Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1832-02-16


inquiry, lest this executive duty which we
are noie to perform, shall conflict with a
future judicial duty which we, By possi-
b'hfy, may hare to perform! Sir, it is e.
nough to state the objection to show its
manifest absurdity. And where does
this argument of the gentleman lead us
1t shuts the door Of inquiry forever, and
every man, now in office, nominated for
another, must be "taken and deemed"
worthy, lest the senate should stumble
upon impeachablc matter!
l find, therefore, that senators who
profess to court inquiry, urge objections,
which would defeat all investigation. 1t
must be impossible, then, to frame any
resolutions, which would meet their views;
and why should further modify these to
please them, when they are determined
to be satisfied with nothing'
Sir, as to the disgrace attached to these
resolutions, | allow no man to Judge for
me, what is honorable or disgracelul -
That they refer to a disgraceiu transac-
ton, readily admit But have yet to-
learn, that, if the administration descend
to scandalous transactions, that it is be-
meath the dignity OF this senate to call
them to account.
Note.-It is, perhaps, due to the pub
lie, that should, to prevent false impress
sions, explain the reasons why the reso-
lutions which | offered, were laid on the
table, and not afterwards taken up and
acted on. The resolutions were object
ed to by some ofMr. Van Buren's friends,
and the form of them by some of those
who eventually voted against him. But
several Of his friends had in debate urg-
ed arguments which would go greatly a
gainst any resolutions of inquiry upon
this nomination. Such as the absence of
the person nominated, and the danger of
finding impeachable matter, &c. To
these senators | readily perceived that
no inquiry would be acceptable. Ofthose
who finally voted against the nomina-
ton, some wished the resolutions modi-
fled. To give time to frame them so as
to suit all who wished inquiry, moved to
lay the resolutions on the table. Wheth-
er any resolutions of inquiry could have
been framed that would have met the ap-
probation of the friends of MIR. Van Bu-
rem, is not for me to say. After this, |
was asked by member, if l intended to
call up the resolutions, or "bill of indict-
ment," and if did, when' My answer
was-"Not till the grand jury is full, if
at all" Then, turning to senator from
New Y ork, l informed him distinctly
that would let him know tomorrow
whether ! should call up the resolutions
or not; and, if it should be my determin-
alton to call them up, he was to move to
so into executive business, for the pur-
pose of discussing and deciding them
The NEXT morning drew substitute
for the first resolution, as follows:- II
"That the nomination of Martin Van
Buren,, as minister to Great Britain, be
referred to select committee; and that
he committee be instructed to INQUIRE
what were the causes of the removal
rom Office Of the late secretaries Of the
reasury and navy, and the attorney gen
'ral, and the designations Of the late
secretaries of state and war; and wheth-
'r Mr.. Van Buren, had any, and, if any,
What agency, ,in bringing about the change
If the late cabinet
"And, also, to inquire whether Mr..
Van Buren, did resign his office as Sec
etary of state, under promise, or un-
lerstanding, that he was to be appointed
Minister to Great Britain; and with fur
her understanding with the late minis
er to Great Britain, that he was to be
provided with the place which he now
njoys."
showed this to several ofmy friends,
vho were satisfied with it, But others
referred the original resolutions; and
elieving no form could be devised by me
'hich would be acceptable; and that the
acts sought to be disclosed by them,
hight be ascertained withou. the inter- Il
ention of committee, informed the
enator that should not call them up, in
lcse words, which l wrote down at the 4,
me: 81 am satisfied that the facts to
C inquired into by the resolutions which :
offered on the nomination of MIR. Van q
'uren, can be ascertaincd without a r
and, therefore, shall not
all them up" Thus leaving the friends
Mr.. Van Buren, to prosecute the in
uiry by committee, or to permit the !
cts to be ascertained by each senator a
n himself J. HOLMES. =,