The Madisonian., 1840-02-18
CUMBERLAND ROAD-ATTAcKS on
tt GEN. HARRISON

CUMBERLAND DRoAD-ATTAcKs on
GEN HARRISON.
| The debate, in tho House Of Representa-
lives, on tho resolution nstructing the Com
mittee OF Ways and Means 10 report bill
making appropriations for the continuance Of
the Cumberland Road through the States Of
Ohio, Indiana; and Illinois, has been distin-
gnished for animation and eloquence. The
Globe, with its characteristic disregard Of
truth, endeavors to give the impression that
the Opposition members were the first TO in
troduce the party and political topics, to
which so much Of this discussion has been
confined. The fact is, however, Mr. Wick,
of Indiana, commenced this war, when un-
personal explanation, he entered upon long
and elaborate eulogium Of the character and
policy Of the Administration His remarks
provoked the party speeches that followed:
and, If any harm comes to the road from hav-
ing the question burdened with such topics,
he and his party friends are responsible for
liz.
| The attack on the character and services of
GENERAL HARRIsoN, which was made on
Tuesday by Mr.. CRARy, Brigadier General
OF Militia, when he is at home, is noticed in
another place.
Mr.. Goode, Of Ohio, opened the debate on
Saturday with a lucid and vigorous speech,
chiefly in reply to Mr.. Crary.
Mr.. GoopE, after a somewhat satirica allusion to
the profound skill requisite 10 dri handful OF mi
lila, went into able and convincing argument in
defence OF the Generals well-earned reputation,
basing himself throughout on historical authorities
and public documents. eproyed that in The selection
Of the ground for encampment the night previous to
the battle he had relied not the advice Of Indians
who sought to belray him into an abuscade but on
he official reports made TO him by Two OF his own
slaf officers sent by him 10 reconnoilre and to Sc
ect the ground He referred 10 the testimony OF
Gen Hopkins and the officers OF his army who were
on the spot The succeeding year, and who pro-
nounced III 10 have been chosen with consummate
Judgment. Instead Of having but 450 Indians to OPP
pose with force OF 1900 men, Mr. G. proved by
Captain Smelling that they were nearer 1000; that
they fought with the most determined and reckless
fury, and that such a slaughter of their nusbers
took place as had never been known IN any other
Indian battle since the days Of MAD Anthony"
Wayne. Mr. Crary had inquired why General
Harrison did not advance upon the Indian towns
some days before and not wait for the attack OF the
sayages To this Mr.. g. replied, by showing that
until the very day before the battle the Indians had
protessed TO be averse from war, and told General
ii. that they had not wrongs TO heal with him. who
had missed him by going down on the opposite side
Of the river: il was therefore 10 the credit OF his hui
mani,y, not 10 attack defenceess villages and fall
ON women and children, when no open declarations
or demonstrations Of an openly hostile character
had yet taken place Nor was The army, as alleged,
taken by surprise they distrusted the Indians and
| apprchended an attack; both men and officers lay
down in their clothes and slept upon their arms:
during that night General Harrison did not sleep at
all; and when the first gun was fred he was in the
act OF drawing on his boots, and in four minutes
after was on horse back, riding along the line.
| MIR G. with equal success, defended the move
men,s Of General Harrison after the battle traced
his difficulties while General Winchester was in
command and after the defeat Of that General: fol-
lowed him to Maumee, and dwelt with just pride on
the glorious defence OF Fort Meigs Here he quoted
the high testimonials of colcmporary officers to the
merit OF that noble achievement and then passed TO
| the battle Of the river Raisn and the opinion of
Col Johnson TO the conduct of General ii. on that
occasion He alluded with reget to the feelings amt
conduct OF Gen. Armstrong, then SecfeIa Iary Of War
| In relation to the General, and those indications OF
hostility which led him dsparage the services and
niure the reputation Of one who had SO highly DIS
! tinguished himself aud had rendered such eminent
services 10 the country and attributed to Tins, as us
| Just cause, the resignation OF General Harrison,
| which Armstrong In the absence OF the President,
exceeded his authority in accepting, and which Mr.
Madison on learning he fact, exceedingly regretted
| He concluded the defence by an enumeration oil
General Harrsons civil services, and general eu-
logy on his upright character, his military talents
his official integrity, his kindly disposition, his un-
| assuming manners and viruous honorable poverty.
| Mr. CoawS next took the floor, and in speech
which has seldom been surpassed in the House, for
keen and cutting sarcasm, and fervid eloquence, de-
| Tended the tame OF the gallant old Hero IL The
fair weather sunshine, militia officer who undertook
| 10 tafniSh the honor OF the waf-worn veteran, did
| not feel the excofiang remarks of Mr. CoRwiN, he
must have a skin tougher han'tha Of rhinoceros.
The friends OF the Michigan member were evident
" much annoyed BY his adventurous attempt TO
speak down such a man as General Harrison foi
,hey could not bI see, that il not only failed of its
purpose, hut was calculated TO injure their cause,
some of them, nevertheless, appeared 10 enjoy The
la,hing Of this unfortunate gentleman BY MIR. Cor
win, as much as did the members opposed to him in
polhics The following jea desprii was handed
/ about the House The same day.
when the Gods made Washington and Wayne,
They looked, and saw their work wa vain
| Bai now grown weary,
They slumbered like The sleepy Turk;
Thea reused them - lnig4tifr work,
And made CSargH