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

arc pieaseu 10 act Win wings when they 90
for the country, and trust they will so con-
tinue to act. 1t is the only mode Of operation
by which the great and vital interests Of the
country can be preserved from the ruin with
which they are threatened, by the party in
power. The motto Of the Conservative Re-
publican, is Principal non homines." As
In obedience TO the call of duty, they hesita-
ted not TO hurl the shafts with effect, at the
bosoms of their old comrades in arms, so will
they keep in their culver, arrows reserved
Tor any and every party proving false TO the
country.
Party, in its relentless tyranny, exacts from
It's blind devotees, passive submission to Its
DEGREES, be they right or wrong. Against
this tyranny, Conservatives will wage un-
ceaslng war,-as they will oppose no meas
ures calculated to promote the public good,
because brought forward by the administra-
ton, SO will they support no measures having
an opposite tendency, because they may re-
ceive the s,lvocacy Of the opposition.
No doubt, to the destructives, the inaction
OF the Spartan cohorts would have been high
ly delightful. II was modestly asked of them
TO stand by with folded arms, to submit pa
tiently to denunciation and abuse, and to look
with indifference upon the wounds of their
lacerated and bleeding country. Did they
consent 10 remain hors du combat, and main
tain an inglorious neutrality No sir. They
felt that the performance of high and i'm
peratiye duty was demanded at their hands.
At the hazard of party outlawry, regardless OF
all personal considerations and personal con-
sequences, they buckled on the armor Of pa
tri otism, and rushed fearlessly into the fight.
In the face Of power, and in contempt Of par
ty discipline, as volunteer soldiers on the side
OF their country, without bounty, or the ex-
pectation Of reward, they have enlisted for
the entire war. They will, at all times, be
found at their posts, manfully doing battle,
untlthe yandals shall be driven from Rome"
Already, in the State of New York, have they
given evidence of their efficient bravery.
The battered and broken helmets Of their en-
emies, and the enemies Of republican princi-
Piles, bear ample testimony, that they welded
their battle axes with no puny arms. The
bruised casques, of number of my honor
able colleagues around me, bear gratifying
proofs that they have come, discounted, from
the fight
The motives of the Conservatives chal-
lenge and defy impeachment. Like the vir-
tue of the Roman matron, they are above
suspicion. The virtuous and the good of the
present age award to them, as posterity will
award, honesty Of purpose, purity of inten-
ton, and an unconquerable moral bravery.
These remarks are especially applicable to
the Conservatives of New York. They had
every reason to believe, that they were des-
tined to meet, not only with persecution and
reproach, but to pass into an almost hopeless
minority AT the extra session of Congress
their stand was taken. They might have
basked in the sunshine Of executive favor
they preferred the smiles of their country.
They left large majorities for lean minorities.
The gift Of prescience was not theirs The
spirit of prophecy was not upon them. They
could not have anticipated the results of the
New York State elections in the fall of '37-
results as unexpected and astounding to the
Wings, as to the destructives. Under all the
discouraging circumstances with which they
were surrounded, did they hesitate No sir !;
the country demanded their aid, and without
waiting to speculate on political probabilities,
or calculate upon political chances, they free
ly, fearlessly gave it.
1t is alleged that the people have been be-
trayed by the Conservatives, that they have
proved false to their constituents. Those Of
my Conservative friends here, if any, who
feel that this rebuke is merited, will Of course,
submit to it in silence. For myself and as re-
CARDS myself, most respectfully, but most
decidedly, pronounce the charge totally de-
void of truth. Gentlemen little understand
me, if they suppose that l am capable of win
,ba alaDtianc IF 10
wound them, or of gaining their confidence
to betray it. The charge thus gratuitously
and unscrupulously made, presents fitting
opportunity to speak of myself, without in
curing the imputation Of egotism. What
was my position, what my course, and what
the result! When was elected in the fall
of SO, the Jackson party in my district was
100. AT that period the republicans there,
in common with the old General, Mr.. Van
Buren,, and the entire party, believed that the
Sub-Treasury was a measure full of wo to
the country, calculated ITO enlarge Execu-
tive power and patronage, and put in his
hands the means of corruption"
Such was the language of the party
At this period the Sub-Treasury could not
have polled ten republican votes, in my dis
trict.
Did that majority deter me from the per-
Torrance of what honestly thought to be
my duty! No sir; had that majority been
quadrupled, and had the Executive threatened
me with a vengeance which he could have
executed, it would not have driven me from
my purpose. discharged that duty, by vo-
ting at the extra session to lay the bill on the
table, returned to my constituents, and used
unwearied exertions to ascertain their views
and wishes. did not believe that the intel
ligent and patriotic republicans Of my district
could sanction a measure, which came TO
them, recommended by nothing but executive
approval. believed that my vote would meet
with their approval land in this expectation,
| was not disappointed. | hazard nothing