The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-08-07

We are glad 10 learn, author relatively, from the
Richmond Enquirer, that Mr.. Stevenson, our Mi
MISTER al the Court OF ST. James, had determined to
pay, and has paid, the most marked respect in his
power TO Mr. Webster
We should have assumed as much from the
character Mr.. Stevenson susains as courteous and
polished gentleman, though, in these strong party
tines high officers in the government have forgot
len or neglected to pay the courtesy which was due
from them to their ccuntrymen, who differed with
them in political opinions and we regret to believe
that this in many cases proceeded not so much from
the feelings Of the officer from fear of offend
Ing or exciting the distrus of the baser materials of
his party. In the reign OF Gen. Jackson this was
more strikingly manifested, but then 1t proceeded
from the fear OF him, or in obedience to his custom.
It is 10 the praise OF Mr. Van Buren,-and perhaps
the only thing done " him since he has held the
office OF President, that calls for praisethat he has
not IN this respect followed in the footsteps Of his
predecessor" but has encouraged, by example, a
better feeling, in private life, among political oppo-
nens. Praise, however, is only due 10 him by con
lra for what was in other and better days required
OF every officer, as little less than a duty has, in
these more degenerate times, become work of
merit" 3..".. ...a.. .. ..
The Baltimore Patriot seems to think, with
the Richmond Enquirer, that some merit
attaches to Mr.. Stevenson, for his determine
ton to treat Mr.. Webster "pith marked re-
pect;" from all which we are to infer that
the party' is entitled to great praise for its
IoFbearance, in permitting its Minister to be
courteous to one who has had the audacity to
oppose the measures of Jackson and Van
Buren,. Fortunately for Mr.. Webster, his
tame Is the common property Of the nation,
and whether received abroad by Party Minis
tiers with marked respect, or disrespect it
would neither add to, nor take from, the repu-
l4'on he holds in this country and in Europe.
W. Stevenson could do no less, therefore,
'haN treat him with marked respect and we
VIII DO HIM the justice to believe, that he does
50 from conviction of the moral worth as
well as of the high and commanding talents
Oh Mr. w. We must protest. therefore,
against the remark Of our respected and Ia
Tented contemporary, that any better state of
IetAng has been encouraged by Mr.. Van
Buren,, in private life among political oppo-
0rnts, than under Gen. Jackson. Were the
elior of the Patriot as well acquainted with
Mr. Van Buren, as we are, he would not have
'S'rded him even that small tribute Of praise.
Yen. Jackson, (highly exceptionable as many
:" his public acts were) was much more
Courteous and frank TO his political opponents
"'n has ever been his successor. One
lung Is certain, that his feelings and opinions
were never concealed, and there were occa-
SONS In calmer frame Of mind, where his
m'a' might be reached by proper appeals
"u' not so with the present incumbent-cold
, anu selfish by nature, no appeal ever reached
nun through any other avenue than his inte-
'eS' his vanity, or his pride.
II is most true that Mr. Van Buren, has
'S>ocla'ed with his political opponents in pri-
,a'e HE when it suited his own purposes but
r'rs he extend this privilege to the Office
"0'0ers under him! Let his conduct to them
'"'"er 1t is well known in this city that
"''''e he correspondent with Mr.. Riyes, and