The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-02-05


attempts to disparage the capacity Of Gen Harrison,
by the following extract Of one ofhs speeches, which
We have been requested to publish. The writer
says;
In proof of the position that Gen. Harrison is the
sound statesman and accomplished orator, we need
only refer TO his various speeches and writings dur
ing period Of 80 years-upon all The subjects which
would be calculated 10 develope The genius and at
tanments required, in discharge Of the duties OF
the first office in the nation. Let these capious edi-
tors compare the following extract OF his speech In
Congress in 1919, upon the Seminole War, with the
efforts OF any of his compeers and they will ind
felicity of thought and language, which the most
fastidious would be unwilling to reject. They are
challenged TO produce any similar extract, exhih't
ing more profound knowledge Of the genius of
our own institutions, or OF the history OF Ancient
Republics. PERRY.
EXTRACT.
al cannot but regret Mr.. Chairman, the frequent
appeals which have been made in this discussion,
10 the distinguished services OF General Jackson, oy
those who entirely appreciate his conduct. pro-
per reference to these, might, suppose have been
safely trusted to their opponents upon this question
If his conduct upon other occasions has been brought
TO our view for the purpose OF indicating the motives
which govern him, in relation to the object OF our
inquiry, 1t was certainly unnecessary, as The purify
| OF his motives have never been questioned. Nor
was il, think, necessary remind of The graft
tnde we owe him. II the important services Of Ge-
neral Jackson are already forgotten by the Represen
worse indication of the stale of the times than some
OF the doctrines which have been advanced in the
course of this discussion
Has my friend from South Carolina, MIR.
Lowndes, forgotten the sentiments with which ne
introduced the resolution Of thanks, in address 10
this House. which caused all 10 acknowledge that
the orator worthy of the theme, as the theme
was OF the orator. And, sir, how short time has
elapsed since the members Of this House were per-
fecty electrified BY burst Of eloquence on the same
subject from different source, Mr.. Clay,] which
could never have been produced If the sentiments
of the heart had not correspondent with the terms In
which they we're delivered! And, If sir, (what
cannot belieye,) the services Of General Jackson
were intended as a set-of against any subsequent
misconduct, the motive would be, in my opinion,
still more improper. republic can commit no
greater error than the admission of such princi-
Die. The danger of such government is always
in proportion to the confidence il reposes in in
dividuals
Fidelity TO a nation in foreign war, is not al
ways followed by fidelity to The principles OF lis 60
vernment. History furnishes thousand examples
TO show that brilliant public service may in
the same man be terminated by schemes OF unbound
ed ambition and the preparation OF the most afro
cious crimes Rome rocked in the cradle oil Mars,
making war her trade, deprecated, by her prayers
and her sacrifices, and provided for by deposit OF
treasure sacred TO that object alone, one only war
An invasion of northern barbaTians had already suS
pended her fate by thread, and seemed to mock the
prophecy of universal dominion. In the period OF
her greatest glory, when her fortitude, her perse-
verance, and her vaor had trumphed over the wealth
of Carthage and the genius of Hannibal when the
frmness of the Grecian phalanx had yielded to the
pliancy and prompude Of her legions: when her
triumphant eagles had already been planted on the
shore of Asia, and the successors Of Alexander an
ticpated their fate as the result OF yalor OF which
could not understand AT this period OF her great
ness mighty swarm, of feroeious barbarians hung
upon the summit Of the highest Alps. Desolalion
had arked its progress from the shores OF the Bal
Il. III - tic
progress, had been swept away as the DEVELOPS of
The morn, before the feet Of the passenger. Dsmay
and terror pervaded the provinces OF Italy The
Roman people trembled-the Senate self was con-
founded In this moment Of extreme distress, every
eye was turned-not upon a hero-not upon Wash
ington. 'Marius wanted that elevation OF mind,
those honorable sentiments, which Distinguish the
true hero. His talenls.we equal to the occasion;
he saved his country, but he saved 1t 10 prey upon II
himself If the highest services could claim in
demnity for crime, then might the conqueror OF Pa-
tea have been suffered TO continue his usurpations
until he had erected arthrone upon The RUNS OF Gre
mean to compare Gen. Jackson with these men,
No: believe that the principles OF the patriot are
as firmly fixed in his bosom as those OF the soldier
But republican government should make no DIS
tinctions between men, and should never relax Its
maxims of security for any individual, however
distinguished No man should be allowed TO say
that he could do that with impuni,y, which another
could not do. If the father OF his country we're
and had authorized the taking OF the Spanish posts,
would declare my disapprobation Of it as readily
as do now.
Nav, more-beeause the more distinguished the
individual, the more salutary the example. NO one
can tell how soon such an example would be beneh-
cial General Jackson will be faithful 10 his coun-
try, but recolect that the virtues and patriotism OF
Fabius and Scipio were soon followed by me crimes
Of Marius and the usurpaiion OF Sylia am sure,
sir, that il is not the intention OF any gentleman
upon this floor, 10 rob General Jackson oil single
ray Of glory, much less TO wound his feelings or
injure his repn,aiion-and whilst thank my iiiend
from Mississippi Mr.. Poindexier,) in the name Of
those who agree with me, that General Jackson has
done wrong must be permitted TO decline The use
Of the address which he had so obligingly prepared
for us, and substitute the following, as more con>o-
napt to our views and opinions III the resolutions
pass, | would address him thus.
In the performance Of a sacred duty imposed by
their construction of the constitution the representa-
tives of the people have found II necessary TO dEap
prove single act of your brilliant career; they
have done IL in the full conviction that the hero
who has guarded her rights in the field, viii bow
with reverence to the civil institutions OF his coun-
trylhat he has admitted as his creed, Thai me cha
racter OF the soldier can never be compie'eu Win
out eternal reference to the character OF me ciuIen
Your country has done for you all that republic
can do for the most favored Of her sons. ne age
of dedication is past-it was an age o. fanny anu
barbarism; the alteration o. man sn1 h pe =
,bo pri,anes nj The cities. Your statue shall be
placed in the Capitol, and your name be found IN
he songs Of the virgins Go, gallant Chief, and
h tms wiih YOU the gratitude Of your country Go,
under the full conviction, that as her glory is iden
tifed with yours, she has nothing dear 10 her
lawS-nothing more sacred but her constitution
Even an unintenonal shall be sanctfed TO her
service. 1t will teach poseriy that the government
which could disapprove the conduct Of MarceiIus,
will have the fortitude to crush the vices OF
Marius. 49,,
"These sentiments, sir lead 70 results in which Zen
all must unite Gen Jackson will still live IN the
hearts OF his fellow citizens and the constitution Of
your country will be immortal