Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1839-08-15

cfcu nonOTS, I'D ucltHCc Ol tuctT country.
How sublime, aud how ridiculous. Even
tho grave and profound Webster was
seized with the delirium, and, under its
influence, he went up rocket and came
down a stick. They acted without
moderation, because without reason.
They might have seen in the messages
Of the President, that he hImself appre-
hended no difficulty. Indeed they had
before them the amicablc arrangement
which had already been made between
the British Minister and our Govern
ment, which could not fail TO put an end
TO all difficulties. We were in n state
Of profound peace with Great Britain,
which both nations were sincerely desi-
rous of preserving, because they knew
that it could not be disturbed without the
most rulnous consequences to both. In
such state Of things, was it not most
imprudent to take warlike attitude, and
pass an act calculated to impress the
British Government with the belief that
we entertained hostile dispositions to-
wards them, and calculated also to en-
courage the State Of Maine TO such ex-
tremities, as mi ght involve the whole ma
ton in war But the worst of that act
was, that after all il was mere puff
For if there was TO be war, it would not
be confined to the disputed territory in
the State Of Maine, as the act chose to
conline it. The whole territories of the
United States would be exposed to at
tack, and upon the most distant proba-
blity OF such a state Of things, the Pre-
sIdent would instantly convene Congress
to make ef1octuaI provisions for the de-
fence OF the country. Another bad cf-
iect 0i that act was, that it deranged and
inJurousIy effected the business trans
actions and concerns of the people of
both countries. Mr.. Cranston was in
favor of an appropriation, TO enable the
President to send Il special minister TO
demand and effect an immediate adjust
mcnt OF the question respecting the dis
putcd territory; aud that appropriation
was made. But the President has ne
yer found it necessary ever TO send such
ii minister, or to make any use whatever
of that act. Every thing has settled
down quietly as he expected it would.
But the burthcn of the charges against
Mr.. Cransion is, that he voted in very
small mnorities, and against a majority
Of his own friends. There were only
six Of them IN the last case, only two in
The Seminole war question, and no more
than forty nine upon the duclling resolu-
,ions. Now, in my view oc the subject,
it is this that constitutes his strongest
claim to appreciation. 1t cannot now be
denied, that the opinions which he de-
liberately formed and acted upon, on all
those occasions was sound and correct.
This, l believe is now acknowledged by
all those friends who, at the time, voted
differently from him, and by some of the
most respectable Of them know it is
frankly acknowledged, and with strong
expressions Of respect for his conduct on
those occasions This being the case,
is he not deserving Of all praise for the
frmncss and independence with which
he sustained himself, and adhered to
those correct opinions, under the pres
sure of circumstances which few men
could have resisted lie was advised
by many Of his friends, to consult ap-
pearances and to vote differently, or to
change his vote, as some Of these friends
had done, but he would not allow him
self TO be influenced by such consid.ra-
'ions, which neither altered his settled
opinions, nor shook his nerves.
No man feels more respect for the
opinions Of the people, deliberately form
ed, and it is because he respects their
opinions, that he also coniidcs entirely
in their justice. MADISON.