The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1837-02-08

city, tyrany and usurpation. Ii is an easy
matter to make these comparisons, and to
call hard names. 1t requires very little
talent and less reading. But gentlemen
should remember that defamation is not
argument; and that assertion is not proof
If these parallels are just, it must be within
the power of those who use them, 10 point
TO the facts which render the President OBJ
nexious TO the charges preferred against
him. Why are they not giycnl In wha,
point has he violated either law or constitu-
ton ! Let them point to the instance, and
give us the circumstances. General, indis-
criminate condemnation will not satisfy the
American people. When the cases are
specified, it will be matter for investigation
and argument whether they sustain the ac-
cusations so confidently made by his antag-
onists Until then l, for one, shall consider
it as mere idle defamation.
do not stand here to pronounce a eu-
losium upon the President. His acts are
before his countrymen, and they have al
ready, in the presence of his accusers, rem
dered a verdict of unqualified appreciation
upon bis public career. What motive can
he have to infringe upon the liberties of his
fellow citizens, or to overturn the constitu-
ton of his country None. His country
men have conferred upon him every favor in
their gift, and he has attained the highest
station which human power can bestow.
From that station he is about to retire, lsav-
ing his country happy and prosperous be-
ycnd example, and attended by the benedic-
tons of just and grateful people.
But will not enter upon his defence.
If were inclined TO do so, under other cir
cumstanCes, have been saved the necessity
of discharging this duty, by the able and
eloquent speech of my friend from Indiana,
(Mr. Hannegan,) who has just taken his
seat. He has treated this subject so much
more ably than ] could hope to do, that
will not attempt to tread upon the ground
he has already occupied.
Can any one fail to see why it is that
these unfounded charges are so often re-
peated7 Those who have studied the ma
ture of the human mind, are aware Of the
influence made upon 1t by repeated blows,
followed up from time to time with untir-
ing perseverance. This everlasting ham
III ooihS PiuSS VIM uiAihut''y
produce its effect upon the hardest material /;
and assaults made upon individual charac-
ter, whether public or private, from day 10
will finally gain credence, even among a
man friends. This is the secret of the
! merciess warfare which has been carried on
against President Jackson.
Another fruitful topic of discussion with
the opposition, in the inconsistency of the
President and his friends in regard to the
great questions of policy that have been
agitatcd before the country for some years
past. The gentleman from Virginia Mr.
Robertson) has adverted to this contrariety
of opionion.
Mr.. RoBERTsoN rose, and said the gen.
tleman from Ohio has misapprehended him.
He did not speak of the differences of prn-
ciple among the friends Of the administra-
tion. He had said nothing of the terrible
federalists they had in their ranks, nor of
the dscoydant materials that composed
their party but he had attempted to show
that the President was inconsistent with
himself; that from his own acts aud COM
munlc atoms, he might be claimed as the
friend or the enemy Of the tariff, internal
improvements, the bank, &c &c.
Mr.. II, said he accepted the gentlcm ans
statement with pleasure he had no doubt
misapprehended the tenor Of his observa-
tons. But he would tell the gentleman,
that with regard to terrible federalists, y
/ If he wanted to find them of the real black
cockade stamp of 1900, he might readily do
so, and that in great numbers, among his
own political associates. lie believed the
gentleman had never belonged TO that
school but there were many of them
;. among those who cC-operated with hIm
against the administration. The old black
cockade party, and their regular descen-
dants and successors, " no held the same
doctrines, formed no small portion OF the
opposition. Look said he at Massachusetts
so highly complimented the other day by
the honorable gentleman from South Caro-
lima. Mr. Pickens,) 'and you may there see
on what side the remnant Of the old feder-
alists Of '9s are to be found.
On this subject of the tariff, as well a'
upon several others, there is an old proyert
which / can recommend to the consldera
!, ton Of gentlemen in the opposition.
know it is said by Lord Chesterfield onc
others, TO be rather vulgar to quote proverbs
, but I confess I like them. Proverbs arr
) usually the resul, Of the accumulated ex
1 perience of successive generations OF men
In nineteen cases out Of twenty, they arr
true. IL is their truth which preserve
them if false, they would be forgotten
The one to which I allude is, that " thos
4 who live in glass houses ought not to throw
. stones"
: Do zoe differ in regard to the doctrine OF
protective tariff Pray, wba, are :he sen
c titnents Of the opposition upon this subject
e Have they any principle ~ common wit
q regard 10 protection What is III As