Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1834-05-16
REMARKS OF MR.. EWING,
OF INDIANA,

REMARKS OF MR.. EWING,
OF INDIANA,
IN repf, to Mr. BYNJLM, on the General Ap-
oropriatioa Biz an the House Of Representa-
tines Friday, May 8, 1884.
MIR. EWING, of Indiana, said:-The gentle
man from ~ c.. (Mr BYNUM) has excited feel
inos and apprehensons in my bosom which
would gladly suppress | should much rather
accord with the opinions OF those whom the peo-
ple have clothed with power, than in the con-
scientious performance ofmy duty in this House
TO be compelled to oppose them. The claims
for mower advanced on the part of the present
Executive so far as sanctioned by the ConStltu-
ton, most cheerfully accord to him, and no
man is more ready TO award him the need OF
gratitude for his military services. But when,
in the language of the honorable member from
North Carolina, tact obedience and blind &C
ouescence are claimed for his civil services as
the only test of patriotism; and when those who
question his fallibility with full knowledge OF the
fatal effects of his civil career, are, denounced
as base calumniatOrs and traitors, ana the
battle of New Orleans and that monster the
limited States Bank are held up as the reasons
for the ass symptoms of unlimited power, and
as evidence of the "baSeneSS and protlga-
CIV of those who question them it is time for
the representatives of freemen, "men who
know their rights and knowing, dare maintain
themselves from the bondage to which such sla-
wish doctrines would lead them and their cour-
try In adopting this course, still manifest no
undue want OF confidence in the Executive, but
| will not allow his talents as General. or his
fame in the field to be placed here as an offset
TO the perncious effects ofhis civil career Nor
do acknowledge any responsibility to him, or
to his partisans here, for my course on this floor
It was not to serve him or to register his will,
but to represent the people and watch over their
interests, that have been sent here. Can those
who in this House yield passive obedience to all
his pretensions to power, go home and tell their
constituents that the glory ofNew Orleans, the
fame of the hero, demanded a sacrifice of their
interests and the prostration ofthe Constitution!
Can thew thus shield themselves from the lndig-
nation of a free people, for sacrificing their in
terests and tanpering with public liberty! On
the contrary, will they not at home, change their
views and urge the good of the country as their
great polar star. | come, sir, from State in
the Interior among the last to be affected by the
foreign relations of the country, and in the few
remarks | now submit will contlne myself
to the amendment which only exacts from the
President obedience to constitutional enact
ments When hear it boldly on the floor de-
clared that the President of the United States is
not responsible to Congress, and at the same
time accompanied with declarations containing
allegations dSreputable to the representatives
of the people-then feel myself called upon to
invoke that Constitution which we and the Pres
ident have sworn to support and to fling back
the foul and degrading imputations. Sir, In
turning my eye TO the Constitution, see 1t clear
ly laid down that the President IS responsible to
Congress, and had il not been for the confidence
in the purity Of his intentions, probably he would
ere this be called before this House and be made
TO feel his responsibility. 1t would be as useless
for me to spend time in dilating on the language
Of the Constitution, with which every member
is familiar, as it should be known TO the people
to be for his partsanS here to drag IN thesbattle
of New Orleans and the United States Bank to
Justify his various assumptions of power.
But when we know that vacancies have long
existed at the courts of ST. Petersburgh and st.
James, that five months of the session have ex-
pired, and no nominations have been made for
the concurrent power of the Senate to tlll these
vacancies-no effort to obtain the constitutional
sanction of the most important functionaries at
home, and when we reflect on the power hereto
fore exercised, there is more than abundant
reason to recommend and justify the amend
ment of the gentleman from South Carolina
Our foreign relations must always more or less,
operate on the internal trade of the country;
and while would not withhold, or improperly
restrict the expenditure necessary to sustain
them, will not vote the peoples money TO the
unconstitutional discretion ofany President; nor
shall admit that those who act with me are
guilty Of utter treachery or treason when they
refuse to accept charges against the United
States Bank, and the vaunted heroism of New
Orleans, as valid reason on which to rest his
claims to discretionary or unconstitutional po-
wer.
have been mistaken in the lofty bearing OF
General Jackson's own mind, if he would desire
always to have his claims to obedience in this
House, founded on the military glory of New
Orleans; and be his desires what they may in
that particular, l shall not yield TO them. /
came here 10 serve and to obey the people, to
advance their prosperity and to guard their in
terests, not blindly to register his dictates. We
are to be sure told that the Constitution is safe
in his keeping. | think it at least not less safe
when the peoples representatives shall exact
an observance of all its acquisitions VIII this
course draw down upon me the denunciatonS le-
yelled against those with whom have the honor
TO act? Could those who abuse the glory OF
New Orleans, by comparing it to that acquired
by the destruction oftrade, ofcredit, confidence
and the happiness of the country-by the uncal-
led for, and lawless war on the United States
Bank2 Could they justify such denunciation
when the beauty and booty is wasted and the