The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-06-04
THE OPINIONS OF GEN, HARRISON,

n
Our readers will find, under the Congressional
head, a notice Of q most extraordinary discus
sion which was brought on, in the Senate, on
Tuesday, by Mr. ALLEN, Of Ohio. This man
the originator of the infamous epetticoaln Sian
der--the author Of the disgusting calumny on
the ladies OF Charlottesville jusiifying the
atrocious doctrine that all the offices Of the coun
Try are but spoiis to be distributed as the re-
wards Of party servises, went out Of his way TO
make violent and unprovoked assault ON Gen.
Harrison. II will be seen that Mr. CRrrrESprN
administered TO the brazen and staggering de-
claimer the chastsementh he deserved.
Yesterday, the discussion was continued and
Mr.. CRirrENDEs again took the floor, and made
triumphant defence OF the Peoples Candidate
from the groundless imputation Of concealing
his opinions. His views, his sentiments, his
principles are well known 10 his felow-citizens.
They are on record in votes, speeches in Con-
gress, public addresses, and published letters.
His whole life is before his countrymen, lumin-
Gus with the evidences Of his opinions.
Il is remarkable that those who are irving TO
get up a clamor against General Harrison on
the pretence that he will not declare his views
Of public questions, acquiesce with perfect salts
faction, in the policy OF keeping dark which is
pursued by Mr.. Van Buren, at this moment. Can
any one tell whether the President continues still
IN favor of the scheme for standing army of
two hundred thousand men, which he endorsed
and recommended in, his MESSAGE Can any
man say whether he is for an exclusive metallic
currency ?--for the entire destruction of the
banking institutions of the country 2-for inclu-
ding banks within the system of the uniform
bankrupt system that is proposed Is he for
internal improvements or not Is he for making
appropriations TO continue the Cumberland road7
Mr. Crttenden propoundcd some of these
questions, and expressed his wish that the
friends Of the Executive would answer them as
satisfactorily as General Harrison has shown
his hands" in various publications within the
reach OF every man who really desires TO get at
the truth.
~ can put my finger upon his public services
Mr.. Van Buren, has performed no public SER
vice of material consequence upon which any
man can put his fnger-he has not even origi-
mated or carried through any Legislative body
any law worthy of an eminent statesman In
this he is unlike Washington, Jefferson, and
Madison, unlike Jackson and Harrison. Is it
not therefore, unbecoming in him to ask the
sufiragcs of the people he has impoverished, and
stand in the way Of that great measure of reform,
one Presidential term, which they are anxious
and determined to accomplish? His admins
trait hoe III L.,s
and injury upon the country. The people viii
see the distinction between Mr.. Van Buren, and
Gen. Harrison 1t is distinction not unlike
that drawn by John Randolph in his speech in
Congress in 1928. We have only to substitute
Gen. Hanison's name for that Of Gen Jackson,
and the description makes the parallel plain.
Randolph said:
On my return home last March ! passed by Prince
| Edward Court House. II was court day had been
abroad during the recess Of Congress- and had not
| seen, my constituents for two years They crowded
around mo. and many Of them said" Now we expect
that you will explain to us how ], is that are to
had had objections to General jackson; although j
always said, in regard to him, "Mat could pm ma
finger upon his public services; that he had strong
claims upon his country while his competitors, and
the predecessor Of the successful one had never rem
dercd any for which they had not been amply paid
and some Of them greatly overpaid." My objections
to General Jackson were greatly diminished by per
sona acquaintance with him, when he was last iu the
Senate. But to my constituents. Singing out one
Of them, steady old planter, and staunch republican
| friend--l asked him. When you have had a faith
less, worthless oversecr, in whom You could place no
confidence, and have resolved to dismiss him-dd YOU
ever change your mind, because for no matter what
reason you could not get the that you preferred
to every other or have you been satisfied to turn him
off, and employ the best that you could get ~
| Sir word to the wise is enough They were en-
| tircly satisfied; and in few weeks we were as we
| are unanimous for Jackson
So the people will say and do in reference to
Gen. Harrison. We can put our finger upon
his public services; he has strong claims; we
will turn away the faithless overseer, and we
will be unanimous for Harrison.