Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1840-06-05
POLITICS.
(Fron the Prisr.burg .7msricGa Statesman. J
IADpISnN

GEN. HARRISON.
We to-day publish article containing, among other
tbnus speech delivered BY Gen Harrison in January
1900 against the reduction ofthe Standing Army raised
by the Federal Administration of the elder Adams
Time and space prevent our making such comments on
the conduct of the General as occur TO us; but We
cannot refrain from taking hasty view OF the course
pursued By him during long life, much of which has
been spent in public office, from which we may learn,
on what are founded his claims to the support OF the
American people for the highest Office in their gift.
The few remarks which will make, are intended as
an introduction and supplement to the communication
of Messrs. Rives and Dromgoo!e
When in the session of l799-lS0O, he entered the
House of Representatives delegate from the North
western Territory, have his authority Tor de-
clarinp that he did deem It prudent to take an &C
tive part in the discussion of the great questions which,
NJ that time divided the Federal and Democratic par
ties DESTROYS Of conclatrg both parties for the pur-
pose of carrying through certain schemes for the bcne-
fit Of his constituents he for time, endeavored to pre-
serve neutrality in the deathstruTge which was at
that time gong between The Anglo Federal party,
headed by Adams and Hamilton, and the Democratic
party in the front ranks OF which were found Jefferson
and Madison the favorte of Virginia, and found
ers of the Democratic Republican school OF politics. In
times of high party excitement neutrality IS impossible
and the attempt of Gen H. to remain failed, as
everv such attempt Before the close OF that ses-
sion of Congress- he discovered that he had nothing 10
expect from the course which he had adopcdtat pro-
motion was not to be obtained, but the reward for
services rendered He therefore, DOTTED his pretended
neutrality and on the 9th of Jan delivered the speech
in support Of Mr. Adams Standing Army. Nor did he
long remain unrewarded
In the month Of May, four months after the delivery
of this Speech he appointed by the President 'o-
vernon of Indiana Territory, evidently reward Tor
services rendered in supporting and defending The ad-
mnstration known as the reign Of terror.
The newspapers of the time attributed his promotion
TO these services The Editor of the Aurora comment
ing on this unexpected appointment, remarks, that
had the (oyernorShD Ba-ratarla the
reward of his fidelity.
The true position of Gen. H. during his pretended
neutrality didnot escape the eagle eye of john Ran
dolph and this as well his subsequent hearty sup
port of MIR. Adams though conveniently forgotten by
Gen Fl and his friends, doubtless well remember
ed by Mr. r., who no less distinguished for the re
ientiveness of his memory, than til" penetration of ms
mind and justified him in declaring, on the floor OF the
Senate Chamber that sic (GtD H. 'rdS open, -eal
ms and rnnk supporter 81 tic Sedit0n Lar md BtGci
Cockadc Administrations.
If Gen III. s Speech his subsequent appointment
to lucrative Office, and the positive unconradlctet
declaration of such man as John Rando pm, are no
sufficient TO identify him with the darkest days OF Re
derasm, and to brand him with principles alien to Re
pubcans.n there can be reliance placed on human
testimony.
His imbecile career in military life, would be passet
in silence did not his friends invite investigation
by their INSCRIPTIONS attempts 10 convert him into
Hero, by casting the false light of ilttcry period
which nothing but the vaor of the subaterns and pri
Yates prevented from being darkcncd by defeat and dis
grace What the battle of Tippecanoe, but sur
prise by night which much of the best blood of Ken
lucky poured out and the flower Of her youth was
saved from determination BY the return of day. and the
native bravery? Why should the credit Of the battle
q. the Thames be given to Gen. H. TO the exclusion
The officers of inferior grade who determined the
pursuit of the British army, and especially of Col John
son. who fought the battle, and returned from
ed with wounds and glory' Who is entitled to the
praise for the defence of Fort Meigs, the General
the subordinate whose superior skill (by the admission
of Gen H. himself,) enabled him to make good his dc
fence. Add to this, that his stricken from
resolution of thanks, when his deeds were fresh in the
minds Of men, and the country was lavish IN bestOwne
favors her deserving sons-his resignation IN the
midst of the war, and what is left Of military fame:
What but distaste for the SERVICE or consciousness
of imbcclitv could have dictated his resignation? Is
the alleged by hsc!f, sufficient to acqut him OF
the charge of weakness or lnkewarmness. Did Wash
ngon when opposed and lied by his enemies retire
DISCUS, from tc service 6" his country because the wis
dom of his measures and his motives were brough in
question: Mo- Conscious of the purity of his motives,
and confident III the wisdom Of his policy lie stood
unmoved, mmoveable in the darkest hour Of protrac
ed struggle; and by this means placed himself in the
highest niche Of the temple Of fame where he stands
unapproached none equal, none second TO him. Com
pared to the conduct OF Washingon how does that of
Harrison sink into contempt We would not be under
stood as rejecting upon the courage of Gen f.; we
discaim such an intention We wish him enjoy all the
to touch his military life, but the unustifabe attempts
of his parzans to clothe him with honor, at the cx-
pense of other men. Let his friends give him what he
entitled to- and he may enjoy it in peace but let them
not claim for him talents, which they know, and many
of them confess he does not possess.
We find him in the Senate, during the Adnllnistra-
ton of the younger Adams, verifying in part the pre-
diction that they who fell with the first Adams would
rise again with the second. OF the Administration Of
the younger Adams of the elder, he was the open,
Jealous and frank supporter, and in reward he received
an appointment as minister to Colombia Thus We find
General H. while in political life, supporting the two
most hateful federal administrations, and receiving pay
for services rendered in the way Of advancement.
thorough Federalist, he honestly supported Federal
and was rewarded by Federal This was
natural and not to be wondered at nor complained Of
referred TO- not to cast dshonor his name but
prove his Anti publicanism Could his history end
lere il were well-but it must moths course for the
asst four years. and his present position is enough 10
arnish brighter name than hist is disgraceiul to