The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-06-16
THE APOLOGY FOR THE EXECUTIVES
GRAND SCHEME OF A STANDING AR

THE APOLOGY FOR THE EXECUTIVES
GRAND SCHEME OF A STANDING AR
MY
The Federal Loco-focos Of the Senate have
ordered the printing Of TWENTY THOUSAND CO
pies Of the Militia Committees Report on the
Executives Standing Army scheme This re-
port has been studiously and insidiously prepared
10 subserve two purposes; TO ASA General Har-
rison with the most arbitrary misrepresentation
and TO present an apology for the odious and
condemned project Of military force presented
by the Secretary of War; and recommended and
endorsed by the President Of the United States
Under the Congressional head, our readers will
lind some notice of the proceedings in detail
The Federal Loco-focos refused, by unani-
nous vote, TO send abroad, the project Of the
Executive along with the report, Of which il i
designed to be vindication They dare not
trust TO the honest and rejecting Of their own
party, this monstrous scheme-even when ac.
companied by the most ingenious apology they
can contrive. They put forth the APOLOGY BY
ITSELF as a separate document; and they cali
upon the People--who are, in this case, the
JuRy-to give verdict in favor Of the Admins
tration without letting the People have an oppor-
tunity of reading the matter which forms the
basis OF the Indictment!
The discussion which arose on this PROPOSE
ton Tor defraying the expense of circulating
twenty thousand copies of the Administrations
excuses, out OF the public Urea ury, was con-
tlnued on Friday and Saturday last, with de-
gree OF argumentative ability and eloquence that
dld the highest credit to the distinguished Oppo.
sitlon Senators, Messrs CRlrTENpEN, PREsroN,
ana SouTHARD, who took the principal part in it.
The Administration men were never more com
pletely put down. Messrs. CLAY, of Alabama,
and RoANE, Of Virginia, We're in particularly
pitiabe plight
Towards the close of the debate, the Alabama
senator propounded series of questions to Mr..
PRESTON, concerning his coincidence with GER
tam opinions which he imputed TO General Har-
rison on such authority as the filthy and men
daclous Globe, in reference to the Tariff, Inter
nal improvement, Abolition, &c.
Mr. Preston replied that he had declared. on
several occasions, in the Senate, and particu-
larly at the commencement of the debate. that
he would not permit himself to be drawn into
discussion in the Senate, respecting General
Harrson's opinions or claims TO the Presidency
Mr.. Preston is willing to meet any man on
this question at the proper place and time; as
nc has shown heretofore But, surely, the United
States Senate is not the proper theatre for such
discussion.
Besides, the public conduct of the highest
officers of the present administration was then
under discussion and it was quite proper in
MIR. PRESTON TO refuse to be drawn into any col
lateral issues; especially after the hypocrisy Of
the supporters Of Mr., Van Buren,, as s,rikingly
exhibited in the answers Of Mr.. CLAY, Of Ala.
bama, TO Mr.. PREsroN, who asked him as TO his
concurrence in the sentiments and opinions Of
Mr.. Van Buren,, in regard to to the Tariff-In-
ternal lmprovement-the subject Of Slavery
his opposition to Mr.. MADISON during the war
his support Of the Proclamation and Force Bill.
Mr.. CLAY, Of Alabama, confessed he differed
with President Van Buren, on these vital and
fundamental questions-and yet he supports his
reelection 4!