The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1839-08-21
NEWPORT.
MR.. CRANSTON.


The vindication Of Mr.. Cranston has found
its conclusion at last, in ten columns Of the
| Herald. The entire article we have read-a
task which very few Of the good people Of the
state viii be Wiling to undertake--snd have
laid it aside with the devout hope. that when
ever we are so assaed it may be our happy
lot not to be so defended. II was certainly un-
necessary for US TO reply at all to the remarks
of"Madison !" yet having done so in psd, we will
epdeavor TO give the finishing stroke to the
huge but fin,sy fortress, which. with so much
labor lost, he has raised in defence Of his friend.
According to Madison" the reasons which
Influenced Mr.. &. to vote against an inves-
tigation into the causes Of the duel between
Graves and Clley are. lst, that no good was
intended by il, and none would result from such
an Investigation 2nd, that it was prompted by
party spirit, aud for party purpose 3rd,
that nothing would come Of il which last
reason being embraced in the first, requires no
further particular notice.
Now whether it is true or not that no good
was intended or resulted from the investic alton,
or whether or not IL was prompted by party
spirit or for a party purpose, one thing is GER
tain, that public feeling was highly excited by
the circumstances of the duel aud demanded
Investigation. The universal voice Of New
England called for it; aud is Mr.. Cranston to
be justified in resisting the call, because no
good was intended or could come Of it ? When
the people require information shall one Of their
representatives say TO them, Z" in my opinion
for would prove TO you useless and Improbable
you shall not have tl" Yet such was virtu-
ally the language and conduct of Mr.. Cranstor {;
such the ground, on which Madison" claims
for him almost unequaed wisdom aud indie
pcndence. Admirable independence How
trul Characteristic Of the assumption and i'm
pujcnce of modern federalisml
| No man who has known Mr.. Cranston well
for years, will deny him the credit Of being a
thorough going party man. Here lies the wis.,
dom aud foresight claimed for him by "Madi-
sou" He doubtless foiesaw that the enquiry
must result uniavorably to certain of his politi-
cal friends. and for their sake setting aside all
considerations Of morality and religion, and even
public opinion ITSELF he opposed investigation.
But that investigation was made, all the cir
cun,staucss Of the duel given to the world and
not without salutary effect. 4 law has since
been passed by Congress TO punish severely and
| ANONYMOUSLY all persons concerned in due
, within the District Of Columbia aud quarrel:
have had bloodlcss issue. which, but for the
law and the public odium produced by the ia
tai meeting between Graves and Ciey, would
have led 10 equally disastrous results.
e OF the sentimental, sickly appeal made b,
- Madison" to the society Of Friends, in behal
of friend Cranston," we will only say that W,
are confident that it will fail entirely of its in
tended effect. There is too much good sens,
E among the respectable members OF that societ,
not TO appreciate the sincerity and charaete
Of the appeal made to their sympathy.
Q With regard to the justification attempte,
y by" Madison" in relation TO the course Of Mt
Cranston on the defence bill, it is enough Z,
say, in conclusion, that we place but low es
innate on that mans patriotism, who, when al
;. around him were impressed with belief tha
their country was in danger and willing to in, es
the Executive with all the powers necessary 70
: It's defence. suffered party feeling to triumph
over that high sense Of duty, which evident
}. ly influenced almost every other member O
! Congress-.