Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1832-02-14
Twenty-secoaad Congrcss.--scss. 4,
DEBATE IN THE SENATE
ON MIR. VAN BUREN'S NOMINATION.

dWcNty-secOEhO SOnSrcSs.--SCSS.n 4.
DEBATE IN THE SENATE
ON MR. VAN BUREN'S NOMINATION.
Mr. MARcY's REMARKS
On The Resolution altered by Mr.. Holmes
When the resolutions offered by Mr. Holmes were I'M
der consideration, and the close of the debate
Mr. Marcy obscry that he had intended TO make
single remark upon the subject then before the Senate
yet nc was unwilling TO give vote, from which might
be inferred, unless II was accompanied with n word of
explanation, that he wished suppress inquiry That
was very far from his intention Ii any honorable Sena
tor has reason to believe that the person whose nomination
now under consideration, is chargcablc with Improper
conduct, and will introduce a resolution specifying The
charge and asking FOR enquiry he would give it his sup
port as readily any mcmberof that body that the reso
lutions offered by the Senator from Maine, (NIr Holmes
were of an oxcepdonable character; for, in addition to
impeachng Indirectly, if it may be considered the
egry of the President, by proposing ask il hc had
stated the TRUE for the dissolution of his late
Cabinet ii will bring before the Committee if il should
be adopted OF matters, very difficult TO be ennur
ed nto and all connected, he conceived with
the be given the nomination of Mr. Van huron
No Committee to which these resolutions will be sent
will voluntarily enter into the various matters which some
gentlemen may suppose 10 be within the scope of the en-
curry into the of the dissolution of the late Cabinet
and the Senate ought not to impose that labor on them
unless it be proposed TO hew a Mr. Van Buren, had an
agency in that affair 1t is pretended not
by the resolutonshat he connected with the event
Il is true that the resolutions after the introduction OF
much irrelevant matter proposes TO inquire whether Mr..
Van Buren, had not participated in practices dsgrace TO
the national character, SC.
Let any Senator who believes such practices over had
IN point OF fact any existence put them forth specifically
in resolution, and he would he said, send ii 10
committee Tor investigation and if they found 10 be
true let the nominee be rejected The DESIGNATION Of oc
fences by the terms 'praccesdsgraceul the nation
al character, very vagucquitc vague. The ma
turo and character OF these practices should be Defined
that the Senate may know the duty they impose the
committee the duty they required o perform
The proposed resolutions, shaped make spcci
He therefore felt himself called vote against them
or vote for laying them on the table; but when case
for enquiry was presented, he would going in
TO it, Indeed he wished be distinctly understood as in
vidng inquiry; but in fairness, should DC sp Gifted
charges.
As to some of the practices intended probably TO be en-
braccd in the resolutions have, he said the solemn
public denalof Mr.. Van Buren,, accompanied with chal-
engc 10 all the world for proof and had yet been
found 10 acceptth cha' engo forth with proof Those
who best know the character and conduct of the nominee
feel the fullest conf that nothing dishonoabc or
grading in the slightest degree can be substantiatcd S.
far, therefore, from closing the door of investigation they
are willing TO open il.
REMARKS OF MR.. MOORE
Mr.. President, j do not rise for the purpose of
proongng this debate Under all the circumstances of the
case, Notwithstanding the able views which have been
presented and the Impotence of the Senate, feel
duty incumbent upon not only in justification of nv
Seii, ana oil me n'oHreS which govern in the vote
which about 10 give, but also Justice 10 the free
and independent people whom have the honor in part
REPRESENT that should set forth the which have
reluctantly compelled me TO oppose the confirmation of the
present nominee. Sir il is proper should declare that
the evidences adduced against the character and conduct
of the late Secretary State and the sources from
this evidence emanates, have made an impression upon
my mind that viii require of me- the conscientious
houg h painful discharge of NV duty TO record NV vote
against his nomination. But let be understood that
am opposed to the Executive his administration On
slight grounds am incapable of assuming such an atti-
tudc for, Sir have the honorof having been associated
with my fellow citizens in eevang Cen Jackson to the
Presidency, and the broad principles which elevated him
TO Office continue the beacon lights of my political course
And Sir it must be remembered that the proud people
whose representative am patriotic to aDink at
compromise of nations honor viruous to encourage
intrigue and corrupuon and too honest TO withhold their
appreciation from faithful discharge of public duty
In the name of this people, then, whose servant rejoice
to call myself, far my vote may 60 / shall protest
highly of
has been pursued by the nominee. repeat Sir that the
shall give does proceed from hostility TO the
ecutive. came here prepared and disposed to
give liberal and support to the great leading
measures OF his administration 1t is, therefore with no
small degree OF satisfaction that my cordial
support of OF those nominations which
have passed in review before the Senate and especially
the nominations OF his cabinet ministers; and am ,oic
Sir free TO state that my vote shall be given for Martin
Van Buren, Minister to England if the CHARGES which
have been preferred against him SHALL by any means be
weakened done away. As the friend of Andrew Jack
son, have BEEN and am st disposed prosecute this
inquiry into the truth of the charges, believing that it is
due, both tothe President and the nominee that every
gentleman present should be fully satisfied OF the correct
of his vote No in the nation boast sincerer
friendship for the Executive han can; no man in hc
dark hour Of trial ervent in his support (or
original advocate Of his clams.)
But, Sir, cannot obey the slaysh dictates Of party
ciplnc. am constrained TO yield TO the deliberate con
vctions OF my conscientious Judgment When my reasoi
is convinced, dare not disregard her mandates.
Sir, as has been rcmrkcd by the honorable gentleman
froia Maryland CMr ChambcrsO ], too, of thu
danger TO which my vote may subject me. For, Sir, it
my late 10 nave Dcr enemies; but, Sir il is pecd
fortune to be able to boast Of the sincere and warmes
friends am also aware that the fnalignily Of those VIII
cannot appreciate the obligations Of honest D1ore maj
them TO hur the shafts Of caumny against me- an
attempt to prejudice the minds OF my constituents an
aware too that there those whose minds are narrowed
to the confines Of party predictions whom those as
sluts may prove successful. am also aware Of nv mis-
fortune in differing with my honorable colleague and tina
the "otices which have induced me to my stand
may DC utterly msrepTesented. However, after due de
MIGRATION and reflection, and under strong impression
my bIgh responsibilities and with perfect conviction
the appreciation Of my conscience, and my constituent
no satisfactory explanation Of the wcighy charges aege
against him having been given compelled TO recor
my vote agains' the nomination
REMARKS MR.. CLAY
Mr.. CLAY said after the most deliberate cons,rraGon
regret tina; find myself utterly unable to reconcile viii
the duty my country, vote in favor Of tbis no
mnson Iregret because In all tho past sthie Of par