The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-08-21

their opponents upon this question IL MS conduct
upon other occasions has been brought view for
the purpose of indicating the motives which governed
him. in relation to the objects of inquiry il
certainly unnecessary the purity of his motives has
never been questioned Nor was it, think, necessary
70 remind us of the gratitude him IL the
important services of Gen Jackson are already forgot
ten by the representatives Of the nation il WILL ac
knowledge, be indication Of the state Of the
times than of the doctrines which have been adj
vanced in the of this discussion Has my friend
| from South Carolina, (Mr Lowndes) forgotten the
sentiments with which he introduced the resolution of
thanks in address to this house which caused all to
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 perfectly electrified by burst of eloquence
the same subject from different source, Mr.. Clay)
which could never have been produced if the senti
mens OF the heart had not corresponded with the terms
In which they were delivered And if, sir, (what
cannot beieve) the services of Gen Jackson in
tended set-of against subsequent misconduct the
motive would be, in my opinion, still more improper
n republic can commit greater error than the ad-
mission Of such principle. The danger of such
government is always in proportion to the confidence
II reposes in individuals
Fidelity to a nation in foreign is not always
followed by fidelity TO the principles of its government
History furnishes thousand examples to show that
brilliant career Of public service may in the
man be terminated by schemes of unbounded ambi-
tion and the preparation of the most arocous crimes
Rome rocked in the cradle Of Mars making war her
and provided for by deposte OF treasure sacred
that object alone, one only war. An invasion Of
northern barbarans had already suspended her fate by
thread, and seemed to mock the prophesy of unver
sal dominion In the period of her greatest glory,
when her forttude, her perseverance, and her yalor
had triumphed over the wealth Of Carthage and the
genius of Hannibal when the frmncss of the Grecan
phalanx had yielded to the pancy and prompttude of
her legions when her triumphant eagles had already
been planted the shores Of Asia and the
of Alexander anticipated their fate the result Of
vaor Of which they knew not the source and of tactics
which they could not Understandable this period Of
her greatness mighty swarm Of erocious barbarians
hung upon the summit of the highest Alps. Desola-
ton had marked its progress from the shores Of the
Baltic. The egions which had venturcd to oppose
its progress had been swep. away the drops of
the morn before the feet Of the passenger Dsmay
and terror pervaded the provinces of Italy. The
Roman people trembled the Senate itself
founded. In this moment Of extreme Distress every
eye turned-not upon hero--not upon Wash
ington Marius wanted that elevation of mind those
honorable sentiments which distinguish the true hero
His talents equal to the occasion he saved his
country, but he saved il to prey upon himself If
the highest services could claim indemnity for crime
then had the conqueror of Platga have been suffered
to continue his usurpations until he had erected
throne upon the ruins Of Grecian liberty. Sir will
not be understood that mean to compare Gen. Jack
son with these men. No; believe that the principles
of the patriot firmly fixed in his bosom those
OF the soldier But republican government should
make no dlstincuon between men, and should never
relax its maxims Of security for any individual how
distinguished No man should be allowed to say
that he could do that with impunity which another
could not do. II the father Of his country were alive
and in the administration Of the government and had
authorized the taking of the Spanish posts, would
declare my dsapprobation of it readily do
Nay more-because the more distinguished the indi-
vidual, the more salutary the example. No can
tell how soon such example would be beneficial.
Gen. Jackson would be faithful to his country; but
recoect that the virtues and patriotism of Fabus and
Scipo soon followed by the crimes Of Marius
and the usurpations Of Sylla am sure, sir, that it
is not the intention of any gentleman upon this floor
to rob Gen. Jackson Of a single raw of glory much
less TO wound his feelings or inure his reputation
And, whilst thank my friend from Mississippi, Mr..
Pondexter in the name of those who agree with me,
that Gen Jackson has done wrong must be permit
ted tn decline the of the address which he has SO
obgngy prepared for us and substitute the following
consonant with views and opinions. If
the resolution passes, would address him thus: In
the performance of sacred duty imposed by their
struction of the Constitution, the Representatives of
the people have found it necessary to dsapprove sin
gle act Of you brilliant career; they have done it in
the full conviction that the hero who has guarded her
rights in the field will bow with reverence 10 the CT
vii institutions of his countrytha he has admitted
in his creed that the character Of the solder never
be complete without eternal reference to the character
of the citizen. Your country has done for you oil
that republic do for the most favored of her sons
The age of dedication is past it was age of ty-
be addressed to his Creator alone. You have been
easted in the Pranes of the cities Your statue shall
be placed in the CAPITOL and your name be found in
the songs Of the virgins. Co. gallant chief and bear
with YOU the gratitude OF your country. Go, under
the full conviction that her glory is identified with
yours she has nothing dear to her hut her laws
nothing more sacred but her Constitution. Even
an unintentional shall be sanctied to her SER
vice. 1t will teach posterity that the government
which could dsapprove the conduct of a Marcelus
will have the ortitude to crush the vices of Marius
These sentiments, sir lead to results in which all
must unite. General Jackson will still live in the
hearts of his fellow citizens and the Constitution Of
your country will be immortal.
"And then look upon this J" drawn by the man
who had been characterized by Gen Harrison as one
" whose statue should be placed in the capitol and
whose should be found in the songs Of the vir
gins" AS one who would possess the gratitude of
his country, and whose glory would be identified with
his own
In respect to the statements which have been made
in several Of the newspapers Of the day, that dsa
gree with many Of my political friends in the estimate
they have formed of General Harrison's military me
rits am not aware of having said any thing to just
fy them. Having admired General Harrison
military man, or considered him possessing the quail
ties which constitute the commander of an army
have looked at his political relations in the OPT
Mons have formed or expressed respecting his pre-
tensions to the Presidency, and the consequences
which would result to the country should the SURFACES
of the people place him in that high office.
am, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
ANDREW JACKSON"
We will not give vent to the feelings inspired by
view of this contrast. Would for the reputation of
the tenant of the Hermitage, and the honor Of the
country, that the memory of the letter botted
out forever" /" How has the mighty fallen Z How
has the bright gold become din" Il il possible that