The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-06-17

ihis session, at least. The time for ACTION
has arrived. The PEOPLE, before whose wrath
the House of Representatives is but straw, DE-
MAND IT.
THE ASSAULT UPON MR. WEBSTERs
CORRESPONDENCE WITH MR. FOX
The Opposition making combined attack on
the Secretary of State for his letter to Mr. Fox on the
Mcleod affair They, however, take very little by
their motion. Mr. Buchanan's speech, in another CO.
lumn which led off the discussion, was not so success
full anticipated from him; and, indeed pretty
much answered itself all the way through Let any
man read Mr. Webster's letter and Mr.. Buchanan's
speech, and he will that there is not much need OF
any other reiutaton to the speech.
One of the eeblest parts of this effort that in which
he accuses Mr.. Webster ofsubmitting to threat Mr.
Fox demanded the immediate release of Mcleod and
begged the American Government to think upon the
serious consequences which must ensue upon a refu-
sal to give him up. Well, the American Government
did think upon all the consequences and was prepared
TO meet them, and did refuse Immediately release"
Mr.. Mcleod. The British Minister'S demand was
me, by tone of grave and dgnfed rebuke the part
OF the American Secretary, who tells him that the
President could hardly conceive that any such demand
should be made as the words seemed to impy--very
plainly declaring, moreover, that if intended to be made
it would not be complied with. That Mcleod was in
the custody of the law, and would not be discharged
from that custody except by process Of law And
what has Mr.. Buchanan to say this 7 Why, Mr..
Webster did not notice the threat implied in this de-
mand. He thinks General Jackson would not have
let such thing pass Does Mr.. b. really mean to
say that he would have the American Secretary of
State 90 to quarelng about phrases and splitting
hairs with foreign Government question of this
sort breaking his spectacles and smashing his cane
if he has any, because the Minister Of that Govern
ment used language which was menacng in its tone?
Was it not more becoming, dignfed more wor-
thy the Government Of great nation pass over in
significant silence, any such language and to show,
by its action, how little threats implied or expressed
would affect it in the which the laws of nations
and the usage of the civilized world and its own duty
and self respect, seemed prescribe in Was not the
practical reply of not giving up Mcleod, better, and
more honorable, than vaporing paper, to which, it
seems Mr.. Buchanan would have devoted his tne
and abilities
But what is this threat2
What Is the supposed offensive language Mr. Fox
admonshes the American Government to consider the
grave consequences which would ensue upon the con.
viction and execution of Mcleod. Now, as it hap
pens this precisely the language which he had used
to Mr. Forsyth, and at which Mr.. Forsyth took no
offence.
How comes it, that Mr.. BIS chivalrous sense of ma
tional honor has not before been excited by Mr. For
sy,h's supineness under threat7
But Mr. Buchanan has been too we'll answered to
make any remarks of ours, upon his i'll susl aimed
tack, necessary Mr.. Rives, Mr. Choate Mr.. Hunt
ington and Mr. Preston have met him on every point
fully and triumphontly
Ii comes, certainly with a good grace from one
of Mr. Van Burens warmesl partisans attack 81 ate
aper addressed to foreign Minister, having view
former Secretarys instructions to a certain American
Minister sent the English court fresh in his ow n
recollection and in tina, of all the people of the country
Instructions that spoke of "boons" and g. avors
Ito be granted" by that Government TO ours and ask
ed for the ground that the party then in power
part culary well disposed towards England. Let Mr.
Buchanan read Mr. Webs,er's speech upon that let
ter of instructions, and when he finds any conduct
like that on Mr.. WIS part, when he any insruc
tons like those, given by the present Secretary, he
will have more sufficient cause for animadversion
In truth, il is very fortunate for the Administration
that this attack upon it has been made because has
signally failed, and because we abundant proofs
that the spirit Of the Administration this subject
Is IN exact accordance with that Of the people. 1t is
justice to our own Government and TO all nations fear
ing none, and asking no favors. Party movements
were never more at fault. Mr.. Webster's letter got
ahead of MIR. Bucbanans attack by two or three days
Canals and railroads spread it all the country 1t
was universally read and when the orators of the OPP
position in the Senate attack it, and at the very
moment that they were pouring out their breath OF com
plant and objection, that breath met by strong
breeze OF appreciation coming back the center from
different parts of the country While Mr. Calhoun
was condemning, the Charleston Mercury already
exolling. The New York STANDARD, and other OPP
position papers at the North, had given out voluntary
and hearty praise before the tones of Mr. Buchanans
voice had reached the ears of the Editors And so it
will be. Wherever Mr. Websters letter is read will
commend itself for its spirit and principles while the
interest of the subject and the ability displayed in the
composition, will every where attract attention. it not
admiration.
We intend to follow Mr. Buchonans speech with
the publication of the replies.
DEPARTMENT or STATE, June IL h, 1871
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