The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-03-30

Mr.. PRESIDENT 1t was not only my desire, but it
also my intention to have given this occasion,
not silent vote (from that ! precluded by the
call for the yeas and nays but to have recorded my
vote in afrmance of this resolution without entering
into explanation of the which influenced
my judgment. When this question fl at present.
ed my consideration, examined it with that de-
gree of attention which seemed to TO require,
| and had brought my mind to conclusion, in which
reposed with the satisfaction which from the
consciousness that had honestly sought after truth,
and the belief that had attained it. willing,
therefore, to take my share of the responsibility which
is involved in the affirmative decision OF the question:
and to rely for my vndication the views winch had
been presented by the friends who sit near me.
would have adhered to this determination II the dis
cussion had been confined TO the merits of the
troyersy: il gentlemen had not directly, and by reite
ration imputed to the advocates OF the resolution mo-
tives by which honest man cannot be influenced,
and To the impuation of which he is not bound To
| submit | am called to participate in this debate by
hearing addresses TO those with whom think and act
on this OCCASION the language of admonitioD, of in
yectiye of denunciation. | have taken the advice
which been given to me- and have slept upon these
suggestions, but with returning consciousness comes
the remembrance of the warning to beware of the i'm
pending doom which awaits us at the tribunal Of the
American People, before which we summoned of
the unqualified assertion that the advocates of this
solution have determined TO sacrifice the const uona
rights of citizen the shrine of party to sprinkle
its altar with the blood of these first martyrs in the
cause Of Democracy and to hear myself denounced
as one among others who in quest of power, have
promised but TO deceive Sir, under the pressure of
accusation like this, the inquiry is forced upon us
Where we2 Who are we Who and what are
they who venture thus to accuse us Speaking In
dsidually, find myself on the floor of the American
Senate bearing the commission of sovereign State,
whose great seal is here at least respected bound by
the obligation Of oath to the performance of my
duty and honestly seeking to fulfil it. And who are
they who thus accuse us2 Men, like ourselves, in
vested with the same authority, found Ivy the same
obligation, possessing the same and greater pow
of judgment, entitled to claim the same, and GER
tnny greater degree OF integrity in It's exercise
Standing in this relation TO each other, what enti-
ties himself the Office OF censor
morum in this Hall osay to his fellows, stand aside,
am holier than thou Sir my purpose Is defensive,
not yindcatory Into the elimination the recrimlna-
ton which has echoed and echoed through tins
Hall, do not enter ] express judgment OF II as
between others, but discIaim all par,icipancy IN IT.
Claiming honesty of purpose myself, willingly ac-
cord il others. With full consciousness Of the
fallbiity of my judgment, am grateful for the capa-
city To distinguish between right and wrong, and am
quite sensible tai like fbility and like capacity are
the 10, and the privilege of those around me- Strictly
speaking, | cannot say with the Senator from New
| Hampshire, that am a nelr as certainly am not
young member of this body. My Senatorial life had
It's in the days of the years which are
past, although have been in state OF suspended
animation during the reign of what has been exung-
" dcnomnaied The democracy Of numbers, yet, awak-
ing TO new life the advent Of the real democracy
and sharing in the triumph OF the American People,
am perhaps entitled in language familiar TO my pro
fessona brethren, be RENTED to- and TO he IN pos
session of my original estate. However this may be
make no pretenslon TO SIT IN Judgment upon my as
sociaies and looking to the distinguished ndIyIdu all
around and before me- only 10 express my pro
found regret at the altered spirit which marks the dis
Gu sions Of this Hall since In times gone by had th