The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-05-22

lcan says Mr. Riyes has two other sins TO
answer for. One is, that /" he was seen walk
iEg in the Capitol in conversation with Henry
Clay, and that more than once;' and the other
that Mr.. Rives and Mr. Benton have been
seen 10 ride to the Capitol together in the same
carriage"
What mountain Of political wickedness
has Mr.. Rives thus accumulated against him
self
One Of his accusers, the Alexandra Ca
zette, has made the following partial ansnds.
From the comments which are made in the
Richmond Enquirer, Charlottesville Republican,
and some other papers, upon some observations
which have appeared in this paper relative 10 Mr..
Rves would almost seem as If these prints thought
we were peculiarly unfriendly politically TO Mr..
Rives. IL so, they mistake US. Nay we think lately,
our course has been much more friendly TO Mr..
Rives than that Of the Richmond Enquirer, and We
would be willing TO let the Hon. Senator decide for
himself in that matter We certainly have con-
demned openly some of MIR. Riyess political OPT
mons and actions-and one act Of his we can never
forgiye-the expunging affair." But on the other
we have not failed always TO respect his character
and talents, and frequently TO applaud his ndepend
ence and honesty"
:" the expunging affair."" But TO those who
are SO exceedingly industrious in trumpeting
their determination not to g torgirs" that " one
act" we would inquire whether they would
not more appropriately address their maledic-
tons to the State Of Virginia and the doctrine
Of Instruction rather than the humble Repre-
sentative Of IFS will. II was the Uill Of Vir-
ginia that the ''one act" should be performed,
and if MIR. Rives had not obeyed her will, she
would properly have sent some one who
would. Mr.. Clay remarked the other day on
some other subject, that if he was instructed
he would obey his instructions. Let these
un'' forgiving" gentlemen therefore fall out
with the doctrine or the State, but leave the
honest, independent, highminded and patriotic
Senator to fulfil his noble destiny.
The charge that he is " on the stool of re-
pentance" for what he has lately done against
the financial policy Of the administration, we
venture to say originated with mind filled
with the most malignant prejudice, and inca
pable Of doing Mr.. Rives justice. So far
from this being the case, Mr.. Rives' opinions
have been more and more confirmed in entire
opposition to the financial schemes Of the ad
ministration even as more recently developed,
and he has lost all confidence in their authors as
politicians, and in Mr.. Van Buren, as Chief
Magistrate Of the nation.
It literally true that. as the Boston Cent?
mel remarks, had Mr.. Riyes ''bent the knee to
the Executive nod, and submitted to dictation
from the White House, THE HIGHEST Off
cIAL FAvoRs WOULD HAVE BEEN BESTOWED
UPON HIM." But his lofty spirit as that
paper justly continues, "scorned to be made
the servile instrument of party, or TO lend aid
to measures which were adverse to the public
good" ,......
II is precisely at such times as these that
we want such men as Mr.. Rives in the Senate
of the United Statesmen whose paramount
motive is the good Of the country, and who
are qualified by their experience, learning and
eloquence to calm the turbulence of political
storms, and direct the eye of the patriot,
through the confusion that may be thrown
around, to the rock of eternal safety. Mr..
Rives, personally. need have no concern whe-
Their he is again sent to the Senate or remains
at home. In any event, he has one proud
consolation ofwhch no party can rob him =
the consciousness Of having at all times per-
formed his duty faithfully and honestly, and
with single eye to the good Of the people.
The Bill extending the present charters of
the District Banks, for two years, on condition
that they resume specie payments on the LIST
January next, was yesterday passed by the
Senate. @..""
MIR. WRIGHT's REPORT.