Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1835-07-30

on The authority Of the Supreme Court
has been despised and condemned; prin-
ciples have been avowed by the Execu-
tive, which, if practically acted upon,
place the execution Of all its decisions at
his pleasure. Tho only institution that
the wisdom Of Congress has hitherto
been able to establish or to supply safe
general currency, in which l agree with
your distinguished guest, in thinking that
the Valley of the Mississippi, moro than
any other quarter Of the Union, is deep
ly Interested, has been overturned and
Frustrated. In lieu Of it, tho people
have to rely upon the paper Of count
loss number of local institutions, multi
Piled daily, acting without concert, tend
ing inevitably to general disorder, and
to end in common explosion. But
will not dwell on or enlarge this fright
ful picture, although materials are nm-
ply supplied by the present administra-
ton, to give it greater extent and deeper
coloring.
The Senate has been the sole, if not
the last, refuge Of the Constitution and
of the Public Liberty. Whether it will
be able much longer to Impede the march
Of the Executive to despotic power, re-
mains to be developed. 1t is with deep
modification and regret, that am COM
PEELED to own, that it has not been sus-
tained by the people, throughout the
Union, as its patriotic efforts and aims
deserved. But here, at least, in our
own State, its motives and labors have
boen justly appreciated. And sincere
|, ly hope that, whatever discouragements
elsewhere may exist, however gloomy
for moment, the prospects of civil lib
erty may seem to be, Kentucky, whilst a
shot remains in the locker, or she has a
single gallant son left, will never strike
the White flag, but If she stand alone,
will faithfully and to the last, adhere to
her principles Great and long con-
tinued cheering.
)! The President is not satisfied with the
| undisputed and general sway, which he
has acquired. Like the Monarchs, and
Emperors, and Despots, whose story,
history tells, he is desirous, whilst he is
yet in Office, in the full possession of all
his power and means Of influence, to
name his successor; and, under forms
and wells which the ieeblest vision can
penetrate, has designated his successor.
Is there any substantial difference be-
tween the hereditary principle and the
practice, if it is to be sanctioned, of the
existing Presidential incumbent, nomin-
nting his successor2 Can it be doubt.
ed, that if the Presidents bed had been
! fruitful instead Of barren, the same
means which are now employed, with
his concurrence and appreciation, to in
sure the election of his iavorite, would
have been directed to the elevation OF
his own son?
! With respect to the gentleman who
j has been thus designated, feel my yscl
most reluctantly called upon, and this
,,appca,s TO me a fit occasion, to say I
few words. The public press, private
letters, and other evidences, have reach
ed me-. of opinions aud preferences be
ing nscrbed to me by his friends or par
tizans, so AS to create, think, duty OF
my part, to undeccive the public. NJ,
personal relations with the Vice Presi
dent, before and since he came into Of
fee, have been those of civiity al.
courtesy; but they have never for mo-
ment affected my judgment as to tht
i propriety Of his election as Chief Magis
trats. In no aspect of the contest, in NJ
conceivable conting ency, in no imagina
bic alternative, do | think it would bs
for the interests or honor of the people
Of the United States to elevate him t.
that Office. Without stopping to insis
on objections to him, from the exccp
tionable system Of party tactics, which
prevails in his own State, and which, il
the event Of his success, he would on
deavor to spread over the whole Union
from the means and tho manner by
which he has been SO far advanced
from my utter inability to comprehe nd
what his principles nolp are, in reference
to great measures Of National policy
there is one objection to him which, ir
my mind, is absolutely conclusive. III,
IS Me nominated Candidate Of The Presi
dent and The official cops, and sought t,
be forced upon the People by all the
weight Of the administration. If hi
were the most pure and perfect of al
American Statesmen, this single objec
ton would, in my opinion, be absolutel,
decisive against him. And | must hav,
been false to every principle which ha
guided my public life, and iahhlcss j,
my devotion 10 civil liberty, if ] coul,
have entertained an opinion, that, unde
such circumstances, the Vice Presidsn
should be preferred to any Candidate -
/ Throughout the delivery of these senti
ments, Mr.. Clay was repeatedly inter
|, ruPted by animated bursts Of appluus,