Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1837-05-12
VERMONT PMGNIx.
Friday Morning, May IL, 1887.

publication of considerable part'of the great
speech of Mr. Webster, at New York. The
character of the orator, the importance Of the
subjects discussed, and above all the mastery
and convincing manner in which they are han
died, commend the production TO our readers,
and render it in our opinion of great conse-
quence that ii should be extensively circulated.
We regret that our limits prevent our giving it
entire. We ask every man under whose eye
it may fall, not only to read it, but attentively
to study and reflect upon it. Let none mis-
conceive of it as an effort at political effect, and
turn away from its perusa; il is interesting
even if simply considered, as the production of
a great mind, on subjects Of deep and vital i'm
portance to every American citizen. We ask
every man to read it, whatever may be his po-
itcal opinions, who Processes any degree of
patriotism, or to feel any interest in the preser-
walton of our institutions in the purity in which
they were left by our fathers.
In the sincerity of our heart we say TO those
of our fellow citizens who consoientiousls adj
here to the administration party because they
believe its measures are wise, we believe you
are cherishing and promoting a system which
tends directly to the final subversion of our
hitherto well balanced form of government,
and we ask you candidly to read and reflect
upon the clear and plain exposition which Mr.
Webster has given OF the course Of events for
a few years past; and did we not know the in
vincible power of prejudice and prepossession,
we should say you could not resist coming to
the same conclusion with ourselves. We ask
especially that those persons who but lately
had so high an opinion of the tcisdori and pat
riotism Of the great statesman of New Eng
land, and who once agreed with him in his ex-
banded views of national policy, but who are
now unfortunately found enrolled in the ranks
of party who profess and maintain opinions
dramatically the reverse, we ask them to weigh
the subject anew, and say whether they will
from a mere personal preference of Van Buren,
to Harrison, consent 10 sacrifice for mere party
purposes all that is dear and valuable in our
institutions. The motto Of the Wing party is
"principies not men,"
We honestly believe with Mr.. Webster,
that our country is in imminent danger from
the encroachments of Executive power. Can
any man read his remarks on this subject and
say that our fears are i'll grounded. We do
not believe that Gen. Jackson Intended to
grasp absolute power himself, nor TO start
system of measures that should throw il into
the hands Of his successors; but that such is
the tendency Of these measures and such will
be the result sooner or later, If they are not
checked, We have no doubt; and as Mr. Van
Buren, is pledged to continue this policy and is
even now exercising fearful degree Of power,
which has unconstitutionally come into his
hands, and which no President before Gen.
Jackson would have dared for a moment to
assume, why should we not feel nlarml Des-
potic power in this country will never be grasp
ed in a moment, or our liberties wrested from
us sat one fell swoop"; but power will be
gradually concentrated in the hands of the ex-
ecutive, as all past history teaches, by sue
cession of popular leaders sustained by a sub
servient majority, and well drilled army of
office holders, each successive President adding
little to the perogatives of the Office, until at
length some designing man of the right genius
and stamp, finding his power sufficient, will fix
and rivet the chains Of despotism upon once
proud and free people.
What is the situation Of our country at this
moment! Is not the time near at hand, if it
has not already come, that period looked for
ward to with SO much anxiety aud alarm, by
the sages Of the constitution, when the sword
and the purse should become united in the
hands of the Executivei The President at
this moment exercises n more uncontrolled
sway over the revenues Of the nation, the great
snew of strength, than the King of England
But we do not ask any man TO pin his faith on
our sleeve, no, nor on that Of so great man as
Daniel Webster. Let him read the plain un-
vanished history of executive usurpaiions, as
sketched by Mr. w. and compare the power
welded by the President from the commence
ment of Gen. Jackson's career 10 The present
time, with the cautious and restricted move
ments of his predecessors in Office, and then
judge for himself Wewould not strive TO ex-
cite needless alarm, but it becomes freemen 10
watch with jealous eye every step which
tends IN any degree to unsettle the foundations
OF our government, laid with so much care and
wisdom by the fathers OF our country.
Mr. Biddie's Uisi 10 Washington.-Much
has been said in the papers ON this subject, and
1t has been suggested that this visit might posi-
bly, have for its object some consultation with
the Executive in regard to the distress of the
commercial community. The New York Amer
lean states that Mr. Bidde being on other bust
4.