Democratic standard. [volume] (Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio) 1837-1850, 1840-08-20


overbearing aristocracy. AS we value
the future welfare and success Of our own
sons in life, let US rally round the man
who has been the pioneer in the peoples
cause, and teach the enemies Of equal
rights, that
"Honor and shame from no condition rise
Act well your part, there all the honor lies.'
What, sir, is the history ofthis persecu-
ted statesman? When he attained to
manhood, he was found engaged in the
arduous duties of an honorable profession,
and successfully combating, with veter-
ans at the bar, for those honors and dis
lnctions which are the results of unwear-
led industry and perseverance, and the
rewards of talent and genius. His bril-
liant efforts soon acquired for him a rep
utation which placed him beyond the
reach of even envy, and advanced him TO
the high and honorable station Of Attor-
ney General Ofthis State. He discharg-
ed the duties of his station with equal
credit to bimselfand to the Government
No man made farther progress in legal
auainmeuts. The late Mr.. Henry, who
held the highest rank in his profession,
was proud to call him his friend, and to
accord to him an equal standing with him
self, amongst that host ofgiant minds by
which the bench and the bar were then
adorned.
The war in, 1912, between the United
States and Great Britain, found him in
the Senate of this State. 1t. was here
that his talents shone most conspicuous.
Beset by foes without and enemies with
in, the country presented to the eye of
the patriot most gloomy prospect. I'M
aided or but partially aided by the Gen
eral Government, we we're called upon TO
provide the means TO repel the invader,
both by sea and by land. Tho patriotic
Tompkins was then at the head Of this
State; and with an eye that never slept,
and a zeal that never tired, he devoted
himself 10 the service Of his country, No
man rendered him more efficient aid than
Mr.. Van Buren. In yonder Senate cham
Der, his eloquence was often heard in fa-
vor Of providing means and granting sup
plies to carry on the war. To feed and
clothe our half clad soldiery: while some
of bis present prosecutors were openly
rejoicing at the defeat of our arms, and
secretly imploring success on those o:
the enemy.
safer the close of the war; and when
peace was once more restored TO our dis
tracted country, you al length see him,
in the Convention to revise the Consti-
tuition. Here he was again surrounded
blythe collected wisdom and talent of the
State-a constellation Of genius, in which
none appeared more brilliant than him
self Here 1t wdS that he cOntended
against the aristocracy Of the land, IN
faOOr Of the people in the extension Of
TIC right ofsl6rage. Here it was that
with others Of the democratic school, he
prevailed over those who were unwilling
70 enrust more power to the people, and
hippily established the principle, that in
a government like ours, the people are
capable of governing themselves.
( We next behold him in the Senate Of
the United States, that dignifed body
which was adogned by his presence, and
which has been degraded in his absence.
Here he scarcely found an equal, and ac-
khowledges no superior. No man DIS
cussed with more ability the important
subjects that came before them. With
a thorough knowledge Of the history of
he Government. and its various relations,
Ele grasped all matters with force and
comprehension which astonished, whilst
it commanded the admiration of all who
witnessed his giant efforts. His speech
on the judiciary will be remembered as
long as the judicial department OF the
Government shall exist, and his splendid
effort in favor of the surviving officers
and soldiers Of the revolution will not be
1 forgotten as long as lie Almighty spares
\ the honored remnant of that heroic race,
and whilst their descendants cherish the
principles of their immortal sires. Here
he maintained the true principles of the
Constitution, and the long established
practice of the Government to permit the
President TO choose his own cabinet-his
confidential advisers-and to select his
own agents-the foreign minislers-to
conductour negotiations at foreign courts
and to hold him responsible for the acts
{ of the Administration. II was at this pc
Rod that the nomination Of Henry Clay
by President Adams, came before the
Senate for their consideration. Mr. Clay
secured Mr.. Adams election as Presi
] dent, when the question came before the
!, House Of Representatives, of which Mr.
Clay was conspicuous member. ltwai
/ well known throughout the country, tina
} they had been bitter rivals during tht
: Presidential canvass, and it will not sooI
: be forgotten, that during this period sucl
/ was their bitterness that each threatened
4 to exposethe other, and thus satisfy Ii.
0 people that neither was worthy Of the sui
r frage or confidence of the nation. M
r sooner was the election determined, AM
Mr. Adams declared President, than b