The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-12-10

Gov. Tho. Me,calfe, Of Kentucky
PR Livingston, oil New York.
Jacob Burnett, OF Ohio,
&c. Bates, of Massachusetts,.
Jas. Wilson, OF New Hampshire.
T. M Huntington, OF Indiana.
T. Marsh, Of New Jersey.
SECRETARIES.
Charles b Penrose OF Pennsylvania.
G. w. Ralph, Of Illinois.
=. II. Lyman, OF Maine.
C. Paine of Vermont
On taking the chair, Gov. Barbour made one OF
the most eeqnent addresses ever listened 10. we
regret that our reporter only present an imper-
feet sketch of his remarks, merely touching on the
leading points.
Gentlemen, said Gov B., feel deeply obliged to
you for the distinguished mark OF your consdera,
iion which you have kindly conferred upon me, ana
in return offer you my assurance that viii, TO the
utmost Of my capacity, justify your confidence, by
discharging my duties with scrnPnlous hdeii'y, IN
which fshal doubtless receive The cooperation OF
each individual member OF this body.
The honor gentlemen, you have conferred upon
me- is enhanced BY the belief that II Is not SO much
amark Of personal regard, as testimonial OF &c
spect TO the ancient Commonwealth that ! here re-
present. and am persuaded that she viii acknow-
ledge the distinction conferred upon her with sens-
billy.
Commissioned as we are by the people, at time
never surpassed In Importance 10 represent them on
subjects oil the greatest interest," II is presumed that
every member will feel the responsibility OF bis sta
tion and be prepared to respond 10 those measures
best calculated TO advance The obecs OF our mission.
The American people have too long had 10 COM
plain of the NAL administration OF the General Go
vernment. A large portion OF them are now hiled
with anxiety and alarm. would to God that their
fears and alarms were idle and without foundation;
but in this solemn place, standing as | do before
Heaven and my country, proclaim that crisis Is
approaching that portends destruction TO our form
OF republican self-Goyernment. II is to arrest this
dire calamity that we are now here assembled.
n
bour at the men here assembled, many Of whom
deserve the dignihed sppellalion Of the conscript
fathers OF the republic; who have devoted their
lives with dis.s'creied patriotism 10 The cause of
freedom and their country when ! see such men
leaving their homes and their hre-sides, and expo
sing themselves 10 all The inclemencies Of the sea-
son--iraye,ng many miles TO come here, to aid US
with their counsel and the experience OF their years
cannot but regard IL as noble testimony that the
awful solenny Of the crisis is properly appreciated.
II is devoutly to be hoped, that when such men lend
the sanction Of their presence, good will result from
our deliberations; and even the magniiy of faction
dare not asperse the purity OF their motives, when
ther.gray hairs testify that the places which now
know them will soon know them no more, and that
they have long been past the aspirations after power
and place, which distinguish the miserable seekers
of office" Such men stand not here tor themselves,
but as trustees for coming generalionS-they have
no interests but those Of poslerily. cannot but be-
lieve that the great body OF the American people, no
matter by what party names they may be designated,
will feel that voice coming from body like this is
entitled 10 respectful attention. as it will come from
body whose position lifts II above suspicion, and
whose members are only actuated by feeling that
they have country 10 love as well as parry TO sup
| port.
Truly we are in the midst Of revolution. It's no
| idle declaration. The foundations Of our republican
system being Slapped with fearful rapdity. Those
conservative walls erected by foefahers to protect
and restrain the different branches Of the government,
have been already rampled down by the foot Of power,
L r ~
gisalve and Judicial branches until the chief officer Of
the nation has become the mere head OF party. and
places conferred rewards of party services which
formerly were given as rewards OF merit
/ The American people convinced that there is no
remedy for the evils under which they suffering
| but a change of rulers. We must have other agents
| in the public service. But all hopes Of remedy
goundless unless there be union among the opponents
OF corruption and usurpation-unless there be harmony
and concord among all the elements Of the opposition.
This the pivot which the hopes Of the people turn,
and has been delegated the high duty Of efectng
| this desirable object.
That in this great country there should be many
fit to fill the chief Office, matter Of surprise, and
in this convention, delegates have doubt warm pre-
ieences This is all right and proper Give the utter
most latitude TO feelings for to this extent we may all
with safety go but If go beyond this mischief will
result We must be prepared, each and the whole, to
sacrifice all sectional feelngs-all personal considera-
tiuns for the good Of our country. We should poorly
ted any selfish considerations TO influence actions.
We are not here for vena purposes, longing after the
flesh pots of Egypt, but have higher and holIer aims
here make effort for the reformation OF our
| government, and to check its downward course. So
| far as am concerned, the to be selected is
matter OF perfect indferencemake up Of what let
tiers Of the alphabet you pleaseso that be certain Of
success, and shall be among the loudes in my hozan-
mas TO it, -.
| Public expectation is standing on tptoe, awaiting the
issue Of this convention. Not only the patriots of the
land but political rivals look with anxious expecta
ton to your deliberations. Tho people Of the United
States have centred all their hopes in your action, and
from they expect light to break the darkness
that now hangs over u.s. Is there any who will suffer
personal feelings interfere with his decision to
cover with sackcloth and ashes those who would goard
the ark Of our political safety God forbid.
II would he useless for me, said Gov B., to tako up
your with recapulaon Of the evils the country
is laboring under. They known to you all But
tout Of the fuess of the heart the mouth spcaketh"
| | must be permitted to remark that we have flung the
broad banner Of LIBERTY AND THE CONSTITUTION to
the breeze, inscribed with these inspiring words--oNE
| PRESIDENTIAL TERM-THE INTEGRITY PusLIc
sERvANTs-THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC MoNEY-AND
| THE GENERAL GOOD OF THE PEOPLE
When cast my eyes from one end Of our country
to the other. perceive ground for despair. WE
CAN REDEEM THE COUNTRY. But even if it were other
wise, il would still be no less duty contend for
her dearest interests, He who is patriot only when
the tide of triumphng majority flows with him, is no
wing But he is true patriot, who, whether IN tho
majority minority, has his country at heart. and no