The Illinois free trader., 1840-07-03
General HarrisOn's Speech!

The speech of this individual is copied by a
large number of our brethren Of the press, beth
Democrats and Whigs,-the former presenting it
as an evidence of the Generals ncapacty for the
station 20 which he aspires and the latter because
courtesy to the author demands it, and disgrace
to the party awaits them by refusing so to do. We
give the speech at length, as reported by the Ed
itor of the Detroit Daily Advertiser" and submit
it to the candid consideration of all parties. The
source from whence it emanates, and the occasion
which called it forth, demands that it be placed in
the hands of "all cnquirers after truth" and that
each individual may have an opportunity Of ex-
amining the document itself, without that party
cooring, usually attached to such productions.
| For Gen. Harrison, as man, we have always
entertained feelings of the kindest nature. His
age, the service he has rendered our country by
enduring the hardships of the camp, and suffering
the privations of the soldier, command of us that
respect which young Americans feel towards their
sres who have been instrumental in gaining for
them the blessings which we now ENJOY AS to
Mr.. Harrison being distinguished General, and
in possession of all the qualifications necessary for
so responsible station, we leave history to show,
regarding his o,cn assertions altogether as humili-
ating and uncalled for, the attempt made by his
friends to elevate him to the Presidential chair on
these merits, are ridiculous and degrading If he
has been brave and did see "he banner of the Uni
ted States float in triumph the flag of the en-
emy," modesty and good sense on his part should
assign the task to the historian to blazon such
events on historys page, who are always willing
and ready to award to the brave due compensation
for tleir virtue and valor The names of Wash
ington, a Napoleon, and Jackson, need no praise
on their part certificates from those who were un'
der their command, to establish their bravery OF
want of Judgment The shafts Of calumny that
arc and have been hurled at them, fall harmless al
their feet and they are placed far beyond the reach
of those who would dcfle their names and oblitcr
ate their vrtuous actions. This should be the case
with Gen. Harrison, and all expressions from him
self, in praise of his "brauery' and "incoruptib
honesty" must be regarded as fear oil. his part
that those to whom the task will be assigned o
hereafter recording the events of his life will
not do him justice, and may perhaps follow th'
history of those events rather than the declaration
of himself and friends in praise Of those actions.
We heretofore have thought, that the pusillani
nous and silly charge of the Opposition, tina
. Mr.. Van Buren, desires to .ulite the purse an,
acord," By The adoption Of the Sub Treasury, an
various humbug assertions which are daily parade
in the columns of reckless prints were merely use
practcing deception upon the community; know
E ing as they must, that the charges are withou
, foundation, and as idle as the wind. But, sine
Gen. Harrison himself, not only approves Of thei
course, but actually makes use of those charge
: what opinion must we form Of the man! Ca
it be that the charge of imbecility is correct
or that he is destitute of those qualifications nc
cessary to constitute brave soldier, by concealini
his own views on all important subjects, an
fighting in ambush with weapon which lon
since has been consigned to the tomb Of the Cap
ulets, by the force of argument alone, an
which the most trihing stump orator dare not nj
ter without his cheek being nantled with shame.
The speech throughout, is characteristic of tn
man, and goes farther, in our opinions to establis
$ the charge of miLeciHty than any thing that ha
yet appeared. Not daring to give utterance {,
| his views respecting the questions which now ag
tate the whole country, he applies due qaaltAs
oi prnsc 10 nls own actions, and winds up by
tissue OF misleprcsentalions, against the admiLi
triton, which in the absence of ''hard cider h
. most certainly would not have made.
7 As u the "inonarchs of Europe" rejoicing i
case he fails Of being elected President, is an even
most certainly to bs dreaded, inasnuch as tn
name Of "Cen. Harrison" tesris, Nth Il f0ro
D.. IL