Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1841-06-05

| Give me the fact, the time, the manner
| He speaks of the war; that which is called
the late war, though it is now twenty-five
years since it terminated. He would leave
an impression that [ opposed it. How!
was not in Congress when war was de-
clared, nor in public life, any where.
was pursuing my profession, and keeping
company with Judges, sheriffs and Jurors,
and plaintiffs and defendants. If l had
been in Congress, and had enjoyed the ben
eft of hearing the honorable gentleman's
speeches. for all can say, l might have
concurred with him. But l was not in
public life. never had been for a single
hour, and was in no situation, therefore, to
oppose or support the declaration of war.
| am speaking to the fact, sir; and if the
gentleman has any fact let us know it.
Well, sir, came into Congress during
the war. found it waged and raging.
And what did do to oppose it, Look to
the journals. Let the honorable gentleman
tax his memory. Bring up anything, if
there be anything to bring up--not show
ing error of opinion, but showing want of
loyalty or fidelity to the country. did
not agree to all that was proposed. nor did
the honorable gentleman. I did not aP-
prove of every measure, nor did he.
The war had been preceded by the re-
strictive system, and the embargo. AS a
private individual, certainly did not think
well of these measures. 1t appeared to me
the embargo annoyed us as much as our
enemies, while it destroyed the business and
cramped the spirits of the people.
In this opinion may have been right or
wrong, but the gentleman himself was of
the same opinion. He told us the other
day, as a proof of his independence of
PAL ty, on great questions, that he differed
with his friends on the subject Of the en-
barge. He was decidedly and unalterably
opposed to it. 1t furnishes, in his judg-
ment therefore, no imputation either on
my patriotism, or the soundness of my
political opinions, that l was opposed to il
also. / mean opposed in opinion: for was
not in Congress, and had nothing to do with
the act creating the embargo. And as to
opposition to measures for carrying on the
war, after came into Congress, again
say, let the gentleman specify-let him lay
his finger on any thing, calling for an an
swer, and he shall have an answer
Mr.. President, you were yourself in the House
during considerable part Of this time. The hon
orable gentleman may make witness Of you
He may make witness of any body else. He
may be his own witness Give us but some fact
some charge, something capable in itself either oil
being proved or disproved. Prove anything, moi
consistent with honorable and patriotic conduct
and l am ready to answer it. Sir. l am glad
this bject has been alluded to, in a manner that
justfes me in taking public notice of it; because
| am well aware that, for ten years past, infinite
pains have been taken to find something in the
range Of these topics, which might create pre-
dice against me in the country. The Journals
have all been pored over, and the reports ran.
sacked, and scraps OF paragraphs and half sen.
fences have been collected, put together in the
lalsest manner, and then made TO flare out, as il
there had been some discovery. But all this failed
The next resort was to supposed correspondence
My letters were sought, 10 learn il, in the conf.
dence Of private friendship, had never said any
thing which an enemy could make use Of. With
this view the vicinity Of my former residence has
been searched, as with lighted candle New
Hampshire has been explored, from the mouth oil
the Merrimack 10 the White Hills. In one in
stance gentleman had left the State, gone five
hundred miles off, and died. His papers was ex
amined, letter was found, and have understood
, it was brought to Washington, concave wa
held to consider it, and the result was, that if Their
was HOllllDS else against MI w wooster, tue mat
ter had better be 1T alone. Sir, hope to max,
; every body Of that opinion who brings agains
; me charge OF want Of patriotism. Errors o
;, opinion can be found doubtless, on many sub
ects; but as such conduct flows from the feelings
which animate the heart know that no act o
my life has had liz origin in the want Of arden
love Of country.
Sir, when came to congress, found the hon
orable gentleman leading member OF the Hous
Of Representatives. Well, Sir, in what did W
differ? One OF the first measures of magnitude
after | came here, was Mr. Dallas's proposition
ror bank. 1t was a war measure. Ii was urge
as being absolutely necessary to enable the Gov
eroment to cary on the war. Government want
ed reyenue-such bans it was hoped would fur
nish it and on that account it was warmly urget
and pressed on Congress. You remember al
this, Mr.. President. You remember low much
some persons supposed the success Of the war
and the salvation Of the country depended on car
, ryng that measure. Yet the honorable member
from South Carolina opposed that bill He now
takes 10 himself good deal Of mert-none toe
much, but still good deal Of merit for having
defeated it. Well, Sir, agreed with him. /
was a mere paper bank-a mere machine for fab
rcating irredeemable paper. Ii was new form
/, for paper money, and, instead Of bene6ting the
! country, thought it would plunge it deeper anc
deeper into difficulty. made speech on TIT
subject Ut has often been quoted There it is; lie
t whoever pleases read and examine it. | an
not proud OF il Of any ability it exhibits; on tn
: other hand, am not ashamed OF it, for the spiri
: which it manifesls, But, Sir, | say again, tn