Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1835-02-21
Correspondence Of the Baltimore Patriot.


The Debate on the Executive Patronage Bill
was resumed to-day, being on its third reading
according to notice. Mr.. Clay commenced the
discussion in support Of the Bill. He made q
most admirable, logical and satisfactory argu-
ment in defence of the principle involved in the
He most ably vindicated this principle OF
the Constitution responsibility Of the Ere
cutie Branchof the Government, and exposed
the fallacy of those arguments pretendedly bas-
ed on the Constitution, going to set up the idea
Of an inherent sovereign, irresponsible power
in the Executive, by virtue of which acts OF
judicial nature, as removing incumbents from
Office, and others of similar character, may
be done at the sole will and pleasure of the Pre-
sident without reference to the legislative power.
He was very severe in his home thrusts upon
Buchanan, Shepley and Wright-to the former
he was particularly attentive, in his illusions to
Democracy and in his description of the AFRO
CANT pretensions To inherent and sovereign
power" which had been set up by the friends OF
the present Administration. He regretted that
the Hon. Senator from Pennsylvania, after
spending some time in diplomatic capacity at
the Court of the sternest Autocrat in Europe,
and having seen the institutions of that coun-
try, its sers and IFS slavish minions Of arbitrary
power,-a station that he filled so ably and so
creditably, should have returned to his own
native land and having "gotten himself into the
Senate" should in the very first speech OF any
length that he had offered, have indicated the
sident Of the United States. 1t was most gall
ing appeal, land Buchanan apparently was notin-
sensible to its intention or its justice.
Nor was he less severe upon Wright. The
changes he rang upon the unfortunate "incohe-
rent power" which that Senator let out (like
Benton's "throne" the other day. at length
goaded Wright to take the floor for the purpose
rle and nj m a
ton, ga la ddamsm Indeed under the search.
ing illusions, the burning sarcasms, the direct
rebukes, and pointed hints and inuendoes of the
Western Orator, there was perceivable no little
fluttering among the wounded pigeons Wright
and Tallmadge drew their chairs close TO each
other, and administered mutual consolation by
contact. Buchanan was confused, embarrass-
ed, and obviously unhappy. Mr.. Ruggles was
active as a fish, but fidgetty as that fish out oil
water, while Shepley was constranedly inatten'
tive to the progress Of the debate.-Benton is
pledged to support the Bill, having committed
himself in 1926, but he does not keep his seat
and may perhaps be out Of it at the taking the
question at the third, as he was at the second
reading Isaac Hill affected to read papers
through his eye glass, with his feet sprawlng
and occasionally looking up to give horribly
the CHASTITY smile for which he is so distinguish
ed" Even the Vice President left the chair, and
sauntered out Of the Hail. and Felix Grundy
took notes. Having listened for an half hour &c
the reply of the "good humored" Senator, g
successful motion was made to adjourn, leaving
him on the floor. We shall hear the conclusion
tomorrow. The final vote will be fuller than
that passing the Bill to third reading.
The Presidents exceedingly incensed, say:
rumour, with the course pursued on this question
by Judge White. He tells his friends that the
Judge is losing his wits,-that he is permitting
his name to be used as diuiding lrdtchnord &c
the enemies Of the Administration in the Senate
and swears Gas usuaD tina. he will not be legis
lated out Of his prerogatve! BY this suppose
he wishes it to be understood, that he will Yet
the Bill if it passes.