggle between personal inclination
and official obligations, than the one on which
he was now called TO act. With the nom
inee, sad Mr.. c., have for years enioyed
personal and social relations that have left
impressions which it would CRAFTY me TO in
dulge by an expression of the kindest recol-
lection, and this consideration, with the TACT
OF his frequent elevation to offices of high
honor and dignity, and his distinguished posi-
tionln relation TO the political parties in the
country, will connect with the subject an in
terest rarely occaSsloned by the nomination
OF an individual to Office. The office itself
TO which he is nominated is onesointimateIy
affecting the peculiar duties and responsible
tiles OF the Executive Magistrate by whom
we are invited 10. confirm the appointment,
as to require on the part of the Senate pc
culiar degree of indulgence. Regarding a
diplomatic funCtiouary as The confidential
organ OF the President, as selected with a
previous knowledge of the particular duties
TO be performed by him, and with reference
TO his especial fitness for those duties, If is
undoubtedly proper that the Executive will.
in regard to the agent, should not be con-
trolled but from the most uny ieldinp obsta-
Giles: TO oppose il for light causes would les
sen the weight Of his responsibility and great
ly increase our own. To reject the nonina-
ton ola Minister at home or abroad, can, in
my view, be defensible only upon the strong
ground OF principle, having direct and i'm
mediate reference 10 considerations of a pub
lie nature
In the deliberate counsel and advice
which the Constitution requires us to give
to the President, there is no proper place for
exercise of personal favor or i'll will for par
" prejudice or partiality. Sir, as one oil
the humblest members Of this body, can
iearlessly appeal TO my course here on all
former occasions, and the course Of those
with whom usually act, with the most en-
tire confidence tbatit will evince a liberal
Charity toward the officers nominated, and a
magnanimous surrender of personal and DO
Iitical prejudlces on the altar of the public
| good, and just regard 10 the prerogatlves o.
| the President.
/ with these opinions, Mr.. President, il i.
scarcely necessary 10 affirm, that in The vote
which shall give on this occasion, have o.
beyed no other impulse than that of my
Judgment; but it will be permitted me Il
assert, as do with the most unaffected since.
rlty, that my personal inclinations have re.
IucIanlly witnessed, and would gladly re.
verse the sentence which high sense of Of
fetal duty will compel me to record, with ;
deep and abiding conviction of its business
] am altogether aware Of the dangerto which
my vote may expose me from the malignan
( yirulence of those who, themselves insensi
bic TO the honest and honorable feeling which
subdues the petty passions Of contracted
and iactious partizan, are on all occasions in
clined TO attribute the conduct Of others Il
the narrowminded policy which govern
themselves. Sir, should be an unfaithfu
servant Of my State, treacherous to the higl
trust which am charged to execute, ant
destitute Of the courage necessary to protec
the interests confded TO my guardianship,
apprehensions like these could for nomen
divert me from the path to which duty points
! II would have Afforded me great grstifica