The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-06-29
WHOLE NO. 66s.


Ienty irreconciable objects Of relieving the people
from all future pressure Of taxation by extending
security TO our commercial operations and thus aug
mentlng our revenue, and exhibiting TO the enemy
resources by which we might defy his impacable
my, TO whatever period the war might be prolonged.
MT Webster knew full WELL that in conjont expe-
dlons lighting comprises but part and ifthere be
a contention between the army and navy, it is who
shall have the greatest share of danger The safety and
success OF the troops often depends the active
operation OF the navy to supply all their wants An
American army in a di-tant land, without a fleet 10
attend it, is nearly much at loss as that fleet would
be, without sufficient depth of water His hopes of
carrying out these plans for the protection of
tensive coast were strengthened by collateral consid
sfatohs, wheh ne looked to the great increase OF
maritime power when he contemplated the additional
naval trIumphs that had obtained when he Look ed
TO the brilliant victories of armies gained over the
flower ofhe troops of Great Britain which in the opinion
OF many were invncible-when he reflected upon these
glorious achievements he had the satisfaction
that We had added strength security and ustre
TO our naiionp character The navy had covered the
country with renown; scarcely one fleet ventured TO
forsake the ports of Great Britain that did not supply
new laurels to the gallant defenders Of the country
The splendid achievements Of the navy had enabled
the country TO combine measures of resistance
against the enemy. Its exploits had impaired new
impulse TO the country, new courage and confidence
Hence Mr. Websters energetic efforts to augment
the naval power of the country.
Let me appeal to every one If this conduct was not
iar just, and reasonable if ii did not bespeak sincere
Intentions and an anxious wish on the part of Mr..
webster to assist in the prosecution of the war con
slstently with his views of national policy, and is il
not entitled to a candid reception
IL must be remarked that the war was declared not
to vlndcate only the validity Of of naturalization
and certificates OF citizenship but il resist sys
tematic scheme OF maritime aggrandizement, which
prescribed To every other nation the limits of terrific
RAJ boundary as claimed by Great Britain the exclu-
nntt hA a.
established principles of the laws Of war, condemned
the ships and mariners to suffer upon the high seas
and virtually within the jurisdiction of their flag the
most rigorous dlspensations Of the British municipal
code inflicted by the coarse and licentious hands of
British gang
As the maritime rights of the United States had
been entrenched upon by Great Britain--as Great
Britain sought TO nfict coerciye jurisdiction upon
the commerce and navigation of the United States !;
and baslng her action upon pretensioDs unknown to
the laws OF nations, undeveloped in the elementary
work of the civilian, nor exenplifed in the maritime
usages OF any country, Mr.. Webster, although coming
from district OF country opposed to many of the lead
ing measures of Mr. Madisons administ ration il most
assuredy rebounds TO his honor and PATRIOTISM that
he gave his exertlons towards carrying out great
measure of that Administration, and advocated the
Increase of the navy with the view of assailing the
enemy on that very element where those wrongs had
been inflicted, and forcing eat Britain surrender
her lofty and comprehensive pretensions TO maritime
supremacy and submit TO our overtuIes for fair and
honorable peace.
When Mr.. Monroes bill for a sort of conscrption
was introduced, he joined with Mr. Eopes, dstin-
gulshed republican representative from Virginia. (who
was elected to Congress over Mr.. Randolph in con-
sequence Of the hostility of the latter to the Admin
lsraon) and other friends of the Administration in
defeating project which, except in moment of great
anxiety and excitement would probably have had no
defenders. Bat when, on the other hand, the bill for
encouraging enstments' was before the House. he
in uaI he efro apdn
triotic language
The humble aid which il will be in my power to
render to measures of the Government shall be given
cheerfully, if Government will pursue measures which
can eonscientiousiy support. IT. even now, failing
in an honest and sincere attempt procure just and
honorable peace it will return of defence
and protection, such and common sense and
the public opinion, all call for, my vote shall not be
withholden from the means"
Again Apply that revenue to the organization Of
your navy. That navy will in turn protect your
merce. Let it be no longer said, that of our
ships, built by your hands since the war, yet floats
upon the ocean Turn the currents Of your efforts
into the channel which notional sentiment has al
ready worn broad and deep to receive it. A naval
force, competent 10 defend your coast against consd-
cradle ornaments to convoy your trade and perhaps
the blockade OF your rivers, is not chimera.
II may be realized. If the war must continue, go to
The II you seriously contending for mari
time rights go 10 the theatre here alone these rights
can be defended. 1hither erery indication Of your
fortunes points you There the united ,cishes and
emotions Of the nation ,ota go Nth you Eren party
divisions, acrimonious they are, cease at The rdters
edge. They are lost in attachment 10 national char
dcter the element trhere that character is made
spectacle. In protecting naval interests by naval
means you will cover yourselves with the inhoe potrer
Of national sentiment, and may command the whole
abundance OF the national resources. In time, you
may be enabled to redress injuries in the place where
they may be offered ; and il need be, 10 accompany
your flag throughout the world with the protection of
your own cannon, speech, IA, 10
Even the support of this national measure does not
protect him from lmpuations unworthy of his public
life.
The Governor, however, is as anxious TO avert
praise as TO apply censure and employs in his service
when facts cannot be found missatements or hypoth-
esis, following the ancient rule of malice
Fectere 81 negueo superos AchsrontG mopebo."
If Governor Polk be hostile to all of those indiydu
ais who opposed the declaration Of war, he should
fol the sake of consistency, carry out his views he
should embrace in his denunciatons those who opposed
the wal on the floor of Congress. Who, ask, de-
the Adminlstato account of the declara
ton of war Look at the opposition of MIR Ran
dolph Read his speeches in Congress, and his letters
to his consttuenis-do they not breathe hostility to
the war, and TO Mr.. Madison's administration : Mr.
Randolph voted against the resolution reported by
the Committee of Foreign Relations that an add
tiona force of ten thousand irregular troops ought 10
be Immediately raised TO for three years. Did
not Mr. Randolph against the declaration Of war1
Did he not state on the floor of Congress that no
man Of self-respcct would accept of commission in
the armyl
The rupture of John Randolph with Mr. JefIcr
son and Mr.. Madison took place early 1906, and
il far healed unite the severed parts.
From 1906 throughout the whole of the trying period
which preceded the of 1912, Mr.. Randolph was
active and bitter opposition to the Republican party
and to all its measures, which he was in the daily
habit of denouncing with the most unsparng severity
But Of the general character of his politics at that
time few brief extracts will give the reader
the best idea To them, therefore, we refer. From
the writings and speeches Of Mr. Randolph in the
critical period of lSli-l2 quote follows
As Chatham and Burke and the whole band Of
British patriots PRAYED for her defeat in l176 SO must