Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1836-03-03
MR. ROBBINS, SPEECH.

MIR. ROBBINS SPEECH.
A correspondent of the Baltimore Patriot,
gives the following sketch Of the recent
speech of Mr.. ROBBINS Of Rhode Island, in
the United States Senate, on Mr.. Benton's
resolutions
\ Mr.. RoBBrNs had the floor to-day. lie is,
You know, very aged-probably the Oldest
inan in Congress-and has the appearance oi
general infiraaty, which is increased by the
iameness Of one Of his legs. But his intel
lect is bright, unclouded, and vigorous as ev-
er He has the reputation of being man OF
solid aad extensive literary requirements
| have not doubt Of it-tor the impression
made on his mind by the high and delightful
studies to which he is devoted, is far too deep
to be kept out of view. in the midst Of all
his parliamentary exertions many beautiful
gli,apses may be caught Of his favorite pur-
suits. / think it thousand pities this ven-
erable gentleman speaks in SO low voice
for the effect of his elevated views-powerful
argument-and copious and rich illustration
all conveyed in the chaste and simple Ian
gunge that marked the finished scholar, was
lost upon great portion Of the AUDIENCE
The Senate however was all attention.
WEBSTER, LEIGH, CLAYTON, PORTER, NAU-
DAM, all wheeled their chairs down into the
area, and sat facing him-manifestly sollci.
tous not to lose word. CALHOUN and
PREsroN leaned each against column and
were most attentive, as iadeed ell were-ex-
cept Isanc Hill and postmaster Niics-who
were busy wrting-their forthcoming speech.
es, suppose. Mr.. ROBINS spoke at con-
siderable length against the consttuiionality ~
Of the three million amendment. 1t was most
closely reasoned this part of his speech.
He showed clearly that the objections to
that extravagant proposition, could mot have
been obviated by any amendment. For the
power over the appropriation given to the
President, was discretionary-tte whole wal
power was placed in his hands. 1t was put
to his discretion to say not only how much OF
the appropriation should be spent, but upon
what objects, and for what purpose! All this
is clear from the face, that the Conierees took
away the discretion, and made the apPropri'
alton specifc-the whole was abandoned!
Il lie referred to the efforts made by Benton
TO inculpate the Senate, for the failure of the
fortifcution bill, and Showed how abortiye
they had been.
He alluded with powerful and pathetic el-
oquence to the rapid, downward career of the
country, for n few years past. The signs OF
the times were portentous, and most affecting
to any patriot-the wide spreud corruption
the insolent usurpations Of men in power
the base and degrading subserviency Of mer-
cenary partizans-the characters of the func.
tionaries who were thrust into office-their
Unsuitable selfshness-and sacrifices Of hon
or, reputation, principles to the love Of place.
| By far the most delightful and impressive
thing have heard for long time, was his
allusion to that sentiment of WEBsrER's
which has been so much perverted, and has
called down upon that illustrious person, so
much abominable abuse. He enumerated
among the strongest instances Of the degen-
eracy of the times, the fact, "tha, sentiment
Of devotion to the Constitution Of his country
worthy of the best days of Greek and Roman
,virtue-whch ought to find an echo in every
American heart, and make the great defender
of the Constitution the idol of his countrymen
that this sentiment shauld be denounced
as little short OF TREAsoN!--aye, and the de-
nanciaton applauded by the representatives
of the American people!-Sir, they ought
rather have spmned and sco,ted It with indig-
nationo
YES, sir" continued Mr.. ROBBINS. "these
are portentous times, when that noble DEFEN.
DER OF THE Cdn Cdltu u
TRAiTUR.-that devoted patriot who has often
barred his bosom, and opposed the storm OF
corruption and power-a TRAITOR
The peroration was "beautiful exceeding
ly." He called upon WEBSTER to 60 on in
his high course, needless Of the attacks OF
base, grovellng spirits, sacrificing to their
own aggrandzement all that is most honora-
BILE among men--to 20 on, aiming at that re-
nown which follows, not Is followed; perse-
we're in his cxertions for the happiness and
glory Of his country, and he would leave his
name encircled with the honors most worthy
of our rational nature, and gratefully pro-
nounced by millions of his fellow men
1t was interesting to witness the effect OF
all this upon WEBSTER himself,-the pride
and pleasure pictured upon his countenance.
How envied his feelings! How musically
must every tremuous tone of the earnest and
enthusiastic old man have fallen upon his ear.
His eye moistened-some others did also
the orators triumph was complete,-he struck
the hearts Of his auditors, and
"Woke the sacred source Of sympathetic tears!'
I'VE regret that the able and eloquent
speech Of our Senator, MIR. r., SO favo-
rably noticed in the preceding article,
reached US at too late an hour y yesterday
to be inserted in this days paper. ]!
shall appear in our next.