The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-11-27
MORE OF MR.. BADGER.


Badgers public dinner speech in North Caro-
lima, on perceiving that by few rabid Wing
prints, it has been clutched at as a sweet NOR
cedu of abuse upon the President. Although il
is our firm belief that this gentleman and his
''retired" compatriots were all forgotten by the
great mass of the American people, long ere
they left Washington city for their respective
homes; yet, inasmuch as there are some honest
men in the country who may be deceived by
their mi statements, we propose to make fur
ther remark or two upon the late Secretary's
speech. We will premise, however, by volun-
teering the declaration, declaration that has
already been iriumphantly confirmed by the
country, that never was blow so utterly inef-
fectual in the accomplishment Of its object as
that attempted 10 be administered to the Presi-
dent, by the "HEAD SALT Boiler" as some one
of his North Carolina friends calls Mr.. Ewing,
and his compeers, the illustrious "RETRED.n-
A remark, made by an old historian, in relation
to some Of his English contemporaries, is ner,i-
nent 10 the occasion. "They, though claiming
| to be good Christians, played game of cards
with the devil for stake which, as it turned
out, neither party had within their reach, though
the devil proved to them what asses they were,
for playing the game with him, and what con-
tempt he had for them, by cheating them at ey-
cry turn" His Satanic Majesty, no dcubt. in
Us recent instance, instigated the ''ae" Sec.
retaries TO perperate their monstrosi,ies Of folly
and wickedness, and then amused himself at
their expense. We understand that, after the
deed was done-afier Macbeth had "murdercd
| sleep"-one OF til. ilustrious brethren, with
long. drawn sigh, declared that SIT Is A HAPPY.
THOUGH TRYING THING, TO BE PATRIOT r'--
And It has been amusing to observe the labored
but frultless efforts these gentlemen have made
to assume the serene countenances, worn only
by the amiable and the happy, while. in their
hearts, they increasingly cursed themselves for
that stupidity which had voluntarily consigned
them to be the irredeemable victims of the acts
of "Great Leaderp' They had been caiolled
into foolish and wicked position, and they
felt its awfulness, though they essayed to make
the world believe that they regarded it as one
dictated by virtue and assumed of choice. tits
difficult to dress the face in smiles while tho
heart is torn with remorse and the .'retired"
Secretaries, in every effort they make to vindi-
cate their treachery to the President and throw
obloqny upon his character, but loo palpably dis
close the cravings of a sleepless conscience
Well may they exclaim, with heightened visage,
"ALAs! 1T is HAPPY, THOUGH A TRYING THING,
TO BE PATRIOT" They have not merely for
feited the honors and emouments of high office
they have plunged themselves into irretrieva-
BILE disgrace. We say DISGRACE, for we verify
believe that never again need they hope for pre-.
ferment and dignity from the American people.
But to our main purpose.
Mr.. Badger speaks of the "vacillation and
uncertainty of the Presidents mind J" and he
ascribes this state Of intellect to mental weak.
"ess@ ena Poiisi~-i villany. MIR. Badger must
teel and know that he has done the President
gross injustice in speaking such untruths. He
knows, in his inmost soul, that the President is
not aweak-minded man, and, what is of more inn
portance, the country knows it. 1t is an utter
impossibility, apart from other conclusive rea-
sons, that any one could have attained to the
Presidency, step by step, as Mr.. Tyler has
done, a0ho a1ds "imbeciie" or " aoeok-minded."
Besides, we say it is not good taste toinsult the
people of Virginia, by installing the "Rlch-
mond Wing" or "Lynchburg Virginian's IS ex-
ponents of the courtesy, dignity, and politca
opinions of the people of that State, by insinu>
atlng or applying such epithets to man whom
the +" Mother of States" has so much honored
In addition, Mr.. Badger must be convinced
that, II the President has shown any seeming
| weakness, since the attainment of the Office he
fills, it proceeded from the intense desire he once
felt to conciliate and harmonse the various ele-
ments of the SO styled Wing party. This, if
weakness, is excusable; because he undoubted-
| ly owed his elevation to their votes, however
| unwilling the ultra Bank portion of them have
since shown themselves to see him Chief
Magistrate. That time, however, has gone by.
Federalism is extinct by its own act-and he
who expects aught, except Republican, Jeffer-
| sonan administration, from the present Presi-
dent, according to his own convictions of what
is truly Jeffersonan and right will be entirely
mistaken. Neither threats, speeches, letters,
organized riots, public meetings, nor hun,bugge-
ry, can longer prevail. If politicians, who have
been engaged in disappearing the public acts
and defaming the private character of the Presi-
dent, think that their voices are 10 be heard, in
his administration Of the government, it is not
venturing too far to predict that THEY ARE MOTT
EaREaIoUsLY MISTAKEN. Counsel or advice is
not asked Of them. Nor does the President de-
sire, nor will he have the support Of the ultra
Wings if rendered. He does not trust them
Many honest persons have been deceived, and
this is the most painful feature connected with
the late political transactions. 1t is to be hoped
and ardently desired that all such honest cti.
zens may soon acquire correct knowledge Of
these matters, and cease their opposition to tho
administration. But, we frankly confess, that,