The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1831-1858, 1832-02-15


ed IN darkness and mystery, and executed By the
arm OF power, neryed by the recent development
OF public opinion, for the accomplishment OF his ul
terror vlews-which knew no limit short Of con-
trolling and directing the destinies Of the nation.
Inc established practice of every preceding admin
istration to hold cabinet councils was abolished
ana the secret machinery OF political intrigue was
put into successful operation, worked by the skill
OF the master spirit behind the curtain No board
OF consultation around the green cloth was held,
where each membur required to unfold his
sentiments freely and frankly Of all men ahd meas
ures, connected with national policy. No princi-
pies were promulgated as the standard by which
the people might test the claims of the administra-
lion to their confidence and support. Every thing
was involved in doaht and uncertainty in order to
catch the breeze OF popular impulse in whatever d-
recnon it might set, and to conform to its over
wheiming influence. The southern politician who
complained oil oppression was soothed, hattered
or Threatened according to the thermometer which
regulated the political atmosphere around the walls
OF the palace. The monopolists and office hunters
received assurances to satisfy thcSr utmost wishes
and expectations, and the doctrines Of the Amer
lean System" were adopted and repudiated accord
ing to calculations, founded on a well arranged
scale OF political profit and loss
An effort to restore the ancient usage of cabinet
councils, made by a few Of the most devoted
friends OF General Jackson, repealed with in
dignation and the friendly interposition falsely
ascrbed to personal hostility, to particular mem
Der of his cabinet. Those gentlemen have since
been looked on with distrust and suspicion by the
President.
Thus protected from all interference on the part
oil his associates in power, and from public animal
version Mr. Van Buren, shaped His course to suit the
crisis keeping steadily in view his ultimate eeva-
ton to the FIRST ofscein the gift of free People,
Possessed, as he was, of the unlimited confidence
oil General Jackson, he very soon found free &C
cess to his ear, and by appropriate advances led
him into excesses and errors fatal to the tranquil
lity OF the country, without afordng the slightest
evidence that he, in any manner, participated in
producing the results which he anxiously desired
to accomplish. The proscriptive policy, pushed
as it was, to extremities which the public interest
did not seem to require, and far beyond the prac-
tlce Of any other chief magistrate, has been uni
versaly attributed to the advice and influence of
MIR. Van Buren,. This system, combined with the
whole patronage Of the government, was, as far as
practicable, placed at his discretion, to smooth the
| way to the Interior object of his ambition. He
made himself almost the sole adviser of the Presi-
dent during the first two years of his administra-
| ton, and every who stood IN his way was
made to feel the power of executive denuncia-
ton. 70 this cause may be attributed the unpro-
voked rupture between the first and second officers
of this government; the prosration of those noble
and high minded friends to whose unwavering ex-
ertons, and lofty eloquence, General Jackson must
| feel himself indebted for his success in the late
| contest Of the Presidency and finally the dissou-
L
| ton of MIR. Van Buren, Minister to the Court of
| London.
| l have, Mr.. President, been put in possession of
communications, tracing with great minuteness,
and have no doubt accurately. the means resort
ed TO by Mr.. Van Buren,, to produce the rapture
between Genera Jackson and those honorable men
who had accepted his invitation to become MEM
bers of his political family forbear to read this
paper TO the Senate, because of the peculiar mat
tiers OF which it treats; but hold myself ready to
deliver 1t, with the name Of the author to any
committee OF investigation which may be appoint
ed to embody the evidence on this subject. | have
also received from gentleman now in this city,
statement o. conversation held with the late
Secretary Of State, after he had surrendered the
seals of Office, which beg leave to lay on tho ta-
ble as the facts it details intimately connected
with those transactions which have occupied so
large share Of the public attention, and which
regret to say, has never been explained in a man.
ner to satisfy the moral feeling of the country Of
the writer OF this communication, have very little
personal knowledge; but no has the most respect
able testimonials Of his good character and con-
duct and am informed, has been favorably known
as the editor of Journal at New York, friendly
to the present administration of the government.
For myself, do not doubt the verify of This state
ment, and submit 1t, without comment, to those
who desire information on the matters to which it
relates.
+ Mr.. President, Ia addition to the unbroken cur
rent Of testimony to which have already advert
ed, showing most clearly the foul means employ
ed by tho late Secretary of State, to appropriate
the name and we'll earned fame of General Jack
son to the advancement of his ambitious
projects, and to overthrow all who INSTRUCTED his
path political power, feel it to be my duty to give
to the Senate the substance of conversation which
took place between the President and a member
OF his late cabinet, simultaneously with its dis
solution. Sir, the distinguished gentleman who
made the statement Of this interview. is too far
above suspicion to need from me the euogy which
his character, public and private, justly merits
His election from station which he did not seek,
the duties of which be discharged with so much
credit to himself and advantage TO his country is
melancholy evidence Of the fralty of political
friendships, when assaulted by the ruthless ntrigues
OF an ambitious aspirant But, sir, the irowns of
delinquent friend, clothed with the panoply
OF power, are impotent and harmless, when
the Intended victim is protected by the mild rad-
, ance of virtue, and the shield OF imperishable
honor. The President invited this gentleman to
private audience for the purpose Of making known
to him the new arrangements on which he had de-
termiRed. He commenced with an air of diplo-
matte caution, and studied precision " Sir, sub
init to you two letters which have received from
the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of War
resignng their respective offices, and ask for them
your serious consideration" Sir" replied the
astonished Secretary, I" | am plain man and you.
friend Our intercourse has been of long duration
andyou know that diplomacy is no part of my char
acter or yours be SO good therefore, as to tell me
| frankly, what you intend and what you desire of
me-" "Then, sir, will inform you that mean
| to reorganize my cabinet" Very well sir |
| hope you will profit by the change. | have not
been your friend for the sake OF Office, and wish
only to be informed whether my conduct while in
| your cabinet satisfactory to you." Sir"
said the President, al have no fault to find with
you" "With this assurance, !" said the Secretary
g am contented; but allow me to inquire who is
to be your Secretary Of State" " MIR. Living.
ston." "Who is to take the Treasury Depart.
mentW "Mr McLane, row Minister in Eng
/ land" Who will occupy the Navy Department 7,
place Mr.. McLane in England :" "Mr Van Du
rem" And so the conversation ended.
The inference which is inseparabla from these
disclosures, must be obvious to every man whose
mind is IN search of truth and whose Judgment is
free from the malign influence" of prejudice.
The finger of disciplined intriguer is visible
in all the various efforts made to dismiss particular
members Of the cabinet, from an early period after
the Inauguration of General Jackson until it was
effected in 1881. The object cannot be mistaken
and at this day, the managers scarcely ATTEMPT to
conceal their fixed purpose Of designating Mr.. Van
Buren, as the successor Of the present Chief Magis.
trate, nolens volens," as they pleased to ex-
press it. Sir, on what data can we reconcile the
prompt and unhcsitatng answer, given by the Pres
ident to each inquiry relating to the individuals
who were to compose tho new cabinet, other than
apreconcerted and explicit arrangement, formed
on mature deliberations and free and full consul
tatlon with those whose political opinions he was
accustomed to take all subjects Of great and alb
sorbing interest to the country. Is net the fact as
distinctly known TO every one acquainted with the
political movements at the seat of the National
Government, as any record, that for more than
year preceding the rupture of the late cahipat