The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-06-19

nown Where the magnanimisy and confidence with
which she has always treated her public servants Ia
confidence which the nurse Of manly sentiment
inaesibls Independence and Of q public virtue that
scorned al temptation, the ndocsment 10 serve
her with honesty, fidelity, and truth Alas they are All
giving way TO spirit Of vulgar Loeofoeoism, ~ me
promotion Of which the first essential step TO violate
all that belongs TO the pride and honor Of such servants
South Carolina once had. IL Is true, we have had
presidents from other quoted for our imitation
and instruction. They are no authority SIR 10 Soaih
Csrolina. Let bsss States, u they WILL practice Their
despotsm, bot let them keep il 10 themselves. We
will have nons Of it, Al least know speak for those
who are beyond the reach Of my voice. who, when the
temporary decisions of this question have passed, will
visit with their deepest rcprobston this attempt to yo
late the freedom ofopinion and the sacred ngh, OF con-
science.
know not sir, how that portion Of our delegation
against whom aimed, will receive this compulsory
process Whether they will consent TO surrender their
Judgment 10 what they believe TO be pernicous
and nnwise project, from destruction trust they viii
let the vagrsni die, whether I've expires from nanon
violent death whether he dies in ditch or gives up
the ghost seeaadsm arsm after The most approved pile
boomy Of the doctors hope they VIII refuse
even on the Coroner's inques.-and maintain through
out what belongs 70 the courage Of the Southern gene
man, who fears, to his God violation Of his
honor and sense Of propriey.
Let me tell them, 10 voice loud enough trust
through the press at least be heard that public
hdence Is not to be purchased in South Carolina by sub
seryiency. but by independence not by timdity but
BY iearlessness Let them do what they regard be
right II public duty has any other rule than this,
can only say, sir, that have read to precious i,e
purpose he memorials which those who have gone
before Us In the State have bequeathed for nstuc
ton.
Is understood thai these resolutions especially
ievelied at one Of Senator'S You cannot mistake
me- sir ailude to Mr., Preston. Protesting, as do.
great personal regard snd respect for this gentleman.
IS known that my relations with bis colleague are far
more intimate ] have ventured 10 differ with Mr.
Calhoun, and 10 think ham wrong The question which
now agiates the country without affecting in the slight
est degree the relations which refer, and which It
viii be both my pride and pleasure TO cultivate IN de-
spite OF the prescription with which those who claim
now to be his exclusive friends may visit my honest
difference Of opinion with one TO whom have been per-
sonaly and politically devoted for the last ten years
Bot these considerations shall not prevent my dong JUS
tioe 10 his colleague Why, then, ask is he selected
for the sacrifice Does be not stand precisely where
he did when he warning against the overshadowing
despotism Of Gen. Jsckson's administration II il was
right and consistent to oppose that administration j,
the less be found in The ranks of opposition his
successors, whose first claim public confidence
the annuncation that he would follow the footsteps OF
his ustrous prototypei Is this very Sub-Tre
~ system the sequel Of Gen Jacksons despotc grasp
TO take the public treasure the country into the hands
OF the Executives Does not Mr. Preston stand pre-
cisey where he did when he the object Of the high
public favor home II is true that with perhaps
less stern and enlightened forecast he could
late the boldness Of his colleague quitting his old allies
at the very moment OF approaching victory lest victory
10 his party should be than defeat Blu, this
fidelity to old friends with whom be had long ba,tled
surely not an object OF moral reprobaton II best
but weakness which in the estimate Of some will be
quite as amlable II not respectable, that enlarged
sagacity which looks at politics with the same GOODNESS
with which It would regard theory in metaphysics
IT am not mistaken, sir Mr.. Preston, on the occa-
sion when Mr. Leigh. of Virginia, received the ins,ruc
tons by which that Commonwealth was pleased to in
struct HIM out oil his seat indicated very distinctly that
he was no convert to the doctrine | hope that my me-
mory mas served me right, and that while Mr.. Preston
IS prepared to treat the communication which he will
doubtless receive from presiding officer with the
most perfect respect he will at the time be pre-
pared to maintain his Independence and the rights
Which belong to him Senator representing the peo-
Pie 81 tins State in their sovereign capacity.
must confess there Is something in the situation or
'his gentleman which commands both my sympathy and
consideration. Although he was educated married,
anu has lived among us almost from his childhood vet
ne IS IN one sense Of the word stranger but stran-
ger whom have hoDored, because he was worthy OF
being honored He Is a native of another State. ark
myself If his colleague stood in his place would this
threat be hurled al his head And | ask myself
whether becomes the old and long approved hospita
ty OF South Carolnathat sentiment which the very
religion OF our hearth-stones-thDs TO treat one who
possesses the strongest claims to protection aud
esteen-one who has thrown a fresh halo around the
genius Of our State--the vigor the power, the
beauty OF whose eoquence, and lofty public spirit have
added an attractive grace TO moral worth which renders
his character free from all suspicion reproach
Men Of the State Rights party, you prepared to
sacrifice man who IN the hour Of peril stood by you
with unfaliering courage and DEVOTION and threw his
whole soul into your contest and gave to the unsur
passed treasures Of genius and elocution rch various
and Respondent
know, sir, it has been said by some that Mr. Pres
ton Is friend and perhaps an adherent to Mr. Clay.
This may or may not be true but would ask how
long is since, il he should prefer the champion
OF the West to Mr. Van Bnren, such preference is TO
be visited not alone with but positive punish
men Has our State slid, by the easy gradations OF
an increasing love- into the of the Administration
Do members acknowledge " the soft impeachment -
Things have strangely altered Not six months since,
was the object if not Of denunca,ion least OF dis
trust, because was suspected Of too friendly regard
for the present Chief Msgistra,e-and this because
had never condescended to abuse him. but uniformly
treated him with the consideration his kindness me
personally deserved at my hands And now, orsooth,
am charged with devotion to Mr.. Clay, because,
presume, from similar motive OF self-respect | am
disposed to carry civil tongue in my head in relation
TO both gentlemen. Sir, as do not take the
bounty, | am resolved not to enlist for the war.
have therefore heard with nexpressibe surprise that
secret combustion Of the old leaders is foot in this
State TO give its vote TO Mr. Clay. know not who
the Guy Faux Of this conspiracy is /; but far
humble an individual as myselfs concerned know the
Pash "h'Sh iodos 70 my own independence aDu happ
ness that is to my own home and the duties OF my
home. do not emulate the renown Of any Guy War
wick -
Il is the last time expect to hear tho sound Of
my voice in this Hall have been. for the last sixteen
years Of my lfe in stations in the service of
South Carolina. This reflection only augmen,s the
sense Of the obligations owe her am gratifcd that
on this last night Of my service the opportunity has
been afforded me Of lifting Up my voice 10 defence OF
public liberty and private right.
Let