The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-10-28
"THE NEW SECRETARY OF WAR"

Under this head the Albany Argus of the 22d
criticises the public career of Mr. Spencer. We
do not perceive, however, that it in any essen
tial particular invaldates the brief historical
sketch which we published although it sets out
with the declaration that was sin many respects
erroneous" AS, however, the controversy which
the Argus would provoke involves matters Of
history aud opinion rather than of principle, we
prefer quoting the reply of the Evening Journal
to writing out any impressions of our own. The
Evening Journal says:
"The Argus comedies respectable talents more
than ordinary requirements and uncommon industry
to Mr.. Spencer A liberal, just opponent,
would have at least added strict integrity, pure NOR
ais and high character the category of his merits
and qualifications. But let that pass. The burthen
of complaint against Mr.. Spencer is his alleged want
of Democratic consistency.
Mr.. Spencer educated in the Jef1ersonan
school Of democracy He made his political debut as
the private secretary of Gov. Tompkns. Upon his
admission the Bar he established himself in Canaan
dagua then the principal place of business as it was
the head quarters for Western New York, where
Federalism had the ascendancy. Canandagua was
the residence of many distinguished and influential
Federalists among whom were Oliver Phelps Ma
tional Gorham, Nathaniel w. Howell, Myron Hol-
ley, &c &c. For several years, Mr.. Spencer the
the late Gideon Granger moved there, the only promi
nent man in the village who was Republican. But
like the youthful David, he went forth TO battle against
the Goahs of Federalism. Long before the Cros-
wells of the Argus had escaped from the swadding-
clothes of Federalism, John G. Spencer had rendered
more good service to the Democratic party than they
are capable Of rendering during their lives
In those days Republicanisn meant something
Federalism, in distinctive embodied form, had an
isence. From 1910 to 1916 the conflicts etween the
Republican and Federal parties of Western New
York were tremendous and convuslve. In all these
conflicts Mr.. Spencer was leading master spirit
His indomitabe energy, wachfulness, industry and
talents felt through bout the old Western Senate
District which then extended as far this way Oneida
We speak underslandingly We remember the POI
tent and peryading influence which Mr.. s exerted in
defence OF Gov Tompkinss prorogation OF the Lee
glslature N the spring Of 1912. That fearful
crisis for the Republican party md for the State The
Six Million Bank was working its way through the
Legislature 10y means OF bribery and corruption. Gov
Iompkns, who defeated the measure by propagation
of the Legislature, was hecey assacd and denou nc ed
for that exercise OF Ex ccutve power In western New
York John G.. Spencer sustained the Governor with
all his faculties His voice and his pen were actively
employed. Powerful articles written by him in
defence of the prorogation for all the Western Re
publican papers. He for many years the editor Of
the Ontario Messenger, (aways rendering the service
gratuitousIy which the organ of the Democratic
party in the West He wrote constantly, during the
war of the editorials for halt dozen other Re-
publican papers. we were III iol - an hppfehtce IN
The Onondago Lynx" office, Republican paper
which received its editorial from Mr. Spencer
The articles in The "Manius Times Federal pa
per- which required to be noticed, were enclosed to
Canandagua and the return mail was sure to bring
Mr. SIS reply So much for Mr.. Spencers RepubI-
canism in times that tried mems souls"
When did Mr. Spencer's delinquency, as Repub-
lican commence In 1919, says the Argus. But
what arc the facts The candidates for Governor
Were De Witt Clinton and Daniel ID. Tompkns.-
~ AZ atxt
with the Democracy of the West in favor Of Clinton,
whose election required TO carry the Canal
then bitterly opposed by his opponents. lfit was an
u-repubcan for Mr.. Spencer TO support Gov. Clinton