Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1841-03-08
aOrn coNcREss...sEcoND SESSION.


hcers WINS undeuiube, and it was fact not less
undenlnble that the abuses required some remedy.
The bill now brought forward was substantially
the same us one before tn Senate at the last ses-
SION. hlr. Jefiersons opinions were quoted, and
also those of Gov. Clinton, both complaining of
interference and declaring that it should be cause
Of removal
In England, Notwithstanding the predomnence
of Aristocracy and Monarchy, all classes of Off
GERS were prohibited from interfering in elections
under bill passed in lG94. blackstone ana
Locke were also quoted to shcw The extent OF IA
reference, and its criminal character commented
upon at length.
The objections to such bill were next con-
sidered Upon a similar occasion his friend, Mr.
Buchnnanl had said that the officers OF the Gov
eminent were the enlisted soldiery OF the nation.
In England the law was HAT the military should
he removed two days before nm election from the
District where the election was held, md should
not return until one day after. Mr.. G. with great
ability aud clearneSs considered and removed The
objections tn the bib which upon former ocra-
sion had been brought forward. Federal oihccrS,
he coucnded, had no right TO persuade or dis
suade people from acting in their own elecilous.
The people should he projected MS well ms the Of
flee holders. MIR. &. WAS not disposed TO control
The liberty of spsech aud the liberty ofthe press.
He wished only that the officer should not idle
away his time aud intermediate in elections. Ills
speech was nOl to be restricted ut all, but lie should
learn that one Of the duties oil his Office was not
10 interfere in elections.
general discussions followed, very brel and
very much TO the purpose.
Mr. Sewer considered the bill nugatory, be-
cause ii could not he practically executed.
Mr.. Linn against the bill, and was willing
TO leave Executive officers with public opinion to
control them. Officers, for uught he cared, might
preach from the House top against this or any
administration. Mr.. l.. was disposed to meet the
question in auotlcr form, and chose resolution
TO embody an opinion instead Of a bill.
Mr. Clay of Ky. was for the establishment OF
some general principle in regard 10 removals from
Office, and interference in elections on the part of
Federal officers. But first he reminded the Senate
OF the noble example OF his friend aud colleague
from Kentucky, one Of the victims OF Gen. jack
sons hatred aud enbiuered opposition removed
by him for no cause whatever, but difference Of
opinion; now but ten days prior TO the close OF
The administration, brings forward bill which Is
TO control ll'e action of the new administration
the author of the bill hmsulfto bold n position in
the new administration, and lie is now wiling to
submit To the control hat his measure enforced
The spectacle was worthy OF all praise, and lie
Senate could no, but admire 1t; and it was an OK
nmtIe worthy OF being transmitted to poslerty
Mr. Clay reminded the Senate OF the lnIcrer-
ence of the government attorney For THIS DISTRICT,
nj the Attorney lor die New York Dislrct-of
the Collector for the Port of BuSlOn,- aud 81 the
interference OF Others in elections also. lie new
administration were willing to control he officers
of the government, and rs matter oi policy hc
Thought those who might y aud by want change
OF administration, might submit that those i'll o'ce
should be thus controlled.
Mr. Clay spoke in regurl to the propriety of pas
stag the bill. He thought it was constitutional 10
check interference. There were precedenis for
il in Treasury departments, in the Land Office,
aud in other branches Of the pubic service Of
cers were not permitted To speculate in funds, or
to enter lands, and were otherwise controlled, and
very properly.
The debate was continued by Mr. Buchanan.
who regarded The bill AS unconstitutional. and
therefore was not willing 10 receive 1t.
Mr.. Sewer and Mr.. Wright also spoke in oppo-
sition, with Mr. Culburt OF Georgia, who thought
t,would be better 30 have an amendment TO pre-
vetlt all from taking office who had nerlered in
i'll elections.
Mr.. Cu,hbert was replied to by Mr.. Crilternen,
and in manner which pronpteG him to exc!aim
that he maant nothing personally, but merely
spoke OF the Senator III his representative capaci-
ny.
Mr. Norvel and Mr. Calhoun had some remarks
TO make so also had Mr.. Preston and Others
The debate was conducted to the close with spirit
and ability, and with courtesy also.
Mr. Preston, in concluding his remarks, made
appropriate illusions TO Mr.. Criuenden the author
Of the bill, compmenting him for his talents, pa
triolism and worth. The effect upon lie audience
was tremendous aud The applause which followed
made the welkin ring. Order was not restored
for II long time, AMI not until one OF the galleries
was cleared some of The Sea iors insisting, and
the Vice President giving thu order.
The bill was rejected 26 to Ia.
A letter was presented to the Senate from Mr.
Webster, announcing that he haui signed his seat
in the Senate.
To the surprise of almost every body the letter
announcing resignation was made the subject of
debate.
Mr.. Cnlbert of Ga. who had been in his seat
brit one week during the session, commenced a
debate and mnde an attack upon MIR. W ehster.-
he had supposed that the Senator from Alassa-
chusetis would have made formal resignation,
and he Intended to put certain interogatores TO
him.
Mr. Clay said that Mr.. Webster had been long
enough in the Senate 10 answer any questions
which might have been submitted TO him by the
Senator. lie was sorry to see any disposition
manifested unlriendy to the Senator from Mass
whose eminent services in the Senate and before
the country were the subject of universal admiru-
ration. Every one must regret that The seat OF
the Senator was vacant.
All had been delighted with his eloquence aud
Instructed by his logic. For intellect he was un-
surpassed in this or any other country. An orna-
nent 10 the Senate and an ornament 10 the coun-
try, he had gained reputation that the country
was proud OF
Mr. Culhbert was annoyed at the eulogy be-
lStowei by the Senator from Ky. upon the Senator
from Mass. and pronounced it nsincere.
Mr. Clay called the Senator from Ga. to order
Ifc---1is expression ut nsincory. lie had never
been more sincere in his life then when he pro-
no,inced the eulogium upon the character of The
late Senator from Muss.
Mr. Ryes was appealed TO by Mr.. Cutlb,r
The answer was unsatisfactory to The Senator from
! (,eorpjn MIR Webster was DrOuouucpd ahle OIL
Capital of the OH Dominion, in front Of the
State llouse,--upon the waters of the hudson, in
the Granite aud in the Old Bay State he had utter
ed one opinion aud that sound aud satisfactory.
Air Preston a.o bore witness with Mr.. Clay
aud Mr.. Rives To the wisdom aud talents and con
slilulional integrity OF Mr.. Webster. The debate