Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-07-17
CONGRESSIONAL.

The Senate. on Friday last, proceeded to the
consideration Of the unfinished business OF the
day preceding, being the Veto Message to the
Bank Bill, and the bill itself to re-charter the
United States Bank.
Mr.. Benton. who was in possession OF the fioor.
concluded his remarks in defence Of the veto, and
in reply to Mr.. Clay. In the course OF his re:
marks, he had characterized the speech OF MIR.
&. as containing language wanting in courtesy
ndecorous aud disrespectful to the Chief Mag's'
trate.
Mr.. Clay rose to say few words in regard to
the ersonal illusions made to himself by the Sc
nator from Missouri. He would previously re.
mark, that the fact was now established by that
Senator, that the famous Tariff Of the Secretary
of the Treasury, which had engaged so much anx-
ious deliberation in Congress during this session,
originated from resolution in that officers own
hand. writing, presented to and adopted by the
House of Representatives That fact was unat-
fected BY any circumstances which led to the
draft of the resolution, and conclnsively proves
that the duty Of preparing the bill, IT not vnu"ta'
rilv sought, was not reluctantly assumed by the
Secretary.
The Senator from Missouri has adverted to the
fact OF crowded galleries. But it, impelled by
curiosity, the galleries are occasionally h'lea'
when il is understood some Senators are TO speak.
no member knows better than the honorable gen
tIe,nan that, when some others rise. the galleries
are quickly emptied, with whatever else the Sc
nate Chamber NAV then be filled. The member
ought not to be dissatisfied to-day Wit, the pre-
sence of those who are around him; for among
them is adya Of great literary eminence.
Mr.. CLAW continued and observed. that ne had
been accused by the Senator from Missouri with
| a want of courtesy and decOrum towards the
Chief Magistrate Of the United States. in the
Comments which he had felt it his duty to make
uoon the Presidents message accompanying his
vr,o nnon the bank bill. How had he rendered
himself liable TO this accusation? bill to re-
charter the bank had passed the Senate, with the
concurrence of his (Mr. CIay's) vote as one OF
the majority. The President disaPproved it.
and IN an elaborate message states at large ms
objections. Now what was the most respectful
course in regard to this message! 10 examine.
weigh. discuss. and decide upon the objections!
or 10 oroceed to the reconsideration OF the bill,
| enioined by the constitution, in silence! Mr..
Clay would appeal from the Senator to the Sc
nate. if he had not treated the President and his
message with all the respect which was consist
ent with the occasion, and with the high respon-
sibiIity under which every member OF the Dody
was bound to act?
In some past transactions, well known to the
public, he tMr. Clay had been furnished BY the
President with cause for resentment. But the
indulgence Of ferlings Of that description was al.
together improper in the discharge OF Official du-
ties; and he was entirely unconcious OF their
operation upon his mind in fulfilling bis public
obligations therein.
The Senator from Missouri had attributed TO
him mir Claw motive for his remarks, with
respect to the consequences which would ensue
in the western country from the discontlnuance
of the bank. But had not the President given
in his message the supposed operation OF the
bank IN the west, conspicuous placer Had he
not emphatically called the attention OF the Sc
nate to the injurious effects Of this institution on
western prosperity? The member from MIssou-
ri would be the last to assign 10 the President
improper motives for this part OF his message;
and why should he attribute them to another!
Mr.. President, said Mr. Clay, cannot allow
the member from Missouri to instruct me in eti-
ouette and courtesy, and how shall deport my
self towards an exalted parsonage. l can take
no instruction from such source. l cannot at
this period Of ms life. 60 with the member from
Missouri and his Indian blankets to Boone's Lick
to be taught the rules and practice OF politeness
If could consent to receive him as my preceP-
tor. should be at loss to know to which OF the
opposite opinions he. at different periods. has en-
tertained Of the President, ought to conform my
SELF never had any personal rencontre with the
President-I never promulgated bulletin on
any such rencontre. never complaped OF the
President beating brother OF mine after he vas
Frustrated and lying apparently lifeless. The
member from Missouri needs no more specific IN.
dicatlons of the transaction to which allusion is
now made. Nor did ever make such prophe-
cy Of the events. which would ensue from the
elevation Of the President, as the public press
ascribes to the Hon. Senator from Missouri.
Mr.. Clay concluded BY observing that ne did
pot mean to detain the Senate BY any further no
tice of the observations of the Senator from Mis-
souri, He had now and forever discharged all
.Mrs. RI was understood to be the per.
Sonage present.